This 247.6-mile drive from Saint Pete Beach to Pembroke Pines, Florida, is designed for a single day, taking an estimated 4 hours and 36 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 91% of it being on major expressways, making it an efficient journey across the Sunshine State. With an estimated fuel cost of $39, it's a budget-friendly option for a quick transition between these two Florida locations. You'll primarily be on I-75, with brief segments of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Port Everglades Expressway contributing to the drive. This straightforward path is ideal for those looking to cover distance with minimal fuss.
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
123.8 miles from Saint Pete Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.3 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
13.4 mi
15m
Port Everglades Expressway
9 mi
10m
Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi
4m
Pinellas Bayway
3.7 mi
6m
I 275
1.1 mi
2m
Gulf Boulevard
1.1 mi
2m
Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.3 mi, about 3h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Pete Beach, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL.
1
Start on FL 699
1.1 mi·2 min·Gulf Boulevard
2
Turn left onto FL 682
3.5 mi·6 min·Pinellas Bayway
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on FL 682
0.2 mi·21 sec·Pinellas Bayway
4
Take the ramp
2.5 mi·3 min
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·17 sec
6
Merge onto I 275; US 19
13 mi·15 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 275
1.1 mi·2 min·I 275
Toward I 75 South: Naples
8
Merge onto I 75
28 mi·30 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
9.0 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 8; 9A-BToward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.4 mi·37 sec·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East, I 595 East, US 441: Florida's Turnpike, North Orlando, South Miami
13
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 8Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
16
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi·4 min·Florida's Turnpike
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
19
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
21
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
With a duration of around 4 hours and 36 minutes, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays and to arrive at your destination with daylight to spare. You'll have one planned stop, but with the longest stretch being 209.3 miles, plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the midway point or at a major service area on I-75. Given the highway-centric nature, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for sustained driving, and keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the long stretches on I-75, as services can sometimes be spread out.
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 123.8 miles from Saint Pete Beach, FL, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.3 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 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.8 miles or 2h 19m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saint Pete Beach, 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 Saint Pete Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 247.6 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Saint Pete Beach, 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 209.3 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 231.3 and 246.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
231.3 mi into trip|~4h 14m 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...
8
240.4 mi into trip|~4h 24m in
Take the exit toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpike
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 8; 9A-B
Toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpi...
7
240.9 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando...
8
241.3 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
7
246.2 mi into trip|~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.41 one way
$78.82 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$42.87
$85.74
premium
$4.72
$46.04
$92.08
diesel
$5.61
$54.67
$109.33
Estimated Tolls: $1.24
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(13.4 mi)$0.94
Florida's Turnpike
(4.2 mi)$0.30
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
$39
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.3
0
$26.00
$11.88
Efficient EV
61.9
0
$21.67
$9.90
EV Truck/SUV
99
1
$34.66
$15.85
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Mar 8, 2022
Origin
Saint Pete Beach, FL
Afternoon
in Saint Pete Beach on Sunday
Local time
12:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pembroke Pines, FL
Afternoon
in Pembroke Pines on Sunday
Local time
12:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°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
6 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 36m 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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 17.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 247.6-mile trip, with 91% of the journey utilizing major expressways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 209.3 miles, primarily on I-75, meaning extended periods of consistent driving. While the route prioritizes speed and efficiency, keep an eye out for the transition onto the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, offering a different perspective on the landscape. The overall feel is one of covering ground, with the road primarily serving as a conduit between your origin and destination within Florida.
91% 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: 209.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 231.3 miles in near I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 247.6 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 231.3 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Saint Pete Beach, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Lauderdale along the way.
St. Pete Beach is a city near Saint Petersburg in Tampa Bay in the state of Florida.
St. Pete Beach occupies an island which is located on the southern end of a chain of barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico stretching from Clearwater to Pass-A-Grille Beach.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 247.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m 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 209.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.24 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 231.3 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.9 miles: 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
