Elena's Restaurant
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 51m
Distance
261.9 mi
421 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
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
Pinellas Park, FL
Arian Fernandez
Hialeah to Pinellas Park is 261.9 miles and takes about 4h 51m via I 75 and I 275, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two points in the southern part of the state. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making for a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day travel time, this route is ideal for a quick transition between these two locations. Consider this a practical, no-frills option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
130.9 miles from Hialeah, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 226.9 mi | 4h 3m |
| Sunshine Skyway Bridge | 19.5 mi | 22m |
| I 275 | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| Gratigny Parkway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Palm Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| US Highway 19 North | 1 mi | 1m |
| 54th Avenue North | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| West 4th Avenue/Red Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 124 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,635 veh/hr typical · worst 4,399
Quietest
2 AM
~217 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Hialeah, FL and Pinellas Park, 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 78th Avenue North
Arrive at destination
Given the 4h 51m estimated drive time and 261.9-mile distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. To maximize daylight and minimize fatigue, aim for an early morning departure from Hialeah. You'll only have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along I 75 for fuel or a brief break. The fuel cost estimate of $40 is helpful for budgeting, but it's always wise to have a little extra on hand. Since it's a direct interstate route, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will be a notable feature as you cross Tampa Bay.
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 58 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.9 miles or 2h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pinellas Park, 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 261.9 miles and 4h 51m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
131 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 130.9 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
Punta Gorda, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Unwined Wine Bar & Eatery
Punta Gorda, Florida
By The Bay Bistro
Osprey, Florida
Best coffee break · home stretch
Pinellas Park, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 AM–2 PM
+17275463600
Mama G's St. Pete
Kenneth City, Florida
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Pinellas Park, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 3–10 PM
+19412863296
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Osprey, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–2 PM
+19414441940
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Osprey, Florida
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM
+19419662400
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Largo, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–7 PM
+17273979251
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+19414260282
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
+19412072662
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
+19412578036
Near the end, right off the route
Pinellas Park, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2 PM
+17275463600
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Kenneth City, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+17274409160
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Pinellas Park, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
+17275466732
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–10 PM
+19415050562
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–2 PM
+17277441993
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–2 AM
+19413477147
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cooper City, Florida
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM
+19546806599
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–10 PM
+17275266673
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18447112474
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Port Charlotte, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Fort Myers, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hialeah, Florida
+13056858389
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Osprey, Florida
+19414835956
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Fort Myers, Florida
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
Near the end, short detour
Bradenton, Florida
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+13058490135
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–3 AM
Near the start, ~10 min detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+13056385800
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Bradenton, Florida
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+19417456030
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 258.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left toward SR 924 Toll West
Navigation decision point
Merge onto SR 924 Toll / Gratigny Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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
Regular Gas
$42.11 one way
$84.22 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $45.94 | $91.87 |
| premium | $4.78 | $49.31 | $98.61 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $64.71 | $129.42 |
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.50 | $12.57 |
| Efficient EV | 65.5 | 0 | $22.92 | $10.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 104.8 | 1 | $36.67 | $16.76 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Morning in Hialeah on Thursday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Morning in Pinellas Park on Thursday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
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 route is predominantly highway driving, with 90% of the trip on interstates like I 75 and I 275. You'll experience a longest stretch of 226.9 miles on I 75, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. The transition to surface roads will be minimal as you approach your destination. Expect a high volume of exits and merges on these major arteries, especially as you get closer to the Tampa Bay area.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 261.9 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 3.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 3.7 miles (SR 924 Toll / Gratigny Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
88 ft
Total Descent
79 ft
Highest Point
44 ft
~187.1 mi in
Elevation Range
44 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hialeah, FL and Pinellas Park, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley and Naples.
Alligator Alley
Naples
Hialeah is a city in the Greater Miami region of Florida.
Top landmarks
Pinellas Park is in Florida. The city has some heavy industry and is home to a large variety of ethnic restaurants and businesses. The city is home to a variety of groups that have immigrated from all over the world.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 261.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). 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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