Origin
North River Shores, FL
Morning in North River Shores on Sunday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North River Shores, FL to St. Petersburg, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h
Distance
190.5 mi
307 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 47m
★
6 AM
4h 0m
8 AM
4h 26m
10 AM
4h 9m
12 PM
4h 7m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 25m
8 PM
3h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North River Shores, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
St. Petersburg, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
North River Shores to St. Petersburg is 190.5 miles and takes about 4 hours via FL 60 and I-4, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across central Florida, primarily on highways, making it a straightforward journey. You'll transition from the southeastern coast towards the Tampa Bay area. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused nature, this is a very manageable same-day trip. It's a good option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Atlantic side of the state to the Gulf Coast.
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
95.3 miles from North River Shores, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FL 60 | 61.6 mi | 1h 19m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 49.6 mi | 53m |
| I 4 | 25.7 mi | 28m |
| I 275 | 21.3 mi | 26m |
| Polk Parkway | 9.9 mi | 11m |
| Bartow Road | 7 mi | 9m |
| Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Northwest Federal Highway | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
FL 60
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North River Shores, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.
1
Start on Northwest Spruce Ridge Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest Spruce Ridge Drive
2
Turn right onto Northwest River Shores Street
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
·
Northwest River Shores Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 1
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Northwest Federal Highway
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on US 1
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Federal Highway
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 1
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 1
6
Turn left onto FL 716
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on FL 716
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
8
Turn left onto Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
9
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
50 mi
·
53 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 193
Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
13
Keep slight right at fork
245 ft
·
6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto FL 60
62 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
FL 60
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
16
Turn right onto US 98
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on US 98
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward FL 570 Toll West: Polk Parkway West
Use the right lane.
19
Merge onto FL 570 Toll
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Polk Parkway
Use the right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 4
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Use the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 275
21 mi
·
26 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 23B
Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto FL 595
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
5th Avenue North
26
Turn left onto US 19
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
34th Street North
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on US 19
323 ft
·
14 sec
·
34th Street South
28
Arrive at destination
US 19
Trip Plan
With a 4-hour estimated drive time, leaving in the morning from North River Shores allows ample time to reach St. Petersburg well before evening. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in pacing your stops; one planned stop should be sufficient. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 61.6 miles on FL 60, as services can sometimes be spaced out on highways. The $30 fuel cost estimate is based on current averages, so confirm pricing as you travel.
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 95.3 miles from North River Shores, FL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 42 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.3 miles or 1h 59m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near St. Petersburg, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North River Shores, 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 North River Shores, FL
This is one driving day of about 190.5 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from North River Shores, 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 FL 60 for about 61.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 95.3 miles from North River Shores, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before FL 60 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 9.4 and 188.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9.4 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
6
59.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
Take the exit toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 193
Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
7
140.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 4 West: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
8
166.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport...
8
188.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
Take the exit toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery
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 23B
Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.32 one way
$60.65 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
67 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $32.99 | $65.97 |
| premium | $4.72 | $35.42 | $70.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.06 | $84.12 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.47
Florida's Turnpike
(49.6 mi)
$3.47
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
$30
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.00 | $9.14 |
| Efficient EV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.67 | $7.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 76.2 | 0 | $26.67 | $12.19 |
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
St. Petersburg, FL
Morning in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
NW 5 to 8 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:40AM EDT until April 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:00AM EDT until April 17 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
95 mi in
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
17 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 190.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the route utilizing major highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of FL 60 for 61.6 miles, which sets the tone for the initial part of your journey. The route then transitions onto Florida's Turnpike and eventually I-4, offering consistent speed and efficiency. Expect a profile that prioritizes getting you to your destination smoothly rather than focusing on scenic detours. The drive is largely about covering ground effectively on well-maintained roadways.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 mi on FL 60.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on FL 60 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 190.5 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 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 North River Shores, FL to St. Petersburg, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
Saint Petersburg
166.8 mi in
|
~3h 28m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h. Total distance: 190.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.6 miles on FL 60. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.47 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.
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 St. Petersburg, 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 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at St. Petersburg, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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Return Trip
St. Petersburg, FL to North River Shores, FLPlan the drive back the other way.
189.7 mi
3h 58m
Continue From St. Petersburg, FL
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