Origin
Kathleen, FL
Night in Kathleen on Saturday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kathleen, FL to Miami, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 54m
Distance
242.6 mi
390 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 41m
★
6 AM
4h 54m
8 AM
5h 21m
10 AM
5h 4m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kathleen, FL
Arian Fernandez
Miami, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 242.6-mile drive from Kathleen, FL to Miami, FL is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 54 minutes. It's an ideal one-day trip, especially given its manageable length and estimated fuel cost of $39. You'll spend the majority of your time on Florida's Turnpike, with brief segments on FL 60 and George Jenkins Boulevard. This route keeps you moving efficiently through the heart of Florida, making it a practical choice for getting from one region to the other without significant detours.
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
121.3 miles from Kathleen, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 148.8 mi | 2h 43m |
| FL 60 | 61.7 mi | 1h 19m |
| George Jenkins Boulevard | 12.3 mi | 19m |
| I 95 | 9 mi | 11m |
| Kathleen Road | 6.5 mi | 11m |
| Broadway Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Van Fleet Drive | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Miami Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 148.8 mi, about 2h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kathleen, FL and Miami, FL.
1
Start on CR 35A
74 ft
·
6 sec
·
Kathleen Road
2
Continue on CR 35A
6.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Kathleen Road
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn left onto FL 548
12 mi
·
19 min
·
George Jenkins Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
FL 60
7
Continue on FL 60
11 mi
·
13 min
·
FL 60
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on FL 60
46 mi
·
59 min
·
FL 60
Use the left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on this road
295 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
149 mi
·
2 hr 43 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 95, US 441, SR 826 West
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95, US 441
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 South
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95
9.0 mi
·
11 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3B
Toward Northwest 8th Street, Port of Miami
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Northwest 8th Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 8th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Turn right onto North Miami Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Miami Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Arrive at destination
North Miami Avenue
Trip Plan
With a driving time of under 5 hours, this route is perfect for a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure. Aim to leave Kathleen, FL early to maximize your daylight hours in Miami. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 148.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so plan for one main stop within that segment for fuel or a quick break. Given the highway focus, keeping your fuel tank topped up is always a good idea, and the estimated cost of $39 makes budgeting straightforward.
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 121.3 miles from Kathleen, FL, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.8 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 53 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.3 miles or 2h 36m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Miami, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kathleen, 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 Kathleen, FL
This is one driving day of about 242.6 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Kathleen, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 148.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
121 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 121.3 miles from Kathleen, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 148.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 81.7 and 241.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
81.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
81.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
6
231.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95, US 441
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95, US 441
7
232.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 95 South
8
241.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward Northwest 8th Street, Port of Miami
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 3B
Toward Northwest 8th Street, Port of Miami
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.62 one way
$77.23 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $42.01 | $84.01 |
| premium | $4.72 | $45.11 | $90.22 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.56 | $107.13 |
Estimated Tolls: $10.42
Florida's Turnpike
(148.8 mi)
$10.42
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
$39
Tolls
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.8 | 0 | $25.47 | $11.64 |
| Efficient EV | 60.7 | 0 | $21.23 | $9.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97 | 1 | $33.96 | $15.53 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Miami, FL
Night in Miami on Saturday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Sunny
E 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 14 at 4:28PM EDT until April 16 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 14 at 12:29PM EDT until April 15 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 54m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for 90% of this 242.6-mile trip. The drive primarily utilizes Florida's Turnpike, offering a consistent and uninterrupted stretch of 148.8 miles. While the majority is high-speed highway driving, you'll transition onto local roads like FL 60 and George Jenkins Boulevard at the beginning and end. This blend means you'll experience the efficiency of major roadways for most of the journey, with brief periods of more local traffic flow as you enter and exit your destinations.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.8 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 242.6 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 81.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Kathleen, FL to Miami, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami along the way.
Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
81.9 mi in
|
~1h 52m
About the Cities
Arriving in Miami, FL
Full guide →“The Magic City” · Founded 1825
Miami is a major city in the southeastern United States and the second most populous city in Florida. The Greater Miami metropolitan area is the largest in the state with an estimated population just under 6.1 million (2021), which makes it the 9th most populous metro area in the United States. Although tourists generally consider Miami Beach to be part of Miami, it is its own municipality. Miami Beach sits on a barrier island east of Miami and Biscayne Bay. It is home to lots of beach resorts, and is one of the most popular spring break party destinations in the world. This article only covers the city of Miami, not Miami Beach.
Top landmarks
- • Little Havana — neighborhood in Miami, Florida
- • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — historic estate on Biscayne Bay; Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 54m. Total distance: 242.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 148.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $10.42 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 Miami, 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 231.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Miami, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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