Ruskin, FL to Hollywood, FL is 243.8 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 75 and I 95, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Florida, taking you from the Tampa Bay area down to South Florida. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major interstates, making it a convenient option for a single-day transit. You'll want to be prepared for a solid block of highway driving, so having snacks and entertainment ready will be helpful.
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
121.9 miles from Ruskin, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
221.3 mi
3h 57m
Port Everglades Expressway
12.4 mi
14m
I 95
3.8 mi
4m
East College Avenue
2.7 mi
4m
Hollywood Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Tamiami Trail
0.5 mi
1m
SR 820
<0.1 mi
<1m
Shell Point Road East
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 221.3 mi, about 3h 57m
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 Ruskin, FL and Hollywood, FL.
1
Start on this road
53 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Shell Point Road East
207 ft·7 sec·Shell Point Road East
3
Turn left onto US 41
0.5 mi·1 min·Tamiami Trail
4
Turn left onto FL 674
2.7 mi·4 min·East College Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Naples
6
Merge onto I 75
40 mi·42 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
12 mi·14 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 10BToward I 95 South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
11
Merge onto I 95
3.8 mi·4 min·I 95
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 20Toward SR 820: Hollywood BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn left onto SR 820
0.6 mi·1 min·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on SR 820
391 ft·5 sec·SR 820
15
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 820
0.5 mi·38 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the right lane.
16
Arrive at destination
SR 820
Trip Plan
With a duration of around 4 hours and 27 minutes, this is a very manageable one-day trip. Leaving Ruskin in the morning should allow you to arrive in Hollywood with plenty of daylight. The primary roads are I 75 and I 95, so keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you get closer to the Miami metropolitan area. The estimated fuel cost is $38, so factor that into your budget. There's only one recommended stop, but you'll cover 221.3 miles on I 75 before needing to make a significant change, so plan your breaks accordingly.
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 121.9 miles from Ruskin, FL, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.3 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 54 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.9 miles or 2h 13m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollywood, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ruskin, 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 Ruskin, FL
This is one driving day of about 243.8 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Ruskin, 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 221.3 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.9 and 243.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
43.9 mi into trip|~49m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
225.1 mi into trip|~4h 4m in|I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19
Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Spr...
7
237.5 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Miami
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 95 South: Miami
7
242.3 mi into trip|~4h 24m in
Take the exit toward SR 820: Hollywood Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 20
Toward SR 820: Hollywood Boulevard
7
243.3 mi into trip|~4h 26m in|SR 820 / Hollywood Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 820 / Hollywood Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.91 one way
$73.81 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$40.50
$80.99
premium
$4.55
$43.67
$87.35
diesel
$4.80
$46.03
$92.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.1
0
$25.60
$11.70
Efficient EV
61
0
$21.33
$9.75
EV Truck/SUV
97.5
1
$34.13
$15.60
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ruskin, FL
Morning
in Ruskin on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 9 to 14 mph65% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hollywood, FL
Morning
in Hollywood on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 6 to 13 mph19% chanceLive 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 27m 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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 16.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 97% highway, so expect to be on high-speed roads for almost the entire 243.8 miles. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 221.3 miles on I 75. You'll transition to the Port Everglades Expressway and then I 95 as you approach South Florida. Given the high highway percentage, be ready for frequent exits and entrances as you pass through populated areas, particularly in the latter half of the drive.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Port Everglades Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.9 miles in near I 75.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 243.8 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 43.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 237.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
59 ft4 ft
Total Climb
60 ft
Total Descent
54 ft
Highest Point
59 ft
~17.4 mi in
Elevation Range
55 ft
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 Ruskin, FL to Hollywood, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Lauderdale along the way.
Hollywood is a city in Florida, located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. With a population of 153,000 people (2022), Hollywood is a relatively small city that retains an old, laid-back, Florida feel to it compared to the larger cities in the area.
Top landmarks
•Hollywood Boulevard Historic Business District — human settlement in Hollywood, Florida, United States of America
•Hollywood Garden Club — clubhouse in Hollywood, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 243.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 221.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Hollywood, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 43.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 237.5 miles: 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 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Hollywood, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
