Traveling from St. Petersburg to Port Saint Joe covers 333.3 miles of Florida landscape, typically taking about 7 hours and 14 minutes of driving time. While it is technically possible to complete this journey in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the local roads makes it a demanding trek behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $56 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the route transitions from the urban density of St. Petersburg toward the more relaxed atmosphere of the Florida Panhandle, expect the pace of traffic to shift significantly. Given the duration and the local road profile, planning for two scheduled stops will help keep you refreshed for the duration of the trip.
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
166.6 miles from St. Petersburg, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Young Boulevard
66.5 mi
1h 25m
Hampton Springs Avenue
54.4 mi
1h 11m
Suncoast Parkway
54.2 mi
59m
Suncoast Boulevard
47 mi
59m
US 319
32.6 mi
49m
Avenue E
22.7 mi
31m
Sopchoppy Highway
17 mi
24m
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 Port Saint Joe, 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
54 mi·1 hr 11 min·Hampton Springs Avenue
21
Turn slight right onto US 319
6.5 mi·9 min·Sopchoppy Highway
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 319
11 mi·14 min·Sopchoppy Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 319
33 mi·49 min·US 319
24
Turn left onto US 98
23 mi·31 min·Avenue E
25
Continue on US 98
0.4 mi·52 sec·Monument Avenue
26
Turn right onto FL 71
283 ft·12 sec·Cecil G Costin Senior Boulevard
27
Continue on FL 71
197 ft·11 sec·Cecil G Costin Senior Boulevard
28
Arrive at destination
FL 71
Trip Plan
For the most comfortable experience, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the midday fatigue that often accompanies long, turn-heavy drives. With two recommended stops built into your itinerary, use these breaks to stretch and reset before tackling the next section of the 333.3-mile journey. Since your total fuel cost is estimated at $56, keep an eye on your gauge when passing through more isolated stretches to avoid unnecessary anxiety. Because this route relies heavily on local roads, check your GPS frequently to ensure you remain on the correct path through the various turns. Flexibility is your biggest asset here, so don't hesitate to extend your rest periods if the local road conditions feel particularly taxing.
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 166.6 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, or about 3h 26m 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 73 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166.6 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Saint Joe, 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 333.3 miles and 7h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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 21
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
$53.05 one way
$106.10 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg117 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$57.71
$115.42
premium
$4.72
$61.98
$123.95
diesel
$5.61
$73.59
$147.18
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
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100
1
$35.00
$16.00
Efficient EV
83.3
0
$29.16
$13.33
EV Truck/SUV
133.3
1
$46.66
$21.33
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
St. Petersburg, FL
Late night
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
12:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Port Saint Joe, FL
Late night
in Port Saint Joe on Sunday
Local time
12:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°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
8 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
7h 14m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by local roads rather than high-speed interstate cruising, as the route features a 0% highway share. You will navigate using 5th Avenue North, I-275 North, and FL-60, which creates a turn-heavy experience that requires your full attention. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this drive demands more engagement from the driver as you transition through various local corridors. The character of the road changes frequently, so do not expect long, uninterrupted stretches of highway. Staying alert is essential because the navigation requires constant adjustments to follow the designated local path toward the coast.
35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 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
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 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 21 significant decision points across 333.3 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.
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 Port Saint Joe, FL, road signs point toward Tampa International Airport, Clearwater and Crystal River.
Tampa International Airport
17.2 mi in|~22m
Clearwater
18.3 mi in|~25m|via FL 60
Crystal River
32.3 mi in|~43m|via FL 589 Toll
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 14m. Total distance: 333.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 14m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
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.
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 Port Saint Joe, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Port Saint Joe, FL before the return drive.
