Miami, FL to Lower Grand Lagoon, FL is 588.3 miles and takes about 11h 9m via Florida's Turnpike, I-75, and I-10, with a fuel budget near $92 and enough daylight to finish in a day.
This trip spans the length of Florida, taking you from the southern tip to the Panhandle. It's a long-haul drive that covers a significant portion of the state, so be prepared for a full day on the road. You'll be sticking to major highways for the vast majority of the trip, making it a straightforward, albeit lengthy, transit. Consider this a travel day primarily focused on covering ground efficiently.
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
294.2 miles from Miami, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
264.1 mi
4h 47m
I 10
121.8 mi
2h 10m
I 75
106.9 mi
1h 54m
FL 20
28.4 mi
39m
US 231
22.5 mi
29m
Bristol Highway
17.7 mi
23m
I 95
9.8 mi
12m
East 23rd Street
5.4 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 264.1 mi, about 4h 47m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,501 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,043
Quietest
2 AM
~173 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
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 Miami, FL and Lower Grand Lagoon, FL.
1
Start on North Miami Avenue
499 ft·16 sec·North Miami Avenue
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the ramp
472 ft·11 sec
Toward I 95Use the slight right lane.
3
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 NorthUse the slight right lane.
4
Merge onto I 95
2.1 mi·2 min·I 95
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
264 mi·4 hr 47 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 435Toward I 10: Jacksonville, TallahasseeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 10 West: TallahasseeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 10
122 mi·2 hr 10 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Exit 174Toward FL 12: Gretna, GreensboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
366 ft·11 sec
Toward FL `12 South: Greensboro
16
Turn straight onto FL 12
2.4 mi·3 min·Greensboro Highway
17
Continue on FL 12
0.6 mi·1 min·Selman Street
18
Turn left onto FL 12
0.4 mi·57 sec·Green Avenue
19
Continue on FL 12
18 mi·23 min·Bristol Highway
20
At end of road, turn right onto FL 20
28 mi·39 min·FL 20
21
Turn left onto US 231
23 mi·29 min·US 231
22
Turn right onto East 23rd Street
5.4 mi·9 min·East 23rd Street
23
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
24
Merge onto US 98
1.6 mi·2 min·US 98
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·40 sec
26
Turn left onto CR 3031
3.3 mi·6 min·Navy Boulevard
27
Turn right onto Flint Avenue
486 ft·23 sec·Flint Avenue
28
At end of road, turn right onto Benbow Street
149 ft·6 sec·Benbow Street
29
Arrive at destination
Benbow Street
Trip Plan
Given the 11-hour duration, this is best treated as a two-day trip to avoid exhaustion. Aim to leave Miami early in the morning on day one to maximize daylight and cover about half the distance, perhaps stopping around the central Florida area. The longest stretch of 264.1 miles on Florida's Turnpike means you'll want to plan your fuel and rest stops strategically before hitting that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition between the major interstates, and utilize the numerous service plazas available along the turnpike and I-10.
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 294.2 miles from Miami, FL, or about 5h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 264.1 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 129 miles or 2h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 294.2 miles or 5h 24m 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 294.2 miles or 5h 24m
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 9h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lower Grand Lagoon, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Miami, 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 Miami, FL
Aim for roughly 294 miles and 5.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Lower Grand Lagoon, FL
Aim for roughly 294 miles and 5.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 129 miles from Miami, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 264.1 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 505.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 North
7
10.5 mi into trip|~14m 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
382.8 mi into trip|~6h 59m 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
383 mi into trip|~6h 59m 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
505.1 mi into trip|~9h 10m in
Take the exit toward FL 12: Gretna, Greensboro
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 174
Toward FL 12: Gretna, Greensboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$93.64 one way
$187.28 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg206 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$102.07
$204.14
premium
$4.74
$109.85
$219.71
diesel
$5.35
$123.91
$247.83
Estimated Tolls: $18.47
Florida's Turnpike
(263.9 mi)$18.47
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
$94
Tolls
$18
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$242–$352
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 205.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $62 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
176.5
2
$61.77
$28.24
Efficient EV
147.1
1
$51.48
$23.53
EV Truck/SUV
235.3
2
$82.36
$37.65
Gas CO2
206 kg
EV CO2
69 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Miami, FL
Afternoon
in Miami on Wednesday
Local time
3:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 6 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 11:16AM EDT until June 2 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Lower Grand Lagoon, FL
Afternoon
in Lower Grand Lagoon on Wednesday
Local time
2:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
W 15 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 11:16AM EDT until June 2 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.
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
2 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 9m 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.
Biscayne National Park
National Park
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 mostly highway, with 94% of the 588.3 miles on major roads like Florida's Turnpike, I-75, and I-10. You'll experience a longest stretch of 264.1 miles on Florida's Turnpike before transitioning to other interstates. Expect a high volume of exits and services for much of the drive, especially on the turnpike and initial interstate segments. The latter part of the drive might offer a slightly more open feel as you head towards the Panhandle.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 264.1 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 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 22 significant decision points across 588.3 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 0.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 382.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
262 ft6 ft
Total Climb
329 ft
Total Descent
327 ft
Highest Point
262 ft
~504.3 mi in
Elevation Range
256 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Miami, FL and Lower Grand Lagoon, FL, road signs point toward Tallahassee, Greensboro and Fl `12 South: Greensboro.
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
The longest stretch is about 264.1 miles on Florida's Turnpike. 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 294 miles on day one.
Expect about $18.47 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.
Yes — we found about 49 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Lower Grand Lagoon, 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. There are 49 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 382.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 11.2 hours each way, a round trip means 22.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lower Grand Lagoon, FL before the return drive.
