Dottie's Restaurant
Later in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–2 PM
+13219517880
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 6m
Distance
212.5 mi
342 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Miramar, FL
Arian Fernandez
Alafaya, FL
Arian Fernandez
Miramar to Alafaya is 212.5 miles and takes about 4h 6m via Florida's Turnpike and I-95, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, moving from the southern part of the state northward. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a good option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. Expect a predominantly highway experience, so plan for typical interstate conditions. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
106.3 miles from Miramar, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 102.5 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 95 | 76 mi | 1h 21m |
| Beachline Expressway | 10.7 mi | 11m |
| FL 520 | 8.9 mi | 11m |
| East Colonial Drive | 8.2 mi | 12m |
| Pembroke Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| South 62nd Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| Bahama Drive | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 35 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,796 veh/hr typical · worst 4,594
Quietest
2 AM
~257 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Miramar, FL and Alafaya, FL.
Start on Bahama Drive
At end of road, turn right onto Tropicana Street
Turn left onto West Arcadia Drive
Turn right onto SR 824
Turn left onto South 62nd Avenue
Turn left onto SR 820
Turn left
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto FL 70
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto FL 528
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto FL 520
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 520
Merge onto FL 50
Turn left onto O'Berry Hoover Road
Arrive at destination
Given the 4h 6m estimated drive time and 212.5 miles, starting your drive in the morning from Miramar is ideal, allowing you to arrive in Alafaya with plenty of daylight. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, ensure your tank is full before departing, as dedicated fuel stops might be less frequent on the longest stretch. Plan for a single stop to break up the 102.5-mile segment on Florida's Turnpike. The route's high highway percentage means you'll primarily be seeing open road, so keep an eye on your speed and be aware of the dense exits as you approach your destination.
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 47 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.3 miles or 2h 3m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alafaya, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Miramar, 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 Miramar, FL
This is one driving day of about 212.5 miles and 4h 6m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 106.3 miles from Miramar, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.5 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
Palm Bay, Florida
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 6:30 AM–2 PM
+13219517880
Irashiai 2
Palm Bay, Florida
Best coffee break · final third
Palm Bay, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 6 AM–5 PM
+13213721453
Cocina Café Malabar
Palm Bay, Florida
Somers Sunshine Cafe
Palm Bay, Florida
Later in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–2 PM
+13219517880
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–9:15 PM
+13213124540
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Fort Pierce, Florida
Hours: Closed
+17722415051
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–11 PM
+13216769995
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 4–9 PM
+13212197227
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Sebastian, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–8:30 PM
+17727836094
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Stuart, Florida
Hours: 3–9 PM
+17728883518
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Sebastian, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–4 PM
+17725716505
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 6 AM–5 PM
+13213721453
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 7:30 AM–8 PM
+13213272707
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+13216766410
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Orlando, Florida
Hours: 8 am–9 pm
+14074423361
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 6 AM–8 PM
+13213273630
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–7:30 PM
+13213721227
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Malabar, Florida
Hours: 8:30 AM–2:30 PM
+17726434430
Later in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–1:30 PM
+13218029004
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Orlando, Florida
Hours: 2–10 pm
+14077306733
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Delray Beach, Florida
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+15614950233
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Palm Bay, Florida
Hours: 11:30 AM–12 AM
+13214994977
Early in the drive, ~10 min detour
Wellington, Florida
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+15617914005
Visit websiteNear the start, ~11 min detour
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+19548285411
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Stuart, Florida
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+17722204600
Visit websiteNear the start, ~12 min detour
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+19544571452
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Hours: 4–10:30 pm
+17726266655
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.8 and 183.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left toward Florida's Turnpike Toll: Miami, Orlando
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward FL 528, FL 528 Toll: Port Canaveral, Orlando
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 FL 528 West Toll: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 528 Toll West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$32.17 one way
$64.34 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $35.30 | $70.59 |
| premium | $4.55 | $38.07 | $76.13 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $40.12 | $80.25 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.17
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
$32
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.8 | 0 | $22.31 | $10.20 |
| Efficient EV | 53.1 | 0 | $18.59 | $8.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85 | 1 | $29.75 | $13.60 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Miramar on Sunday
Local time
6:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Cloudy
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Morning in Alafaya on Sunday
Local time
6:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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 Seashore
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.
You'll be on highways for 93% of this 212.5-mile drive. The longest continuous stretch on a main road is 102.5 miles, which occurs on Florida's Turnpike. Expect a lot of highway driving, with rapid transitions between exits and entrances as you navigate between the Turnpike, I-95, and the Beachline Expressway. This means you'll encounter frequent traffic patterns typical of major interstates, particularly as you approach urban areas.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.8 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 23 significant decision points across 212.5 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 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.4 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
98 ft
Total Descent
21 ft
Highest Point
81 ft
~212.5 mi in
Elevation Range
76 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Miramar, FL and Alafaya, FL, road signs point toward Vero Beach and Orlando.
Vero Beach
Orlando
Broward County is in the Greater Miami region of Florida.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 212.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). 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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