Traveling from St. Petersburg to Callaway covers 348.4 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 28 minutes. Because this route is a turn-heavy local drive, it is best approached as a full-day commitment rather than a quick commute. You should budget approximately $58 for fuel to complete the journey. While the trip is manageable in one day, the high volume of local roads means you will spend less time on wide-open highways and more time navigating smaller stretches. This trip takes you from the central Gulf Coast region up into the Florida Panhandle, offering a complete cross-section of the state's geography. It is a practical choice if you prefer a more hands-on driving experience over a monotonous interstate route.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
174.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Young Boulevard
66.5 mi
1h 25m
Suncoast Parkway
54.2 mi
59m
Blountstown Highway
49.2 mi
1h 7m
Suncoast Boulevard
47 mi
59m
Hampton Springs Avenue
38.6 mi
49m
Bloxham Cutoff Road
30.8 mi
42m
US 231
16.1 mi
20m
I 275
15.2 mi
18m
Longest stretch:
Young Boulevard
— 66.5 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between St. Petersburg, FL and Callaway, FL.
1
Start on US 19
0.4 mi·1 min·34th Street South
2
Turn right onto FL 595
1.2 mi·2 min·5th Avenue North
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward I 275 North
4
Merge onto I 275
15 mi·18 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 39Toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International Airport, Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
7
Continue on West Kennedy Boulevard
0.3 mi·31 sec·West Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto FL 60
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, ClearwaterUse the left / straight lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.5 mi·6 min·Veterans Expressway
Toward FL 589 TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
11
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.6 mi·48 sec·Veterans Expressway
12
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.
13
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.4 mi·27 sec·Veterans Expressway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
54 mi·59 min·Suncoast Parkway
Toward Crystal RiverUse the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward FL 44: Gulf to Lake Highway
16
Turn left onto FL 44
4.8 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
17
Continue on FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
18
Turn right onto US 19; US 98
47 mi·59 min·Suncoast Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
67 mi·1 hr 25 min·Young Boulevard
20
Turn left onto US 98
39 mi·49 min·Hampton Springs Avenue
21
Turn right onto FL 267
31 mi·42 min·Bloxham Cutoff Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto FL 20; FL 267
0.7 mi·57 sec·Jackson Bluff Road
23
Continue on FL 20; FL 267
49 mi·1 hr 7 min·Blountstown Highway
24
Turn left onto US 231
16 mi·20 min·US 231
25
Turn left onto CR 2293; CR 2315
6.7 mi·10 min·Star Avenue
26
Turn right onto FL 22
0.2 mi·24 sec·Wewa Highway
27
Arrive at destination
FL 22
Trip Plan
To keep your energy high, plan for at least two deliberate stops throughout your 7-hour and 28-minute journey. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight, as navigating turn-heavy local roads is significantly easier when you have clear visibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially while traversing the longer stretches, as local roads may not offer as many service stations as major interstates. Since this route relies heavily on secondary roads, use your GPS consistently to stay on track through the various turns. By spacing your two stops evenly, you can break up the intensity of the drive and arrive in Callaway feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 77 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.2 miles or 3h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Callaway, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving St. Petersburg, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from St. Petersburg, FL
This is one driving day of about 348.4 miles and 7h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from St. Petersburg, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Young Boulevard for about 66.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.2 and 32.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
17.2 mi into trip|~22m 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
17.7 mi into trip|~23m 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
18.3 mi into trip|~25m 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
19 mi into trip|~26m 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
32.3 mi into trip|~43m 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
$52.74 one way
$105.48 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$57.87
$115.74
premium
$4.55
$62.41
$124.82
diesel
$4.80
$65.78
$131.57
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
$53
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.5
1
$36.58
$16.72
Efficient EV
87.1
0
$30.49
$13.94
EV Truck/SUV
139.4
1
$48.78
$22.30
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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 17, 2026
Origin
St. Petersburg, FL
Morning
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
9:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 6 to 9 mph74% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Callaway, FL
Morning
in Callaway on Sunday
Local time
8:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 5 to 10 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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
7h 28m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a diverse driving experience that shifts frequently between different road types. Only 28% of this journey is spent on highways, meaning the majority of your time is dedicated to local roads that require your full attention. You will navigate a series of turns, particularly when traveling along the Blountstown Highway and the Suncoast Parkway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 66.5-mile run on Young Boulevard, which offers a brief respite from the frequent course changes. Because the profile is turn-heavy, you should be prepared for a more active, technical drive than what a standard interstate cruise would provide.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.5 mi on Young Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.2 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 348.4 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 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.3 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
137 ft17 ft
Total Climb
271 ft
Total Descent
280 ft
Highest Point
137 ft
~323.5 mi in
Elevation Range
120 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between St. Petersburg, FL and Callaway, FL, road signs point toward Clearwater and Crystal River.
Saint Petersburg sits at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula in Pinellas County, Florida, and enjoys a more subdued social atmosphere than its larger cousin, Tampa. The city has tried to characterize the downtown as an arts and entertainments destination and you will find no shortage of arts and crafts stores, galleries, and museums along with cafes and boutique food shops all within a couple blocks of the Tampa Bay waterfront. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.
Top landmarks
•Salvador Dalí Museum — art museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
•Vinoy Park Hotel — historic hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
•Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA — museum in St. Petersburg, Florida
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 28m. Total distance: 348.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66.5 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 2 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 Callaway, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 2 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.3 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 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Callaway, FL before the return drive.
