Palm Bay to Midway is 514.2 miles and takes about 9h 35m via I-75 and I-10, with a fuel budget near $81 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip covers a significant portion of Florida, starting on the Atlantic coast and heading inland toward the Florida Panhandle. It's a long-haul drive best split over two days to make it more manageable. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making for a generally efficient but straightforward transit across the state. Consider this route if you need to cover ground quickly within Florida.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
257.1 miles from Palm Bay, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
269.9 mi
4h 49m
I 75
106.9 mi
1h 54m
Florida's Turnpike
64.1 mi
1h 8m
New Haven Avenue
37 mi
44m
Garcon Point Road
8.8 mi
12m
Avalon Boulevard
5.5 mi
7m
Palm Bay Road Northeast
4 mi
7m
Gulf Breeze Parkway
3.9 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 269.9 mi, about 4h 49m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,268 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,749
Quietest
2 AM
~152 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 Palm Bay, FL and Midway, FL.
1
Start on Palm Bay Road Northeast
4.0 mi·7 min·Palm Bay Road Northeast
2
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
3
Merge onto I 95
3.6 mi·3 min·I 95
4
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 180Toward US 192: West Melbourne, MelbourneUse the slight right lane.
5
Continue on US 192
37 mi·44 min·New Haven Avenue
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on US 192; US 441
1.2 mi·1 min·East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
7
Continue on US 192; US 441
2.6 mi·5 min·13th Street
8
Continue on US 192; US 441
0.2 mi·21 sec·East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
9
Continue on US 192; US 441
3.3 mi·5 min·Bronson Highway
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward Ocala, Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
12
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
64 mi·1 hr 8 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi·15 sec·Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: OcalaUse the straight lane.
14
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 435Toward I 10: Jacksonville, TallahasseeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 10 West: TallahasseeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 10
270 mi·4 hr 49 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 26Toward CR 191: Milton, BagdadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto CR 191
7.2 mi·10 min·Garcon Point Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto FL 281 Toll
1.6 mi·2 min·Garcon Point Road
21
Continue on FL 281 Toll
5.5 mi·7 min·Avalon Boulevard
22
Turn left onto US 98
3.9 mi·5 min·Gulf Breeze Parkway
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto Abercrombie Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Abercrombie Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto Keystone Drive
418 ft·20 sec·Keystone Drive
25
Turn right onto Cedar Street
388 ft·17 sec·Cedar Street
26
Arrive at destination
Cedar Street
Trip Plan
Given the 9-hour 35-minute estimated drive time, this route is best tackled over two days. Plan your departure to allow for at least two stops, spaced out to break up the 514.2 miles. The longest stretch without a major change in highway is 269.9 miles on I-10, so aim for a significant rest stop before or after this segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $81, be sure to budget accordingly and keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially in more rural stretches of I-10. Starting early in the morning on your first day will give you ample time to reach a comfortable stopping point.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 257.1 miles from Palm Bay, FL, or about 4h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 269.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 113 miles or 2h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 257.1 miles or 4h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 257.1 miles or 4h 50m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Midway, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Palm Bay, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Palm Bay, FL
Aim for roughly 257 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Midway, FL
Aim for roughly 257 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 113 miles from Palm Bay, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 269.9 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 8 and 495.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward US 192: West Melbourne, Melbourne
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 180
Toward US 192: West Melbourne, Melbourne
7
117.5 mi into trip|~2h 21m in|Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
8
224.7 mi into trip|~4h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
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 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
224.9 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
8
495.1 mi into trip|~9h 5m in
Take the exit toward CR 191: Milton, Bagdad
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 26
Toward CR 191: Milton, Bagdad
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$77.84 one way
$155.68 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg180 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$85.41
$170.82
premium
$4.55
$92.11
$184.22
diesel
$4.80
$97.09
$194.18
Estimated Tolls: $4.47
Florida's Turnpike
(63.8 mi)$4.47
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
$78
Tolls
$4
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$212–$322
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 179.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $54 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
154.3
1
$53.99
$24.68
Efficient EV
128.6
1
$44.99
$20.57
EV Truck/SUV
205.7
2
$71.99
$32.91
Gas CO2
180 kg
EV CO2
60 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 16, 2026
Origin
Palm Bay, FL
Morning
in Palm Bay on Sunday
Local time
8:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SSW 5 mph40% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:02PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:59PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Midway, FL
Morning
in Midway on Sunday
Local time
7:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Sunny
W 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:02PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:59PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
15 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
9h 35m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$25
near mile 514.2
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a long-haul drive with 87% of the route on highways. You'll experience a stretch of 269.9 miles on I-10, which is the longest continuous highway segment. Expect to transition from Florida's Turnpike to I-75, and then primarily I-10 for the bulk of the trip. The extensive highway share means you'll encounter many exits and interchanges, especially as you merge onto and off these major interstates.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 269.9 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 514.2 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 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 224.7 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
213 ft11 ft
Total Climb
416 ft
Total Descent
423 ft
Highest Point
213 ft
~440.8 mi in
Elevation Range
203 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Palm Bay, FL and Midway, FL, road signs point toward Ocala, Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll, Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Tallahassee.
The longest stretch is about 269.9 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 257 miles on day one.
Expect about $4.47 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.
Yes — we found about 49 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 Midway, 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 49 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 224.7 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. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.6 hours each way, a round trip means 19.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Midway, FL before the return drive.
