St. Petersburg, FL to South Patrick Shores, FL is 162.3 miles and takes about 3h 11m via I 4 and Beachline Expressway, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Florida for its entirety, offering a straightforward drive. Expect a highway-focused experience for most of the journey, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. The route is designed for efficiency, so if you're looking to get from point A to point B without much fuss, this is a solid choice.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
81.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 4
60.9 mi
1h 6m
Beachline Expressway
25.3 mi
27m
I 275
21.4 mi
27m
Central Florida GreeneWay
18.5 mi
20m
I 95
15.8 mi
16m
Southern Connector Extension
7.5 mi
8m
Pineda Causeway
6.4 mi
10m
5th Avenue North
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 60.9 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between St. Petersburg, FL and South Patrick Shores, 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
21 mi·27 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·42 sec
Exit 45BToward I 4 East: OrlandoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 4
61 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·16 sec
Exit 62Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, CelebrationUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on FL 417 Toll
7.5 mi·8 min·Southern Connector Extension
Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney WorldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on FL 417 Toll
19 mi·20 min·Central Florida GreeneWay
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 26Toward FL 528: International Airport, CocoaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward FL 528 East: Cocoa, Kennedy Space CenterUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto FL 528 Toll
25 mi·27 min·Beachline Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 42AToward I 95 South: MiamiUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 95
16 mi·16 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 188Toward FL 404: Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite BeachUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto FL 404
6.4 mi·10 min·Pineda Causeway
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward FL 513: Patrick Space Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn right onto FL 513
0.8 mi·1 min·South Patrick Drive
19
Turn right onto Saint Georges Court
166 ft·9 sec·Saint Georges Court
20
Turn right onto Jolly Roger Drive
0.1 mi·38 sec·Jolly Roger Drive
21
Turn left onto Saint Lucia Court
0.2 mi·36 sec·Saint Lucia Court
22
Arrive at destination
Saint Lucia Court
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. The longest stretch without a major exit is 60.9 miles on I 4, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on that segment. Given the relatively short distance, you have the flexibility to make spontaneous stops if needed, though the data indicates only one planned stop.
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 81.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.9 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 36 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.2 miles or 1h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Patrick Shores, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from St. Petersburg, FL
This is one driving day of about 162.3 miles and 3h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from St. Petersburg, 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 4 for about 60.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 81.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 23.4 and 153.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
23.4 mi into trip|~31m in
Take the exit toward I 4 East: Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 45B
Toward I 4 East: Orlando
9
84.7 mi into trip|~1h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, Celebration
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 62
Toward FL 417 North: Airport, Disney World, Cel...
8
111 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward FL 528: International Airport, Cocoa
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 26
Toward FL 528: International Airport, Cocoa
8
111.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 528 East: Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 528 East: Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center
8
153.9 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward FL 404: Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite Beach
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 188
Toward FL 404: Patrick Space Force Base, Satell...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.83 one way
$51.67 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg57 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$28.10
$56.20
premium
$4.72
$30.18
$60.36
diesel
$5.61
$35.83
$71.67
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48.7
0
$17.04
$7.79
Efficient EV
40.6
0
$14.20
$6.49
EV Truck/SUV
64.9
0
$22.72
$10.39
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 16, 2026
Origin
St. Petersburg, FL
Morning
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
NW 5 to 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:40AM EDT until April 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:00AM EDT until April 17 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
South Patrick Shores, FL
Morning
in South Patrick Shores on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
83°F
Lake Butler, FL
81 mi in
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
11 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
3h 11m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
$25
near mile 134.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the route utilizing major expressways. You'll encounter stretches like the 60.9-mile segment on I 4, which is the longest uninterrupted highway portion. The overall feel is one of consistent speed and direct travel, minimizing time spent on slower local roads. It's the kind of drive where you can settle into a rhythm and cover ground efficiently.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.9 mi on I 4.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and Beachline Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.4 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 18 significant decision points across 162.3 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 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 South Patrick Shores, FL, road signs point toward Disney World, Celebration, Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center and Satellite Beach.
Disney World
84.7 mi in|~1h 38m
Celebration
84.7 mi in|~1h 38m
Cocoa
111 mi in|~2h 8m
Kennedy Space Center
111.2 mi in|~2h 8m
Satellite Beach
153.9 mi in|~2h 56m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 11m. Total distance: 162.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.9 miles on I 4. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 South Patrick Shores, 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 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial and Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at South Patrick Shores, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
