Traveling from Mims to Tallahassee covers 292.3 miles and typically requires 5 hours and 25 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, it works well as a straightforward sprint across Florida. You will rely heavily on major thoroughfares, specifically I-95, the West Beltway, and I-10, to bridge the distance between the two cities. Budgeting roughly $49 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since the drive is highway-focused, you can expect a direct experience that favors efficiency over scenic detours. It is an ideal route for those prioritizing a quick arrival at their destination.
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
146.2 miles from Mims, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
148.3 mi
2h 39m
I 95
112.7 mi
2h 1m
West Beltway
19.7 mi
22m
Mahan Drive
6.7 mi
11m
West Main Street
1.5 mi
2m
East Tennessee Street
0.6 mi
1m
North Franklin Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
East Pensacola Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 148.3 mi, about 2h 39m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,061 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,621
Quietest
2 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.2×
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 Mims, FL and Tallahassee, FL.
1
Start on US 1
132 ft·10 sec·US 1
2
Turn left onto FL 46
1.5 mi·2 min·West Main Street
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
4
Merge onto I 95
113 mi·2 hr 1 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 337Toward I 295 North: Beltway, Orange Park, Jacksonville BeachesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·1 min
Toward I 295 North: Orange Park, West Beltway
7
Merge onto I 295
20 mi·22 min·West Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 21BToward I 10 West: Lake CityUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 10
148 mi·2 hr 39 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn left onto US 90
6.7 mi·11 min·Mahan Drive
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 90
0.6 mi·1 min·East Tennessee Street
12
Turn left onto CR 1555
0.5 mi·1 min·North Franklin Boulevard
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto East Pensacola Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·East Pensacola Street
14
Turn left onto CR 1559
210 ft·9 sec·South Calhoun Street
15
Turn right onto US 27
339 ft·12 sec·Apalachee Parkway
16
Turn right onto US 27; FL 61
31 ft·1 sec·South Monroe Street
17
Arrive at destination
US 27; FL 61
Trip Plan
To keep your energy high, plan for at least one dedicated stop during the 5-hour and 25-minute transit. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day traffic near major junctions. Given the 148.3-mile stretch on I-10, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting that segment to avoid unnecessary pauses. Since the route is efficient, you have the flexibility to reach Tallahassee by the afternoon if you maintain a steady pace. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge early on, as the $49 budget is an estimate that can fluctuate based on your vehicle's specific efficiency.
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 146.2 miles from Mims, FL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.3 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 64 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.2 miles or 2h 42m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tallahassee, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mims, 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 Mims, FL
This is one driving day of about 292.3 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Mims, 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 10 for about 148.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 135.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|FL 46 / West Main Street
Turn left onto FL 46 / West Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
1.9 mi into trip|~3m in|I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
114.6 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Beltway, Orange Park, Jacksonville Beaches
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 337
Toward I 295 North: Beltway, Orange Park, Jacks...
6
114.8 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 North: Orange Park, West Beltway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 295 North: Orange Park, West Beltway
7
135.6 mi into trip|~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West: Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 21B
Toward I 10 West: Lake City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.25 one way
$88.50 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$48.55
$97.10
premium
$4.55
$52.36
$104.72
diesel
$4.80
$55.19
$110.38
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.7
1
$30.69
$14.03
Efficient EV
73.1
0
$25.58
$11.69
EV Truck/SUV
116.9
1
$40.92
$18.71
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Mims, FL
Late night
in Mims on Sunday
Local time
5:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 0 to 5 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:05PM EDT until July 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 7:04PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Tallahassee, FL
Late night
in Tallahassee on Sunday
Local time
5:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 0 to 5 mph32% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:05PM EDT until July 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 7:04PM 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 25m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 80.6
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 89% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-10, which features your longest uninterrupted stretch of 148.3 miles. This creates a monotonous rhythm that requires steady focus behind the wheel. While the West Beltway helps navigate around congestion, the overall character of the trip is defined by the practical, utilitarian nature of Florida's primary transit corridors. Do not anticipate technical winding roads; instead, prepare for the consistent pace of major trucking and commuter lanes.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.3 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 95. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FL 46 / West Main Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 292.3 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (FL 46 / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.6 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
204 ft25 ft
Total Climb
248 ft
Total Descent
75 ft
Highest Point
204 ft
~292.3 mi in
Elevation Range
179 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mims, FL and Tallahassee, FL, road signs point toward Orange Park, Jacksonville Beaches and Beltway.
Mims is a city in Brevard County between Oak Hill to the northeast and Titusville to the south. Mims' northern suburb, Scottsmoor, is also covered in this article.
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
Top landmarks
•Florida State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Florida
•Florida Governor's Mansion — official residence of the governor of Florida
•Tallahassee — railway station in Tallahassee, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 292.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 148.3 miles on I 10. 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 Tallahassee, 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: near the start (FL 46 / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Fort Matanzas National Monument and Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tallahassee, FL before the return drive.
