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Trip from Midway, 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

5h 13m

Distance

285.7 mi

460 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 0m ★
6 AM
5h 13m
8 AM
5h 40m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 20m
3 PM
5h 24m
5 PM
5h 39m
8 PM
5h 5m

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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Downtown Midway, FL, FL

Midway, FL

Arian Fernandez

city in Florida, United States

Tampa, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 285.7-mile drive from Midway, FL to Tampa, FL is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-75, I-10, and I-275, you'll find this a highway-focused experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $45, it's an economical option for a straightforward trip within Florida. The journey is designed for efficiency, making it a convenient option if you're looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. Consider starting your day early to maximize daylight hours for this straightforward, interstate-heavy route.

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

142.9 miles from Midway, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 160.5 mi 2h 52m
I 10 104.1 mi 1h 51m
I 275 15.9 mi 19m
Blue Star Highway 2.1 mi 3m
Dover Road 0.5 mi <1m
Joyner Road 0.3 mi 1m
North Orange Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Pierce Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 160.5 mi, about 2h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Joyner Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Joyner Road
2

Turn right onto CR 268

0.5 mi · 44 sec · Dover Road
3

Turn right onto US 90

2.1 mi · 3 min · Blue Star Highway
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 10 East: Lake City Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto I 10

104 mi · 1 hr 51 min · I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 37 sec
Exit 296A Toward I-75 South: Tampa
7

Merge onto I 75

161 mi · 2 hr 52 min · I 75
Use the straight lane.
8

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.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 49 sec
Exit 45A Toward Downtown East-West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

251 ft · 6 sec
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on North Orange Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · North Orange Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn straight onto Pierce Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Pierce Street
14

Turn right onto US 41 Business; FL 60

0.3 mi · 45 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
15

Arrive at destination

FL 60

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 13-minute drive, leaving Midway, FL early in the morning is advisable to avoid potential traffic as you approach Tampa. With only one recommended stop, plan for a break around the halfway point or during your 160.5-mile stretch on I-75. The estimated fuel cost of $45 is based on highway driving, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility, but being mindful of your departure time will ensure a smoother arrival into Tampa.

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 142.9 miles from Midway, FL, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.5 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 10m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.9 miles or 2h 36m 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 13m

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 Midway, 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 Midway, FL

This is one driving day of about 285.7 miles and 5h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Midway, 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 160.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gainesville, FL

143 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

Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL

129.6 mi · 2h 28m

Pacing Suggestions

Perry, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gainesville, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Midway, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 160.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tampa, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+18138125025

Visit website

Raining Berries - Lutz / Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lutz, Florida

1.9 mi

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lutz, Florida

2.3 mi

Best coffee break · around the midpoint

Doxa Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alachua, Florida

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 2h 37m in / 2h 36m to go 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tampa, Florida

1.2 mi

Elevation Coffee Heights

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tampa, Florida

1 mi

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

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

Raining Berries - Lutz / Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18139498299

Visit website

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18139492428

Visit website

Bruegger's Bagels

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour Inexpensiv

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18503090044

Visit website

Sunrise Coffee Shop and Wine, Madison Florida

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Madison, Florida

+18509737299

Visit website

Harvest Thyme Alachua

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Alachua, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+13865883188

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+18507590355

Doxa Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Alachua, Florida

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

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

Elevation Coffee Heights

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

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

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

DI Coffee Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18139155998

Visit website

Alkimia Coffee House & Roaster LLC

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13526933143

Visit website

22nd Street Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18133040373

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+18139480807

Visit website

Macondo Coffee Roasters - Wesley Chapel

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+13524245621

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Alachua, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Midway, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ocala, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13524029081

Visit website

Ionna Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Brooksville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Alachua, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Magic Carpet Glide

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18136379797

Visit website

Perry Harvey Sr. Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+18132748615

Visit website

Tallahassee Automobile Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18509420137

Visit website

The Florida Aquarium

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18132734000

Visit website

Iconic Tampa Bay

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18132183498

Visit website

Epps Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18132745161

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 3 and 284.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 10 East: Lake City

Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 10 East: Lake City
5
3.3 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 10

Merge onto I 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
268.3 mi into trip | ~4h 50m 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
7
284.2 mi into trip | ~5h 9m 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
9
284.7 mi into trip | ~5h 10m 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

$45.48 one way

$90.95 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $49.47 $98.94
premium $4.72 $53.12 $106.25
diesel $5.61 $63.08 $126.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.7 1 $30.00 $13.71
Efficient EV 71.4 0 $25.00 $11.43
EV Truck/SUV 114.3 1 $40.00 $18.28

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Midway, FL

Late night in Midway on Tuesday

Local time

4:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tampa, FL

Late night in Tampa on Tuesday

Local time

4:57 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

3 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 13m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for 98% of this 285.7-mile trip. You'll spend a significant amount of time on major interstates like I-75, I-10, and I-275, which means higher speeds and less in the way of scenic byways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 160.5 miles on I-75, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While not particularly varied, this route prioritizes direct travel, so be prepared for a steady pace with minimal changes in road type.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 160.5 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 285.7 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 3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.3 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 Midway, FL to Tampa, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Saint Petersburg

268.3 mi in | ~4h 50m | 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 5h 13m. Total distance: 285.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 160.5 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.3 miles (I 275): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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.

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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