Traveling from Pompano Beach Highlands to St. Petersburg covers 258.9 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate haul, you should plan on this being a full-day commitment. Expect to budget roughly $43 for fuel to complete the trip. While it is possible to tackle this in a single day, be prepared for a steady pace through local roads rather than high-speed cruising. Since you are staying within Florida, the transition from the Pompano area to the Gulf Coast side of the state offers a shift in scenery that remains distinctly Floridian throughout the journey.
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
129.5 miles from Pompano Beach Highlands, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
14.3 mi
16m
Port Everglades Expressway
11.6 mi
13m
I 95
9.2 mi
10m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
95 Express
4 mi
4m
East Sample Road
1.1 mi
1m
Northeast 12th Avenue
0.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pompano Beach Highlands, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.
1
Start on Northeast 12th Avenue
49 ft·4 sec·Northeast 12th Avenue
2
Turn right onto Northeast 42nd Street
76 ft·8 sec·Northeast 42nd Street
3
Turn left onto Northeast 12th Avenue
328 ft·19 sec·Northeast 12th Avenue
4
Turn left onto Northeast 41st Drive
129 ft·10 sec·Northeast 41st Drive
5
Turn right onto Northeast 12th Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·Northeast 12th Avenue
6
Turn right onto Northeast 40th Street
123 ft·12 sec·Northeast 40th Street
7
Turn left onto Northeast 12th Avenue
0.3 mi·56 sec·Northeast 12th Avenue
8
Turn right onto SR 834
1.1 mi·1 min·East Sample Road
9
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: Miami
10
Merge onto I 95
9.2 mi·10 min·I 95
Use the right lane.
11
Take the exit
369 ft·9 sec
Toward Express Lanes EntranceUse the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 95
4.0 mi·4 min·95 Express
13
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 595 West: I 75, Turnpike
14
Merge onto I 595
1.5 mi·1 min·Port Everglades Expressway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi·11 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
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.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
19
Merge onto I 275; US 19
14 mi·16 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 20Toward 31st Street SouthUse the slight left lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
161 ft·9 sec
Toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
22
Turn left onto 31st Street South
0.4 mi·58 sec·31st Street South
23
Turn left onto 5th Avenue South
0.2 mi·39 sec·5th Avenue South
24
Turn right onto US 19
0.3 mi·40 sec·34th Street South
25
Arrive at destination
US 19
Trip Plan
For the smoothest experience, plan your departure early in the morning to account for the frequent turns and local navigation required along the way. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break to stretch your legs and reset before tackling the remainder of the 258.9-mile distance. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $43 estimate is based on local driving conditions which can fluctuate depending on traffic density. Because the entire route relies on local roads, relying on a reliable GPS system is essential to stay on course through the various turns. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don’t hesitate to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected congestion on the local streets.
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 129.5 miles from Pompano Beach Highlands, FL, or about 2h 25m 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 57 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.5 miles or 2h 25m 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 54m
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 Pompano Beach Highlands, 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 Pompano Beach Highlands, FL
This is one driving day of about 259 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Pompano Beach Highlands, 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.6 and 258 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
11.6 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward Express Lanes Entrance
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Express Lanes Entrance
6
18.1 mi into trip|~25m in|I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
237.4 mi into trip|~4h 21m in|I 275
Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
7
257.7 mi into trip|~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward 31st Street South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 20
Toward 31st Street South
7
258 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.23 one way
$82.45 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$44.85
$89.69
premium
$4.72
$48.16
$96.32
diesel
$5.61
$57.18
$114.37
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(14.3 mi)$1.00
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.7
0
$27.20
$12.43
Efficient EV
64.8
0
$22.66
$10.36
EV Truck/SUV
103.6
1
$36.26
$16.58
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Pompano Beach Highlands, FL
Late night
in Pompano Beach Highlands on Sunday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
St. Petersburg, FL
Late night
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
18 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 48m 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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 241.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on experience behind the wheel, as this route consists entirely of local roads without any highway stretches. You will navigate via Northeast 42nd Street, Northeast 12th Avenue, and Northeast 41st Drive, which creates a technical driving environment rather than a monotonous cruise. Because there is no highway share to speak of, your focus will remain on managing turns and local traffic patterns. This drive lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, meaning you will need to stay alert as the road changes frequently. It is a slower, more deliberate way to cross the state that rewards drivers who prefer staying off the major interstates.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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 11.6 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 23 significant decision points across 259 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 11.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 237.4 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
43 ft0 ft
Total Climb
109 ft
Total Descent
79 ft
Highest Point
43 ft
~259 mi in
Elevation Range
43 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 259 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). 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 $1.00 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.
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 11.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 237.4 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at St. Petersburg, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
