Miramar to Lutz is 278.7 miles and takes about 5h 12m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, traveling north from the Miami metropolitan area up to the Tampa Bay region. It's a straightforward, mostly highway drive that makes for a good single-day trip. Plan for a departure early enough to avoid peak traffic in the southern part of the state, and you should arrive with plenty of daylight to spare.
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
139.3 miles from Miramar, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
246.7 mi
4h 25m
I 275
8 mi
10m
Miramar Parkway
7.1 mi
11m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
5.6 mi
6m
North Nebraska Avenue
4.5 mi
7m
I 4
0.9 mi
1m
Bahama Drive
0.4 mi
1m
East Bearss Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 246.7 mi, about 4h 25m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 71 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,881 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,531
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.7×
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 Miramar, FL and Lutz, FL.
1
Start on Bahama Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Bahama Drive
2
Turn right onto CR 858
7.1 mi·11 min·Miramar Parkway
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: NaplesUse the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 75
9.0 mi·9 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
238 mi·4 hr 15 min·I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, NaplesUse the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 256Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of TampaUse the slight right lane.
7
Continue on FL 618 Toll
5.6 mi·6 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 10Toward I 4 West: Tampa International AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 4
0.9 mi·1 min·I 4
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 275 North: OcalaUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 275
8.0 mi·10 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 53Toward Bearss AvenueUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn slight right
115 ft·3 sec
14
Turn right onto FL 678
0.2 mi·17 sec·East Bearss Avenue
15
Turn left onto US 41
4.5 mi·7 min·North Nebraska Avenue
Use the left lane.
16
Arrive at destination
US 41
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 12m estimated drive time, leaving Miramar before 7 AM is advisable to get ahead of morning traffic. With only one stop recommended, plan for a fuel and rest break around the halfway point. The longest stretch of uninterrupted driving is 246.7 miles on I 75, so be sure to take advantage of any services before entering that segment. The $44 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you depart.
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 139.3 miles from Miramar, FL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 246.7 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 61 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.3 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 Lutz, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
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 278.7 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Miramar, 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 246.7 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.5 and 273.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
7.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the ramp toward I 75 North: Naples
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 75 North: Naples
8
17 mi into trip|~23m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
8
254.7 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 256
Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West...
7
262.7 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 4 West: Tampa International Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10
Toward I 4 West: Tampa International Airport
7
273.7 mi into trip|~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward Bearss Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 53
Toward Bearss Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.19 one way
$84.38 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$46.29
$92.59
premium
$4.55
$49.92
$99.85
diesel
$4.80
$52.62
$105.25
Estimated Tolls: $0.56
Selmon Expressway
(5.6 mi)$0.56
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.6
1
$29.26
$13.38
Efficient EV
69.7
0
$24.39
$11.15
EV Truck/SUV
111.5
1
$39.02
$17.84
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Miramar, FL
Late night
in Miramar on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy
S 2 to 8 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Lutz, FL
Late night
in Lutz on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 2 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM 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.
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
6 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 12m 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.
De Soto National Memorial
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 221
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to spend 96% of your 5h 12m drive on the highway, primarily on I 75. You'll encounter a long stretch of 246.7 miles on I 75 before you begin to transition to surface roads. This route features a high density of exits for much of the drive, especially as you approach the Tampa Bay area.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 246.7 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.5 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
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 278.7 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 7.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 17 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.7 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
71 ft5 ft
Total Climb
114 ft
Total Descent
47 ft
Highest Point
71 ft
~278.7 mi in
Elevation Range
66 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Miramar, FL and Lutz, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa and Port Of Tampa.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 12m. Total distance: 278.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 246.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.56 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. 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 15 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 Lutz, 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. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 17 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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 Lutz, FL before the return drive.
