Key Biscayne to Tampa is 286.9 miles and takes about 5h 22m via I-95, I-75, and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two major metropolitan areas. You'll spend most of your time on the highway, making it a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day travel time, it's a good option if you need to get from South Florida to the Tampa Bay area 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
143.5 miles from Key Biscayne, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
236 mi
4h 13m
I 95
11.4 mi
14m
Florida's Turnpike
10.5 mi
12m
Port Everglades Expressway
9.1 mi
10m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi
9m
Rickenbacker Causeway
5.6 mi
9m
Crandon Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
East Kennedy Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 236 mi, about 4h 13m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 110 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,230 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,836
Quietest
2 AM
~227 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.2×
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 Key Biscayne, FL and Tampa, FL.
1
Start on Crandon Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Crandon Boulevard
2
Continue on Rickenbacker Causeway
5.6 mi·9 min·Rickenbacker Causeway
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward US 1 South, I 95 North: Coral Gables, Downtown, Airport
4
Merge onto I 95; US 1
3.6 mi·5 min·I 95; US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
7.8 mi·9 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike TollUse the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike
8
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
10 mi·12 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 54Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 595
9.1 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
236 mi·4 hr 13 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Continue on FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 8Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - EastUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.4 mi·1 min·East Kennedy Boulevard
18
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider leaving Key Biscayne early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially if you're heading out on a weekday. The route is manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your stop timing. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the longest stretch without major exits is 236 miles on I-75. Planning for one fuel and rest stop should be sufficient for this trip.
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 143.5 miles from Key Biscayne, FL, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236 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 63 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.5 miles or 2h 46m 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 25m
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 Key Biscayne, 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 Key Biscayne, FL
This is one driving day of about 286.9 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Key Biscayne, 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 236 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.1 and 286.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
18.1 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 12A
Toward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike Toll
8
29.8 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
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 54
Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
8
30.3 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
8
276.2 mi into trip|~5h 9m 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
286.4 mi into trip|~5h 21m 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
$43.43 one way
$86.86 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$47.65
$95.31
premium
$4.55
$51.39
$102.79
diesel
$4.80
$54.17
$108.34
Estimated Tolls: $1.51
Selmon Expressway
(7.8 mi)$0.78
Florida's Turnpike
(10.5 mi)$0.73
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
$43
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.1
1
$30.12
$13.77
Efficient EV
71.7
0
$25.10
$11.48
EV Truck/SUV
114.8
1
$40.17
$18.36
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
34 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 18, 2026
Origin
Key Biscayne, FL
Late night
in Key Biscayne on Monday
Local time
2:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 9 to 13 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 8:13PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:07PM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Tampa, FL
Late night
in Tampa on Monday
Local time
2:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 5 mph31% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 8:13PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:07PM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM 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
7 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
5h 22m 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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 247.4
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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 96% of the travel on major roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 236 miles on I-75. Expect a mostly highway profile, with the transition to surface roads likely occurring only near your destination in Tampa. The sheer number of exits on these interstates suggests frequent opportunities for services and navigation.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 236 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.1 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 13 significant decision points across 286.9 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 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
42 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
93 ft
Total Descent
81 ft
Highest Point
42 ft
~266.4 mi in
Elevation Range
45 ft
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 Key Biscayne, FL to Tampa, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike along the way.
Key Biscayne refers to both a tropical island just southeast of Miami and a village on that island. The Village of Key Biscayne, incorporated on June 18, 1991, is in the center of the four-mile-long, two-mile-wide barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The wonderful tropical island is very quiet and mostly residential. Key Biscayne Island, which is south of South Beach, is the first island of the Florida Keys. Beaches are spectacular, the landscaping is lush and waterfront activities are plenty. Some consider it the best area to feel like you are in the islands while being in Miami.
Top landmarks
•Cape Florida Light — lighthouse in Florida, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 286.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 236 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.51 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.
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 Tampa, 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 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles: 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tampa, FL before the return drive.
