Miramar, FL to Palatka, FL is 294.2 miles and takes about 5h 39m via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, heading north from the South Florida region towards North Central Florida. The route is predominantly highway driving, making for a straightforward transit between these two points. Given the duration, it's entirely feasible as a single-day drive, allowing for a relaxed start or a later arrival.
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
147.1 miles from Miramar, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
144.6 mi
2h 35m
Florida's Turnpike
102.5 mi
1h 53m
FL 100
29.4 mi
40m
US Highway 1
6.5 mi
7m
US 1
6 mi
8m
Pembroke Road
1.2 mi
2m
South 62nd Avenue
1 mi
2m
Bahama Drive
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 144.6 mi, about 2h 35m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 47 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,092 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,829
Quietest
2 AM
~229 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.5×
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 Palatka, FL.
1
Start on Bahama Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Bahama Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto Tropicana Street
158 ft·12 sec·Tropicana Street
3
Turn left onto West Arcadia Drive
527 ft·24 sec·West Arcadia Drive
4
Turn right onto SR 824
1.2 mi·2 min·Pembroke Road
5
Turn left onto South 62nd Avenue
1.0 mi·2 min·South 62nd Avenue
6
Turn left onto SR 820
441 ft·25 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll: Miami, OrlandoUse the left lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
9
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
102 mi·1 hr 53 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 152Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero BeachUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
214 ft·5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
12
Merge onto FL 70
0.3 mi·35 sec·Okeechobee Road
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 95
145 mi·2 hr 35 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 273Toward US 1: Ormond Beach, BunnellUse the right lane.
17
Turn right onto US 1
6.5 mi·7 min·US Highway 1
18
Enter roundabout onto US 1
151 ft·2 sec·US 1
19
Continue on US 1
6.0 mi·8 min·US 1
20
Turn right onto FL 100
24 mi·30 min·FL 100
21
Take the ramp onto FL 100
5.7 mi·9 min·FL 100
22
Arrive at destination
US 17; FL 100
Trip Plan
With a drive time under six hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Consider leaving Miramar in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach Palatka without rushing. There's one recommended stop, which might be sufficient for a break, but feel free to add more if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 144.6-mile segment on I 95, as services can be spaced out. Planning your final stretch on FL 100 can help you anticipate the shift from highway speeds to local roads.
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 147.1 miles from Miramar, FL, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.6 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 65 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.1 miles or 2h 48m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palatka, 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 294.2 miles and 5h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 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 95 for about 144.6 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.8 and 252 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
2.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward Florida's Turnpike Toll: Miami, Orlando
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll: Miami, Orlando
6
3 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
8
105.8 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
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
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 152
Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
7
106.9 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
8
252 mi into trip|~4h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Ormond Beach, Bunnell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 273
Toward US 1: Ormond Beach, Bunnell
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.54 one way
$89.07 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$48.87
$97.73
premium
$4.55
$52.70
$105.40
diesel
$4.80
$55.55
$111.10
Estimated Tolls: $7.17
Florida's Turnpike
(102.5 mi)$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
$45
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.9 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
88.3
1
$30.89
$14.12
Efficient EV
73.6
0
$25.74
$11.77
EV Truck/SUV
117.7
1
$41.19
$18.83
Gas CO2
103 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
Miramar, FL
Late night
in Miramar on Sunday
Local time
12:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
S 12 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:38PM EDT until July 17 at 7:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:29PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Palatka, FL
Late night
in Palatka on Sunday
Local time
12:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
S 2 to 8 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:38PM EDT until July 17 at 7:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:29PM EDT by NWS Melbourne 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
23 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 39m 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.
Canaveral National Seashore
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...
9 mi from route
~24 min detour
$25
near mile 213.1
Caution: Pavement Project- Playalinda District
Park Closure: Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3
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...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 263.8
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
$15
near mile 294.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to spend most of your time on the highway, with 98% of the route utilizing major roads like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 144.6 miles on I 95. You'll transition to FL 100 for the final portion of the drive, which will feel like a change from the high-speed interstate cruising. Be prepared for frequent exits and entrances as you navigate the highway system for the majority of this trip.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 144.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 294.2 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 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
35 ft5 ft
Total Climb
50 ft
Total Descent
35 ft
Highest Point
35 ft
~252.2 mi in
Elevation Range
31 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 Palatka, FL, road signs point toward Vero Beach and Bunnell.
For the Russian town of the same name, please see Kolyma Highway.
Palatka is a town of 20,000 people (2020) on the banks of St. Johns River in North Central Florida. One of the earliest cities to develop in the state, the city is home to charming historic neighborhoods and notable state landmarks. The area also offers numerous outdoor activities. These range from skydiving and kayaking to boating and golfing. Home to many festivals throughout the year, one event in particular pays homage to the city's most popular flower, the azalea. The flower can be viewed prominently throughout the city in early March, coinciding with riverfront festivities. The unique mixture of southern hospitality and Florida culture make Palatka a "must experience" destination for the roaming traveler.
Top landmarks
•Palatka station — historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot in Palatka, Florida
•Palatka North Historic District — human settlement in Palatka, Florida, United States of America
•Palatka South Historic District — human settlement in Palatka, Florida, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 39m. Total distance: 294.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 39m 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 144.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.17 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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 19 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 Palatka, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Matanzas National Monument and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Palatka, FL before the return drive.
