Taylor County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from South Pasadena, FL to Tallahassee, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 24, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 33m
Distance
262.4 mi
422 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 20m
★
6 AM
5h 34m
8 AM
6h 0m
10 AM
5h 43m
12 PM
5h 40m
3 PM
5h 44m
5 PM
5h 59m
8 PM
5h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Pasadena, FL
Arian Fernandez
Tallahassee, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 262.4-mile drive from South Pasadena, FL to Tallahassee, FL is best tackled as a single-day adventure, estimated to take about 5 hours and 33 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of roadways, with 43% of the journey on highways, making it a varied but manageable trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, it's an economical option for exploring Florida. The route offers a mixed driving experience, so plan for a full day behind the wheel. Given the duration and mileage, it's entirely feasible to complete this trip in one go, arriving in Tallahassee with time to spare.
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
131.2 miles from South Pasadena, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Young Boulevard | 89.3 mi | 1h 53m |
| Suncoast Parkway | 54.2 mi | 59m |
| Suncoast Boulevard | 47 mi | 59m |
| Apalachee Parkway | 16.1 mi | 23m |
| I 275 | 15.2 mi | 18m |
| US 19 | 13 mi | 16m |
| FL 589 Toll Express Lane | 7.8 mi | 9m |
| Veterans Expressway | 5.5 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Young Boulevard
— 89.3 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Pasadena, FL and Tallahassee, FL.
1
Start on FL 693
304 ft
·
12 sec
·
Pasadena Avenue South
2
Continue on FL 693
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Pasadena Avenue South
Use the right lane.
3
Turn straight onto FL 693
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
66th Street North
4
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
5th Avenue North
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 275 North
6
Merge onto I 275
15 mi
·
18 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 39
Toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International Airport, Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on West Kennedy Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto FL 60
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Memorial Highway
Toward FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Veterans Expressway
Toward FL 589 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
13
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.6 mi
·
48 sec
·
Veterans Expressway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
Veterans Expressway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
54 mi
·
59 min
·
Suncoast Parkway
Toward Crystal River
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward FL 44: Gulf to Lake Highway
18
Turn left onto FL 44
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Gulf to Lake Highway
19
Continue on FL 44
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast 5th Street
20
Turn right onto US 19; US 98
47 mi
·
59 min
·
Suncoast Boulevard
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
89 mi
·
1 hr 53 min
·
Young Boulevard
22
Continue on US 19; US 27
13 mi
·
16 min
·
US 19; US 27
23
Continue on US 27
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Apalachee Parkway
25
Continue on US 27
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
26
At end of road, turn right onto US 27; FL 61
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Monroe Street
27
Arrive at destination
US 27; FL 61
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 33-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from South Pasadena to maximize your daylight hours in Tallahassee. While the route is manageable in one day, you'll want to factor in at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, especially since the longest stretch is nearly 90 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $42 is a good budget to keep in mind, though actual prices may vary. A practical tip for this drive is to be aware of the transition points between highway and local roads, as speed limits and traffic patterns can change. Having your navigation set to alert you to these changes can make for a smoother drive.
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 131.2 miles from South Pasadena, FL, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.3 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 58 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.2 miles or 2h 44m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tallahassee, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena, FL
This is one driving day of about 262.4 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from South Pasadena, 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 Young Boulevard for about 89.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
131 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 131.2 miles from South Pasadena, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Young Boulevard if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 21.5 and 36.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.5 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International Airport, Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
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 39
Toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International A...
8
22 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shor...
6
22.7 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
FL 60 / Memorial Highway
Turn left onto FL 60 / Memorial Highway toward FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight lanes.
Toward FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport...
7
23.3 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway toward FL 589 Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 589 Toll
7
36.7 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway toward Crystal River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Crystal River
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.19 one way
$84.38 round trip
$4.08/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.46 | $46.02 | $92.05 |
| premium | $4.78 | $49.40 | $98.80 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $64.84 | $129.67 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.69
Suncoast Parkway
(54.2 mi)
$3.25
Veterans Expressway
(5.5 mi)
$0.44
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
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.7 | 0 | $27.55 | $12.60 |
| Efficient EV | 65.6 | 0 | $22.96 | $10.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105 | 1 | $36.74 | $16.79 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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.
Origin
South Pasadena, FL
Night in South Pasadena on Friday
Local time
10:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 17 to 22 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Tallahassee, FL
Night in Tallahassee on Friday
Local time
10:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NNE 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM 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.
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 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 33m 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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The drive from South Pasadena to Tallahassee presents a 'Mixed drive' profile, meaning you won't be on a single type of road for the entire 262.4 miles. With 43% of the route designated as highway, expect some faster-paced sections, balanced by other road types. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. The roads evolve throughout the journey, transitioning between the efficiency of highways and the more local feel of other named roads like Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Boulevard, providing a dynamic driving experience.
43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.3 mi on Young Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 262.4 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 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
204 ft
0 ft
Total Climb
330 ft
Total Descent
129 ft
Highest Point
204 ft
~262.4 mi in
Elevation Range
204 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Pasadena, FL and Tallahassee, FL, road signs point toward Tampa International Airport, Clearwater and Crystal River.
Tampa International Airport
21.5 mi in
|
~31m
Clearwater
22.7 mi in
|
~33m
|
via FL 60
Crystal River
36.7 mi in
|
~51m
|
via FL 589 Toll
About the Cities
Arriving in Tallahassee, FL
Full guide →Founded 1824
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
Top landmarks
- • Florida State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Florida
- • Florida Governor's Mansion — official residence of the governor of Florida
- • Tallahassee — railway station in Tallahassee, the United States of America
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 262.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.69 in tolls one way, starting with Suncoast Parkway. 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 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Tallahassee, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tallahassee, FL before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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