Trip from Lakeside, FL to Tampa, FL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 39m

Distance

176.2 mi

284 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 27m ★

6 AM

3h 40m

8 AM

4h 5m

10 AM

3h 48m

12 PM

3h 46m

3 PM

3h 50m

5 PM

4h 3m

8 PM

3h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Lakeside, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

Tampa, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 176.5-mile drive from Lakeside to Tampa, Florida, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 9 minutes. You'll navigate primarily local roads, with a 0% highway share, making it a more connected, turn-heavy experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $29 and only one recommended stop, this route offers a straightforward journey. The entire trip takes place within Florida, so you won't be crossing state lines. It's an ideal route for those who prefer a less highway-dependent experience and want to cover the distance efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

88.1 miles from Lakeside, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	82.7 mi	1h 28m
Blanding Boulevard	37.9 mi	55m
Sid Martin Highway	26.1 mi	32m
I 275	15.9 mi	19m
County Road 219A	6.5 mi	8m
Northwest 70th Street	1.5 mi	2m
Pensacola-St. Augustine Highway	1.4 mi	2m
Northwest 77th Street	1.2 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 82.7 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lakeside, FL and Tampa, FL.

Start on Harden Road

222 ft · 11 sec · Harden Road

Turn right onto Parkside Avenue

339 ft · 20 sec · Parkside Avenue

Turn left onto Moody Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Moody Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto Peoria Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Peoria Road

Turn right onto CR 224

0.5 mi · 53 sec · College Drive

Turn left onto FL 21

38 mi · 55 min · Blanding Boulevard

Turn right onto FL 26

1.4 mi · 2 min · Pensacola-St. Augustine Highway

Turn left onto CR 219A

6.5 mi · 8 min · County Road 219A

Use the left lane.

At end of road, turn left onto US 301

26 mi · 32 min · Sid Martin Highway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto FL 326

1.5 mi · 2 min · Northwest 70th Street

Use the right lane.

Continue on FL 326

1.2 mi · 2 min · Northwest 77th Street

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 75 South: Tampa

Merge onto I 75

83 mi · 1 hr 28 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 275

16 mi · 19 min · I 275

Exit 274 Toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 49 sec

Exit 45A Toward Downtown East-West Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

251 ft · 6 sec

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Continue on North Orange Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · North Orange Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto Pierce Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Pierce Street

Turn right onto US 41 Business; FL 60

0.3 mi · 45 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard

Arrive at destination

FL 60

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 9-minute duration, starting your drive from Lakeside in the morning will get you to Tampa with plenty of the day left. Since this is a local road-focused route, pay close attention to navigation, especially as you'll be making frequent turns according to the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. With a fuel cost estimated at $29 and only one stop recommended, you can plan your fuel intake accordingly, perhaps filling up before you leave Lakeside. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust your departure time based on traffic conditions.

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 88.1 miles from Lakeside, FL, or about 2h 1m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.7 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 39 miles or 58m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 88.1 miles or 2h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 1m

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 Lakeside, 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 Lakeside, FL

This is one driving day of about 176.2 miles and 3h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Lakeside, 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 82.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

human settlement in Florida, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Citra, FL

88 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.

Popular next leg

Citra, FL to Tampa, FL

114.6 mi · 2h 11m

Pacing Suggestions

Interlachen, FL

Fuel and coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+18138125025

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Orange Park, Florida

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19045414983

Visit website

PJ's Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Middleburg, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+19044137092

Visit website

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+13525094006

Coffee Uniting People - CUP

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18134001110

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.1 mi from route

Ocala, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13524029081

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Oxford, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13527480449

Visit website

Ionna Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ocala, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13523681220

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

San Antonio, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13525885444

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Wildwood, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13523523155

Visit website

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13523685517

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 175.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | Peoria Road

At end of road, turn right onto Peoria Road

Navigation decision point

72.9 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in | FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street

Turn right onto FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

158.8 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in | I 275

Keep slight right at fork onto I 275 toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 274 Toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg

174.7 mi into trip | ~3h 36m in

Take the exit toward Downtown East-West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 45A Toward Downtown East-West

175.2 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.05 one way

$56.09 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$30.51	$61.02
premium	$4.72	$32.76	$65.53
diesel	$5.61	$38.90	$77.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.9	$18.50	$8.46
Efficient EV	44.1	$15.42	$7.05
EV Truck/SUV	70.5	$24.67	$11.28

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Lakeside, FL

Late night in Lakeside on Tuesday

Local time

4:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Mostly Clear

S 2 to 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Tampa, FL

Late night in Tampa on Tuesday

Local time

4:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

24 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

3h 39m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 176.5-mile journey. With no highway miles involved, this route will keep you engaged with frequent turns and transitions as you make your way through Florida's landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the profile suggests a continuous series of local roads rather than long, open highway segments. This means you'll likely experience a more varied pace, moving through different communities and environments as you travel.

56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 82.7 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 0.3 miles in near Peoria Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 176.2 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 0.3 miles (Peoria Road): Navigation decision point; at 72.9 miles (FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 158.8 miles (I 275): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Lakeside, FL to Tampa, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Saint Petersburg

158.8 mi in | ~3h 16m | via I 275

About the Cities

Arriving in Tampa, FL

Full guide →

The city of Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city on Florida's West Coast.

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 3h 39m. Total distance: 176.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Tampa, 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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Explore more options from Lakeside, FL or browse trips ending in Tampa, FL.

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Trip from Lakeside, FL to Tampa, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

Ellianos Coffee

PJ's Coffee

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

Elevation Coffee Heights

DI Coffee Bar

22nd Street Coffee

Macondo Coffee Roasters - Wesley Chapel

The Lab Coffee - Heights

The Juniper General Store

Coffee Uniting People - CUP

Pilot EV Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Ionna Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Flying J EV Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Hampton Inn Charging Station

Magic Carpet Glide

Perry Harvey Sr. Park

The Florida Aquarium

Iconic Tampa Bay

New Tampa Recreational Center

Moccasin Slough Park

Epps Park

Scott Springs Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Lakeside, FL

Tampa, FL

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 39m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Tampa, FL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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