Tallahassee to Apopka is 255.8 miles and takes about 4h 45m via I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, making it a straightforward drive across the state. With 92% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct connection between these two points. It's designed for a single-day trip, so you can plan to arrive in Apopka the same day you leave Tallahassee.
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
127.9 miles from Tallahassee, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
107.2 mi
1h 54m
I 10
86.9 mi
1h 33m
Florida's Turnpike
40 mi
42m
Western Beltway
6.7 mi
7m
Mahan Drive
6.5 mi
11m
FL 451 Toll
1.9 mi
2m
Orange Blossom Trail
1 mi
1m
East Tennessee Street
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 107.2 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,481 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,558
Quietest
2 AM
~399 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tallahassee, FL and Apopka, FL.
1
Start on US 27; FL 61
181 ft·8 sec·South Monroe Street
2
Turn right onto East Pensacola Street
0.3 mi·46 sec·East Pensacola Street
3
Turn left onto CR 1555
0.5 mi·1 min·South Franklin Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 90
0.6 mi·1 min·East Tennessee Street
5
Continue on US 90
6.5 mi·11 min·Mahan Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Lake CityUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 10
87 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 10
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 296AToward I-75 South: Tampa
9
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
40 mi·42 min·Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328Toward Florida's Turnpike South, OrlandoUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 267AToward FL 429: Apopka, TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward FL 429 Toll North: ApopkaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto FL 429 Toll
6.7 mi·7 min·Western Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·41 sec
Exit 30Toward FL 414 Toll East: MaitlandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·47 sec
Toward FL 451 Toll North: ApopkaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on FL 451 Toll
1.9 mi·2 min·FL 451 Toll
17
Turn right onto US 441
1.0 mi·1 min·Orange Blossom Trail
Use the right lane.
18
Turn straight
186 ft·6 sec
19
Continue on West 3rd Street
0.1 mi·38 sec·West 3rd Street
20
Turn left onto Central Avenue
0.1 mi·18 sec·Central Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 45m estimated drive time, leaving Tallahassee in the morning allows ample time to reach Apopka before evening. You'll want to be mindful of fuel, as the estimated cost is around $40, and it's wise to fill up before embarking on the 107.2-mile stretch on I-75. While this is a single-day trip, consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on Florida's Turnpike tolls, as they are not included in the fuel cost estimate.
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 127.9 miles from Tallahassee, FL, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.2 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 56 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.9 miles or 2h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Apopka, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee, FL
This is one driving day of about 255.8 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Tallahassee, 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 75 for about 107.2 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 203 and 252 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
203 mi into trip|~3h 45m in|Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
8
243.1 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Take the exit toward FL 429: Apopka, Tampa
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 267A
Toward FL 429: Apopka, Tampa
7
243.3 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 429 Toll North: Apopka
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 429 Toll North: Apopka
7
251.4 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward FL 414 Toll East: Maitland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 30
Toward FL 414 Toll East: Maitland
7
252 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 451 Toll North: Apopka
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 451 Toll North: Apopka
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.72 one way
$77.44 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$42.49
$84.98
premium
$4.55
$45.82
$91.64
diesel
$4.80
$48.30
$96.60
Estimated Tolls: $2.80
Florida's Turnpike
(40 mi)$2.80
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
$39
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.7
0
$26.86
$12.28
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.38
$10.23
EV Truck/SUV
102.3
1
$35.81
$16.37
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Tallahassee, FL
Morning
in Tallahassee on Tuesday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:12AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Destination
Apopka, FL
Morning
in Apopka on Tuesday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:12AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 45m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 92% of the 255.8 miles on major roads like I-75 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll encounter a long stretch of 107.2 miles on I-75, which means extended periods of consistent speed. The highway portion largely concludes as you approach Apopka, transitioning to more localized surface streets with a higher density of exits and intersections.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 107.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 203 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
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 14 significant decision points across 255.8 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 203 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
204 ft65 ft
Total Climb
246 ft
Total Descent
306 ft
Highest Point
204 ft
Elevation Range
139 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tallahassee, FL and Apopka, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.
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
Apopka is a city in Orange County, Florida. Apopka is referred to as the "Indoor Foliage Capital of the World" due to the many greenhouse nurseries there. It is home to about 55,000 people (census, 1 April 2020)
Top landmarks
•Apopka Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot — railway station in Apopka, Florida
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 45m. Total distance: 255.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 107.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.80 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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 29 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 Apopka, 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 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 203 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Apopka, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
