This 372-mile drive from Palatka, FL, to Brent, FL, is estimated to take about 5 hours and 51 minutes of pure driving time. With a fuel cost of approximately $62, this route is best tackled as a single-day trip, especially since it's entirely within Florida. The journey utilizes main roads like Reid Street, Madison Street, and Southeast State Road 100, indicating a more local and turn-heavy experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. The overall feel is that of a practical, point-to-point drive through familiar Florida landscapes. Plan for this to be a day-long adventure, allowing time for the necessary stops and turns.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
186 miles from Palatka, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
288.2 mi
5h 9m
Reid Street
39.2 mi
53m
Madison Street
24.9 mi
34m
Southeast State Road 100
10 mi
12m
Northwest US Highway 41
2.8 mi
3m
CR 100A
2.6 mi
3m
Northwest Main Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 288.2 mi, about 5h 9m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 42 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,271 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,786
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
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 Palatka, FL and Brent, FL.
1
Start on US 17; FL 100
1.2 mi·2 min·Reid Street
Use the left lane.
2
Turn left onto FL 100
38 mi·51 min·Reid Street
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on FL 100
25 mi·34 min·Madison Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on FL 100
10.0 mi·12 min·Southeast State Road 100
5
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 100A
2.6 mi·3 min·CR 100A
6
Continue on US 441; FL 100A
0.4 mi·35 sec·Northwest Bascom Norris Drive
7
Turn right onto US 41
0.3 mi·31 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
8
Enter roundabout onto US 41
133 ft·2 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
9
Continue on US 41
0.5 mi·38 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
10
Continue on US 41
2.8 mi·3 min·Northwest US Highway 41
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 10 West: Live Oak
12
Merge onto I 10
288 mi·5 hr 9 min·I 10
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 12Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 110
0.4 mi·29 sec·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 5Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward FL 296: Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto FL 296
0.3 mi·52 sec·Brent Lane
18
Continue on East Brent Lane
0.1 mi·29 sec·East Brent Lane
19
Turn left onto Sycamore Drive
218 ft·12 sec·Sycamore Drive
20
Turn left onto East Brent Lane
34 ft·1 sec·East Brent Lane
21
Arrive at destination
East Brent Lane
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 51-minute estimated drive time, this trip is manageable in one day, but consider an early departure to maximize daylight and minimize stress. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. The fuel cost of $62 is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer. Since this is a 'turn-heavy local drive' with a 0% highway share, keeping your navigation system active and paying close attention to road signs will be crucial. Don't be afraid to pull over briefly if you need to reorient yourself; the local nature of the route means services are likely accessible without significant detours.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 186 miles from Palatka, FL, or about 3h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 288.2 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 82 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 186 miles or 3h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brent, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Palatka, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Palatka, FL
This is one driving day of about 372.1 miles and 7h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Palatka, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 288.2 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 1.2 and 370.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.2 mi into trip|~2m in|FL 100 / Reid Street
Turn left onto FL 100 / Reid Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
77.4 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|US 41 / Northwest Main Boulevard
Enter roundabout onto US 41 / Northwest Main Boulevard
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
8
369 mi into trip|~7h in
Take the exit toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
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 12
Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
8
370.3 mi into trip|~7h 1m in
Take the exit toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent Lane
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 5
Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent...
7
370.6 mi into trip|~7h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 296: Brent Lane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 296: Brent Lane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.33 one way
$112.66 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$61.81
$123.61
premium
$4.55
$66.66
$133.31
diesel
$4.80
$70.26
$140.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 130.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.6
1
$39.07
$17.86
Efficient EV
93
1
$32.56
$14.88
EV Truck/SUV
148.8
1
$52.09
$23.81
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
44 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 17, 2026
Origin
Palatka, FL
Afternoon
in Palatka on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
NW 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Brent, FL
Afternoon
in Brent on Sunday
Local time
12:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
91°F
Boston, GA
186 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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
7h 5m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$25
near mile 372.1
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 372-mile journey, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through towns and along state roads for the entire duration, with no long stretches of uninterrupted highway driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests frequent changes in direction and speed. The drive will likely feel more like a series of connected local trips rather than a continuous flow on a major highway. Be prepared for varying speed limits and the need to pay close attention to navigation as you transition between different local roads.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 288.2 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Reid Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near FL 100 / Reid Street.
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 14 significant decision points across 372.1 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 1.2 miles (FL 100 / Reid Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles (US 41 / Northwest Main Boulevard): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 369 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7h 5m. Total distance: 372.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 5m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 288.2 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Brent, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (FL 100 / Reid Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles (US 41 / Northwest Main Boulevard): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 369 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gulf Islands 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 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brent, FL before the return drive.
