Driving from Hialeah to Tampa covers 270.4 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 57 minutes of travel time. Because this route is almost entirely highway-focused, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach the Gulf Coast without needing an overnight stop. You should budget approximately $45 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the Florida landscape via the Gratigny Parkway, I-75, and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway provides a direct path between the two regions. Since 98% of the journey is spent on highways, you will find this to be a straightforward, efficient connection rather than a leisurely scenic tour.
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
135.2 miles from Hialeah, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
253.7 mi
4h 32m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi
9m
Gratigny Parkway
2.2 mi
2m
Palm Avenue
1.6 mi
3m
West 4th Avenue/Red Road
0.9 mi
1m
East Kennedy Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
East 39th Street
0.3 mi
1m
West 65th Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 253.7 mi, about 4h 32m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 71 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,881 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,531
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hialeah, FL and Tampa, FL.
1
Start on East 39th Street
0.3 mi·1 min·East 39th Street
2
Turn right onto Palm Avenue
1.6 mi·3 min·Palm Avenue
3
Turn left onto West 65th Street
0.3 mi·37 sec·West 65th Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn straight onto West 2nd Court
0.2 mi·24 sec·West 2nd Court
5
Continue on West 68th Street
447 ft·12 sec·West 68th Street
6
Turn right onto SR 823
0.9 mi·1 min·West 4th Avenue/Red Road
7
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward SR 924 Toll West
8
Merge onto SR 924 Toll
2.2 mi·2 min·Gratigny Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 75
16 mi·17 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
238 mi·4 hr 15 min·I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, NaplesUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 256Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of TampaUse the slight right lane.
12
Continue on FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 8Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - EastUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.4 mi·1 min·East Kennedy Boulevard
15
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
To keep your trip efficient, plan for at least one dedicated stop during the nearly five-hour duration to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you will be spending almost the entire time on major thoroughfares, keep an eye on traffic patterns along I-75, as this primary artery can experience congestion. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest peak-hour volume near urban centers. With a fuel budget of $45, you can easily complete the trip on a single tank depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Use the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway as your final approach into Tampa to help navigate the local road network smoothly after your long highway run.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 135.2 miles from Hialeah, FL, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 253.7 miles.
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 59 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.2 miles or 2h 29m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tampa, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
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 270.4 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Hialeah, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 253.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 8
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 269.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.4 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward SR 924 Toll West
Navigation decision point
Toward SR 924 Toll West
5
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in|SR 924 Toll / Gratigny Parkway
Merge onto SR 924 Toll / Gratigny Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
21.9 mi into trip|~27m in|I 75
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
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
8
259.6 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 256
Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West...
8
269.8 mi into trip|~4h 55m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8
Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - Eas...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.93 one way
$81.87 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$44.91
$89.83
premium
$4.55
$48.44
$96.88
diesel
$4.80
$51.06
$102.11
Estimated Tolls: $0.78
Selmon Expressway
(7.8 mi)$0.78
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.1
1
$28.39
$12.98
Efficient EV
67.6
0
$23.66
$10.82
EV Truck/SUV
108.2
1
$37.86
$17.31
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Hialeah, FL
Afternoon
in Hialeah on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 3 to 7 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 10:34PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Tampa, FL
Afternoon
in Tampa on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 2 to 7 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 10:34PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 57m on the road
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 233.1
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel. The drive is defined by a massive 253.7-mile stretch on I-75, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Because 98% of the route consists of highways, the driving personality is consistent and focused on efficiency rather than technical curves or local backroads. As you transition from the Hialeah area toward Tampa, the environment remains dominated by the flow of major infrastructure. This is a practical, utilitarian drive that prioritizes speed and direct access over varied road conditions.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 253.7 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 270.4 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
47 ft7 ft
Total Climb
52 ft
Total Descent
43 ft
Highest Point
47 ft
~231.8 mi in
Elevation Range
40 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hialeah, FL and Tampa, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley and Naples.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 270.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 253.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.78 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 15 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
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.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial and Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Tampa, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
