Spanning 627.7 miles across Florida, this cross-state journey from Highland Beach to Brent takes approximately 11 hours and 24 minutes of pure driving time. Because of the significant distance, you should plan for this to be a two-day trip rather than a single-day haul. You will primarily navigate a network of major arteries, including Florida's Turnpike, I-75, and I-10. Budgeting roughly $105 for fuel is a smart move to keep your finances on track. While the route connects the Atlantic coast to the Florida Panhandle, it is a functional, long-distance transit rather than a scenic tour. Breaking the trip into two days will help you stay refreshed for the final stretch toward Brent.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
313.9 miles from Highland Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
283.4 mi
5h 3m
Florida's Turnpike
192.2 mi
3h 26m
I 75
106.9 mi
1h 54m
I 95
35.4 mi
40m
South Ocean Boulevard
2.8 mi
6m
East Linton Boulevard
1.5 mi
2m
Indiantown Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 283.4 mi, about 5h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Highland Beach, FL and Brent, FL.
1
Start on SR A1A
2.8 mi·6 min·South Ocean Boulevard
2
Turn left onto East Linton Boulevard
1.5 mi·2 min·East Linton Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 95 North: West Palm Beach
4
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·40 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 87BToward FL 706 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
6
Turn straight onto FL 706
0.5 mi·54 sec·Indiantown Road
7
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on this road
482 ft·11 sec·this road
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
192 mi·3 hr 25 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi·15 sec·Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: OcalaUse the straight lane.
12
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 435Toward I 10: Jacksonville, TallahasseeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 10 West: TallahasseeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 10
283 mi·5 hr 3 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 12Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 110
0.4 mi·29 sec·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 5Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward FL 296: Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto FL 296
0.3 mi·52 sec·Brent Lane
21
Continue on East Brent Lane
0.1 mi·29 sec·East Brent Lane
22
Turn left onto Sycamore Drive
218 ft·12 sec·Sycamore Drive
23
Turn left onto East Brent Lane
34 ft·1 sec·East Brent Lane
24
Arrive at destination
East Brent Lane
Trip Plan
To manage the 627.7-mile distance effectively, try to schedule at least three planned stops to break up the monotony of the highway. Leaving early in the morning is essential to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns on the Turnpike and I-75. Since you are facing a long haul, aim to complete the longest stretch on I-10 during daylight hours to ensure better visibility and easier navigation. Given the $105 fuel estimate, keep an eye on your tank levels before hitting the remote sections of the interstate. Splitting the drive over two days will allow you to arrive in Brent feeling rested rather than drained from eleven-plus hours of highway driving.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 313.9 miles from Highland Beach, FL, or about 5h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 283.4 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 138 miles or 2h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 313.9 miles or 5h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 313.9 miles or 5h 45m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 10h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brent, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Highland Beach, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Highland Beach, FL
Aim for roughly 314 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Brent, FL
Aim for roughly 314 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 138 miles from Highland Beach, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 283.4 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 41.2 and 626 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
41.2 mi into trip|~52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
8
340.8 mi into trip|~6h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
341 mi into trip|~6h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
8
624.7 mi into trip|~11h 19m in
Take the exit toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
8
626 mi into trip|~11h 20m in
Take the exit toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent Lane
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$99.91 one way
$199.83 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg220 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$108.69
$217.37
premium
$4.72
$116.72
$233.44
diesel
$5.61
$138.59
$277.18
Estimated Tolls: $13.43
Florida's Turnpike
(191.9 mi)$13.43
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
$100
Tolls
$13
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$243–$353
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 219.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $66 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
188.3
2
$65.91
$30.13
Efficient EV
156.9
1
$54.92
$25.11
EV Truck/SUV
251.1
3
$87.88
$40.17
Gas CO2
220 kg
EV CO2
73 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Highland Beach, FL
Night
in Highland Beach on Saturday
Local time
9:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Partly Cloudy
E 25 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 11 at 11:13PM EDT until April 13 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 11 at 2:48PM EDT until April 13 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Brent, FL
Evening
in Brent on Saturday
Local time
8:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Mostly Clear then Patchy Fog
SE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 11 at 11:13PM EDT until April 13 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 11 at 2:48PM EDT until April 13 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
13 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
11h 24m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$25
near mile 627.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway-focused, with 99% of your time spent cruising on high-speed interstates and turnpikes. You should prepare for a consistent, high-intensity driving experience as you transition between Florida's major corridors. The most demanding portion of the trip is the 283.4-mile stretch along I-10, which requires sustained focus and endurance behind the wheel. As you move from the southern regions toward the Panhandle, the landscape remains largely defined by the interstate infrastructure. Expect a steady, efficient pace that prioritizes speed and connectivity over winding local roads or varying terrain.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 283.4 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 627.7 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 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 340.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 341 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
217 ft6 ft
Total Climb
407 ft
Total Descent
315 ft
Highest Point
217 ft
~549.3 mi in
Elevation Range
212 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Highland Beach, FL and Brent, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North and Tallahassee.
Orlando
41.2 mi in|~52m
Florida's Turnpike North
41.2 mi in|~52m
Tallahassee
340.8 mi in|~6h 14m
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 283.4 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 314 miles on day one.
Expect about $13.43 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Brent, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 3 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 340.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 341 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 11.4 hours each way, a round trip means 22.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brent, FL before the return drive.
