Los Chiles Food Truck
Later in the drive, right off the route
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
+18135508972
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 49m
Distance
298.7 mi
481 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hialeah, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Hudson, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Hialeah to Hudson is 298.7 miles and takes about 5 hours 49 minutes via I-75 and US-19, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, traveling north from the Miami metro area to the Gulf Coast. With over 90% of the route on highways, expect a straightforward drive with minimal city navigation. It's a solid choice for a single-day trip when you want to get to your destination efficiently, covering a substantial distance without feeling rushed. The fuel cost is quite reasonable for the mileage, making it an economical option.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
149.3 miles from Hialeah, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 226.9 mi | 4h 3m |
| US 19 | 24 mi | 38m |
| Sunshine Skyway Bridge | 19.5 mi | 22m |
| US Highway 19 North | 12 mi | 16m |
| I 275 | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| Gratigny Parkway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Palm Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| US 19 Northbound Frontage Road | 1.6 mi | 3m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 124 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,628 veh/hr typical · worst 4,277
Quietest
2 AM
~215 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Hialeah, FL and Hudson, FL.
Start on East 39th Street
Turn right onto Palm Avenue
Turn left onto West 65th Street
Turn straight onto West 2nd Court
Continue on West 68th Street
Turn right onto SR 823
Turn left
Merge onto SR 924 Toll
Continue on I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Take the exit onto I 275
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 275; US 19
Take the exit
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
Turn right onto US 19
Continue on US 19
Take the exit
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
Take the exit
Merge onto US 19
Take the exit
Turn straight onto US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 19
Turn sharp left onto Hudson Avenue
Turn right
Turn right
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 5-hour, 49-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Hialeah to avoid any lingering traffic and maximize daylight. The longest stretch on I-75 is over 200 miles, so plan for a fuel and stretch stop before you begin that segment, or be aware that services will be plentiful. Given the relatively short duration and manageable fuel cost of $47, you have flexibility in your pacing. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a notable feature, so ensure your vehicle is prepared for any potential toll or height restrictions, though none are specified in the data. Arriving in Hudson in the late afternoon allows ample time to settle in.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 66 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.3 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hudson, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Hialeah, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hialeah, FL
This is one driving day of about 298.7 miles and 5h 49m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
149 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 149.3 miles from Hialeah, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 226.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Palmetto, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
+18135508972
Produce
Palmetto, Florida
Popi's Place (Port Manatee)
Palmetto, Florida
Best coffee break · home stretch
Palm Harbor, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+17276008030
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Palm Harbor, Florida
The Vantage Kava & Wellness
Palm Harbor, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
+18135508972
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palmetto, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Florida
Later in the drive, short detour
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: 6 AM–8 PM
+19417290753
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–1 PM
+17278211125
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–12 AM
+19418454195
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–5 PM
+17272568587
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–6 PM
+19415245758
Near the end, right off the route
Palm Harbor, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+17276008030
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Palm Harbor, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+17276166003
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Palm Harbor, Florida
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
+17272105582
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–3 PM
+17273884983
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
+17275262975
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+17272703739
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–10 PM
+17275266673
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Palm Harbor, FL
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18332778573
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Around the midpoint, short detour
Port Charlotte, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Clearwater, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Venice, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18884092980
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Sarasota, Florida
Hours: 12–4 pm
+19413716377
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palmetto, Florida
+19419991388
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+13058490135
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palmetto, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19413985560
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+17276471538
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hialeah, Florida
+13056858389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 12–3:30 pm
+17272105450
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+17278227872
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.9 and 298.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn sharp left onto Hudson Avenue
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$45.22 one way
$90.43 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $49.61 | $99.23 |
| premium | $4.55 | $53.51 | $107.01 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.40 | $112.80 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.36
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.6 | 1 | $31.36 | $14.34 |
| Efficient EV | 74.7 | 0 | $26.14 | $11.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.5 | 1 | $41.82 | $19.12 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Hialeah on Monday
Local time
8:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Cloudy
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 12:52AM EDT until July 21 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Evening in Hudson on Monday
Local time
8:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 12:52AM EDT until July 21 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
National Park
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This drive is overwhelmingly on highways, with 91% of the 298.7 miles spent on them. You'll experience a long stretch of 226.9 miles on I-75, indicating extended periods of high-speed cruising. The transition to surface roads will occur later in the trip, likely around mile 72. The sheer number of exits on I-75 means you'll encounter frequent opportunities for services and diversions, even on this predominantly highway route.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 19. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near I 75.
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 298.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 232.8 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
123 ft
Total Descent
121 ft
Highest Point
70 ft
~277.4 mi in
Elevation Range
72 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hialeah, FL and Hudson, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples, 54Th Avenue North Westbound and Gulf To Bay.
Alligator Alley
Naples
54Th Avenue North Westbound
Gulf To Bay
Hialeah is a city in the Greater Miami region of Florida.
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 49m. Total distance: 298.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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