Pembroke Pines to East Lake is 274.3 miles and takes about 5h 12m via I-75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the southern part of the state up towards the Tampa Bay area. The majority of the drive is on major highways, making it a straightforward trip for a single day. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel as you approach your destination, as there's only one recommended stop.
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
137.1 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
23.3 mi
27m
Port Everglades Expressway
9.1 mi
10m
McMullen Booth Road
6.6 mi
10m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Florida's Turnpike
4.9 mi
5m
East Lake Road
4.3 mi
6m
Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,826 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,424
Quietest
2 AM
~185 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.3×
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 Pembroke Pines, FL and East Lake, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·58 sec·Southwest 8th Street
2
Continue on Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
3
Turn right onto SR 820
0.2 mi·31 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
4
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, OrlandoUse the right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
6
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.9 mi·5 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 54Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 595
9.1 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 275
5.7 mi·7 min·I 275
Exit 228Toward I 275 North: Saint PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
14
Merge onto I 275; US 19
23 mi·27 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 30Toward FL 686: Largo
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·48 sec
Toward FL 686 West, CR 296: Roosevelt Boulevard, 118th Avenue NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·27 sec
Toward 686 NorthUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn straight onto FL 686
0.7 mi·1 min·Roosevelt Boulevard North
19
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 686
0.7 mi·1 min·Roosevelt Boulevard North
20
Turn straight onto FL 686; FL 688
0.6 mi·1 min·Ulmerton Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn slight right onto FL 686
0.6 mi·1 min·Roosevelt Boulevard
Toward Roosevelt Boulevard, St. Petersburg–Clearwater International AirportUse the right lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·19 sec
23
Merge onto FL 686A Toll
0.6 mi·48 sec·Gateway Expressway
24
Turn straight onto FL 686
473 ft·10 sec·Roosevelt Boulevard
25
Turn slight right
243 ft·8 sec
Toward CR 611 North: Bayside Bridge, ClearwaterUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
27
Merge onto CR 611
3.7 mi·4 min·Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on CR 611
6.6 mi·10 min·McMullen Booth Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on CR 611
4.0 mi·6 min·East Lake Road
30
Continue on CR 611
0.3 mi·35 sec·East Lake Road
31
Arrive at destination
CR 611
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 12m duration, leaving Pembroke Pines in the morning will allow you to reach East Lake by mid-afternoon. With a total distance of 274.3 miles, it's a manageable one-day drive, so you have flexibility with stops. Plan your one recommended stop strategically along I-75 to break up the longest stretch of 209.2 miles. Keep your estimated fuel cost around $47 in mind, and check your fuel levels before heading out, especially as you near the Tampa Bay region where services might be more spaced out between exits.
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 137.1 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.2 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 60 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.1 miles or 2h 31m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Lake, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pembroke Pines, 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 Pembroke Pines, FL
This is one driving day of about 274.3 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Pembroke Pines, 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 209.2 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 255.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
8
6.3 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
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 54
Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
8
6.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
7
7.4 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
8
255.3 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 686 West, CR 296: Roosevelt Boulevard, 118th Avenue North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 686 West, CR 296: Roosevelt Boulevard...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.52 one way
$83.05 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$45.56
$91.12
premium
$4.55
$49.14
$98.27
diesel
$4.80
$51.79
$103.59
Estimated Tolls: $1.97
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(23.3 mi)$1.63
Florida's Turnpike
(4.9 mi)$0.34
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
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.3
1
$28.80
$13.17
Efficient EV
68.6
0
$24.00
$10.97
EV Truck/SUV
109.7
1
$38.40
$17.56
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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 18, 2026
Origin
Pembroke Pines, FL
Late night
in Pembroke Pines on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy
S 2 to 7 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 11:36PM 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
East Lake, FL
Late night
in East Lake on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Partly Cloudy
ESE 2 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 11:36PM 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
4 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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 236.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 84% of the 274.3 miles covered on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 209.2 miles on I-75, which means plenty of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will likely occur near your destination, East Lake. Expect a significant number of exits and potential for merging traffic as you approach urban areas.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 209.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 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 22 significant decision points across 274.3 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 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
48 ft0 ft
Total Climb
76 ft
Total Descent
63 ft
Highest Point
48 ft
~215.5 mi in
Elevation Range
48 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pembroke Pines, FL and East Lake, FL, road signs point toward 118Th Avenue North, St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport and Clearwater.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 12m. Total distance: 274.3 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 (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 209.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.97 in tolls one way, starting with Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 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 22 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 East Lake, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 East Lake, FL before the return drive.
