This 79.1-mile drive from Sugarmill Woods, FL to St. Petersburg, FL takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. You'll primarily use Suncoast Parkway and I-275, with a short section on Veterans Expressway, on this highway-focused journey. With an estimated fuel cost of around $13, this route offers an economical way to travel between these Florida regions. The drive is straightforward and efficient, ideal for those looking for a quick and easy transit. You won't need an overnight stay, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.6 miles from Sugarmill Woods, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Suncoast Parkway
41.6 mi
45m
I 275
15.4 mi
18m
Veterans Expressway
6.9 mi
8m
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
5.3 mi
6m
Ponce de Leon Boulevard
1.6 mi
2m
Memorial Highway
1.2 mi
1m
5th Avenue North
1.2 mi
2m
Oak Village Boulevard
0.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Suncoast Parkway
— 41.6 mi, about 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sugarmill Woods, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.
1
Start on Honeysuckle Court South
169 ft·8 sec·Honeysuckle Court South
2
Continue on Honeysuckle Court South
462 ft·25 sec·Honeysuckle Court South
3
Turn left onto Honeysuckle Drive
510 ft·24 sec·Honeysuckle Drive
4
Turn right onto Corkwood Boulevard
251 ft·16 sec·Corkwood Boulevard
5
Turn left onto Black Willow Street
0.7 mi·2 min·Black Willow Street
6
At end of road, turn left onto Cypress Boulevard East
0.8 mi·2 min·Cypress Boulevard East
7
Continue on Oak Village Boulevard
0.9 mi·2 min·Oak Village Boulevard
8
Turn left onto Lone Pine Street
0.8 mi·2 min·Lone Pine Street
9
Turn left onto US 98
1.6 mi·2 min·Ponce de Leon Boulevard
10
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
11
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
42 mi·45 min·Suncoast Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
1.6 mi·1 min·Veterans Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 589 Toll
3.9 mi·4 min·Veterans Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
5.3 mi·6 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
15
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
1.5 mi·2 min·Veterans Expressway
Toward Tampa:St. PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on FL 60
0.2 mi·13 sec·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
17
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60
1.1 mi·1 min·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 275 South: Saint PetersburgUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 275
15 mi·18 min·I 275
Toward I 275: Saint PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 23BToward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves WineryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto FL 595
1.2 mi·2 min·5th Avenue North
22
Turn left onto US 19
0.5 mi·1 min·34th Street North
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 19
323 ft·14 sec·34th Street South
24
Arrive at destination
US 19
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 41-minute duration, you have a lot of flexibility with when you depart. Leaving Sugarmill Woods in the morning will get you to St. Petersburg with ample daylight. Plan for minimal stops, as the drive is efficient and the longest stretch without exit opportunities is manageable. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before hitting the Suncoast Parkway, as services can be spaced out. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, it's an affordable trip. Consider timing your departure to avoid peak traffic entering St. Petersburg.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 39.6 miles from Sugarmill Woods, FL, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.6 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 17 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.6 miles or 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near St. Petersburg, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sugarmill Woods, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sugarmill Woods, FL
This is one driving day of about 79.1 miles and 1h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Sugarmill Woods, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Suncoast Parkway for about 41.6 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 48.8 and 77.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
48.8 mi into trip|~1h in|FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
58 mi into trip|~1h 12m in|FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Tampa:St. Petersburg
8
59.7 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|FL 60 / Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60 / Memorial Highway toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
6
60.7 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 275 South: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 275 South: Saint Petersburg
8
77.1 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery
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 23B
Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.59 one way
$25.18 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$13.70
$27.39
premium
$4.72
$14.71
$29.42
diesel
$5.61
$17.46
$34.93
Estimated Tolls: $3.06
Suncoast Parkway
(41.6 mi)$2.50
Veterans Expressway
(6.9 mi)$0.56
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
$13
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.7
0
$8.31
$3.80
Efficient EV
19.8
0
$6.92
$3.16
EV Truck/SUV
31.6
0
$11.07
$5.06
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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
Sugarmill Woods, FL
Morning
in Sugarmill Woods on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
St. Petersburg, FL
Morning
in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°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
30 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
1h 41m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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
near mile 80.2
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, with 87% of the drive on major roads like Suncoast Parkway and I-275. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.6 miles along the Suncoast Parkway. This route emphasizes speed and efficiency over scenic detours, allowing you to cover ground quickly. While largely interstate, the transition between these major arteries is smooth, keeping you moving steadily towards St. Petersburg.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.6 mi on Suncoast Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Suncoast Parkway and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.8 miles in near FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.1 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 48.8 miles (FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58 miles (FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.7 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Sugarmill Woods, FL to St. Petersburg, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Tampa:st. Petersburg along the way.
Tampa:st. Petersburg
58 mi in|~1h 12m|via FL 589 Toll
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 41m. Total distance: 79.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.6 miles on Suncoast Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.06 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.
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 St. Petersburg, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 48.8 miles (FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58 miles (FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.7 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at St. Petersburg, FL before heading back.
