Elena's Restaurant
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 7m
Distance
276.8 mi
445 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Miami, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Seffner, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Miami, FL to Seffner, FL is 276.8 miles and takes about 5 hours 7 minutes via I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the state of Florida, primarily utilizing major interstate highways for a straightforward transit. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a solid choice for a single-day drive when you need to get from South Florida to the Tampa Bay area efficiently. Given the relatively short duration and high highway percentage, it's an easy transit for most drivers.
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
138.4 miles from Miami, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 240.4 mi | 4h 18m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 10.5 mi | 12m |
| I 95 | 9.8 mi | 12m |
| Port Everglades Expressway | 9.1 mi | 10m |
| East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| North Miami Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 138 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,426 veh/hr typical · worst 4,133
Quietest
2 AM
~264 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Miami, FL and Seffner, FL.
Start on North Miami Avenue
Take the ramp
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 95
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 595
Merge onto I 75
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto FL 574
Continue on FL 574
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider departing Miami early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic. With a relatively short duration, you have flexibility, but planning for one stop around the halfway point will keep you refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch on I-75, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated fuel cost of $42 is a good baseline for budgeting, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, focus on a smooth and efficient transit.
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.
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 61 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.4 miles or 2h 35m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Seffner, FL than in the middle of the route.
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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Miami, FL
This is one driving day of about 276.8 miles and 5h 7m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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.
A short stop after about 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 138.4 miles from Miami, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 240.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Punta Gorda, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Unwined Wine Bar & Eatery
Punta Gorda, Florida
Best coffee break
Miami, Florida
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 9 AM–9 PM
+17864384286
Bistro Café
Miami, Florida
Novela Cafe Social
Miami, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–3 PM
+19415751888
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 3–10 PM
+19412863296
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Valrico, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
+18136578384
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Apollo Beach, Florida
Hours: 11:30 AM–9 PM
+18136413275
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Valrico, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2 PM
+18136544300
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
+19412072662
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
+12679714956
Later in the drive, ~10 min detour
North Port, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–8 PM
+19414263619
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 9 AM–9 PM
+17864384286
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
+17865333876
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
+17867725615
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Sarasota, Florida
Hours: 4–9 PM
+19419227999
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–10 PM
+19415050562
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
+17867031451
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–2 AM
+19413477147
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Sarasota, Florida
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
+19414878188
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Around the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Port Charlotte, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18447112474
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Estero, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+13053587550
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bradenton, Florida
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13054007000
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 12–7 pm
+13056143808
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 10 am–11 pm
+17863601766
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 10:30 am–6:30 pm
+13055763334
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 9 am–6 pm
+13058149290
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 23.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
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
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
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$44.51 one way
$89.01 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $48.55 | $97.10 |
| premium | $4.78 | $52.11 | $104.23 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $68.39 | $136.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83 | 1 | $29.06 | $13.29 |
| Efficient EV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.22 | $11.07 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.7 | 1 | $38.75 | $17.72 |
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Miami on Friday
Local time
6:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Morning in Seffner on Friday
Local time
6:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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.
This route is almost entirely highway, with 98% of the drive on major roads like I-75 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long stretch of 240.4 miles on I-75, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. Be prepared for a high number of exits and interchanges as you navigate through the state, particularly as you approach your destination. The transition to surface roads will be minimal and occur very late in the drive.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
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 17 significant decision points across 276.8 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 22.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
95 ft
Total Descent
31 ft
Highest Point
70 ft
~276.8 mi in
Elevation Range
64 ft
“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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 7m. Total distance: 276.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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