Lakeland Highlands to Palm Bay is 110.6 miles and takes about 2 hours 26 minutes via Bronson Highway and I-4, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two distinct regions of the state. You'll experience a mixed drive, transitioning from local highways to interstate travel. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is perfect for a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed pace and flexibility.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.3 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Bronson Highway
37.2 mi
46m
I 4
19.8 mi
21m
Polk Parkway
14.9 mi
17m
Osceola Parkway
7.1 mi
10m
Palm Bay Road Northeast
4.3 mi
7m
Southern Connector Extension
4.2 mi
5m
Florida's Turnpike
3.5 mi
3m
I 95
3.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Bronson Highway
— 37.2 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakeland Highlands, FL and Palm Bay, FL.
1
Start on CR 37A
1.1 mi·2 min·Scott Lake Road
2
Turn right onto Lake Miriam Drive
1.5 mi·3 min·Lake Miriam Drive
3
Turn left onto CR 37B
1.4 mi·2 min·Lakeland Highlands Road
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward FL 570 East Toll: Polk Parkway East
5
Merge onto FL 570 Toll
3.3 mi·4 min·Polk Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 570 Toll
12 mi·13 min·Polk Parkway
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 4 East: Orlando
8
Merge onto I 4
20 mi·21 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·16 sec
Exit 62Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, CelebrationUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on FL 417 Toll
4.2 mi·5 min·Southern Connector Extension
Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney WorldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 3Toward Osceola Parkway, Gaylord Convention CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto CR 522
7.1 mi·10 min·Osceola Parkway
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on CR 522
1.5 mi·2 min·East Osceola Parkway
Use the left lane.
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll South
15
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
3.5 mi·3 min·Florida's Turnpike
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 244Toward US 192, US 441: Kissimmee, Saint CloudUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
177 ft·6 sec
Toward US 192 East, US 441 South: Saint. Cloud, Orlando Health Saint Cloud Hospital
18
Turn left onto US 192; US 441
3.4 mi·5 min·Bronson Highway
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 192; US 441
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
20
Continue on US 192; US 441
2.6 mi·5 min·13th Street
21
Continue on US 192; US 441
1.4 mi·2 min·East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
22
Continue on US 192; US 441
34 mi·40 min·Bronson Highway
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 192
2.9 mi·3 min·US 192
24
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: Miami
25
Merge onto I 95
3.4 mi·3 min·I 95
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 176Toward CR 516: Palm BayUse the slight right lane.
27
Continue on this road
99 ft·4 sec·this road
Exit 176Toward CR 516: Palm Bay, Palm Bay RoadUse the left / right lanes.
28
Turn straight onto CR 516
4.3 mi·7 min·Palm Bay Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
29
Arrive at destination
Palm Bay Road Northeast
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 2-hour, 26-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic on I-4. With only 110.6 miles, you have flexibility; no overnight stay is necessary. You can easily complete this trip within a single day. Be mindful of the longest stretch on Bronson Highway, which is 37.2 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before entering that segment. The fuel cost is estimated at $18, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you set off.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55.3 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.2 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 24 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.3 miles or 1h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palm Bay, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakeland Highlands, 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 Lakeland Highlands, FL
This is one driving day of about 110.6 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Bronson Highway for about 37.2 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 39.7 and 105.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
39.7 mi into trip|~50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, Celebration
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 62
Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, Cel...
8
44.1 mi into trip|~55m in
Take the exit toward Osceola Parkway, Gaylord Convention Center
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 3
Toward Osceola Parkway, Gaylord Convention Cent...
8
57 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 192, US 441: Kissimmee, Saint Cloud
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 244
Toward US 192, US 441: Kissimmee, Saint Cloud
6
57.5 mi into trip|~1h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 192 East, US 441 South: Saint. Cloud, Orlando Health Saint Cloud Hospital
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 192 East, US 441 South: Saint. Cloud,...
7
105.9 mi into trip|~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward CR 516: Palm Bay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 176
Toward CR 516: Palm Bay
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.60 one way
$35.21 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$19.15
$38.30
premium
$4.72
$20.57
$41.13
diesel
$5.61
$24.42
$48.84
Estimated Tolls: $0.25
Florida's Turnpike
(3.5 mi)$0.25
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
$18
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.2
0
$11.61
$5.31
Efficient EV
27.7
0
$9.68
$4.42
EV Truck/SUV
44.2
0
$15.48
$7.08
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Lakeland Highlands, FL
Morning
in Lakeland Highlands on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
SE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Palm Bay, FL
Morning
in Palm Bay on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Fog
S 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM 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
3 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
2h 26m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a varied experience, with 48% of the journey on highways. You'll begin on Bronson Highway, where you'll encounter your longest continuous stretch of 37.2 miles, likely featuring a mix of local traffic and rural scenery. The route then transitions to I-4, providing a faster-paced interstate segment before potentially concluding on other state roads as you approach Palm Bay. Expect a blend of quicker travel and more localized driving.
48% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.2 mi on Bronson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 39.7 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 20 significant decision points across 110.6 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 39.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Between Lakeland Highlands, FL and Palm Bay, FL, road signs point toward Disney World, Celebration, Gaylord Convention Center, Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll South and Us 441: Kissimmee - among others.
Disney World
39.7 mi in|~50m
Celebration
39.7 mi in|~50m
Gaylord Convention Center
44.1 mi in|~55m
Miami
53 mi in|~1h 9m
Florida's Turnpike Toll South
53 mi in|~1h 9m
Us 441: Kissimmee
57 mi in|~1h 14m
Saint Cloud
57 mi in|~1h 14m
Orlando Health Saint Cloud Hospital
57.5 mi in|~1h 15m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 26m. Total distance: 110.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (48%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 37.2 miles on Bronson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.25 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.
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 Palm Bay, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 39.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Palm Bay, FL before heading back.
