Trip from Tallahassee, FL to Odessa, FL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 40m

Distance

223.6 mi

360 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 27m ★

6 AM

4h 40m

8 AM

5h 7m

10 AM

4h 49m

12 PM

4h 47m

3 PM

4h 51m

5 PM

5h 6m

8 PM

4h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time

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Tallahassee, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Odessa, FL

Larry Milligan

Trip Overview

This 223.6-mile drive from Tallahassee, FL, to Odessa, FL, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with 96% of the journey on high-speed roads, making it a straightforward trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $36, which is quite reasonable for the distance covered. This route focuses on efficient travel, bypassing smaller towns in favor of quicker transit. It's a practical choice if you need to get from the Florida Panhandle region down into Central Florida without much fuss.

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

111.8 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
US 27	94.1 mi	1h 58m
US 19	55.2 mi	1h 10m
Suncoast Parkway	48.5 mi	52m
Apalachee Parkway	16.1 mi	23m
Gulf to Lake Highway	4.7 mi	7m
State Road 54	3.2 mi	4m
Northeast 5th Street	0.9 mi	1m
South Monroe Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 27 — 94.1 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tallahassee, FL and Odessa, FL.

Start on US 27; FL 61

31 ft · 3 sec · South Monroe Street

Turn left onto US 27

16 mi · 23 min · Apalachee Parkway

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 27

94 mi · 1 hr 58 min · US 27

Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate

55 mi · 1 hr 10 min · US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto FL 44

0.9 mi · 1 min · Northeast 5th Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on FL 44

4.7 mi · 7 min · Gulf to Lake Highway

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Toward FL 589 Toll: Suncoast Parkway

Merge onto FL 589 Toll

49 mi · 52 min · Suncoast Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Exit 19 Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto FL 54

3.2 mi · 4 min · State Road 54

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on FL 54

246 ft · 9 sec · State Road 54

Arrive at destination

FL 54

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 40-minute duration, this trip is comfortably manageable in one day. Aim to depart Tallahassee earlier in the morning to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 94.1-mile stretch on US 27, as services might be less frequent. The $36 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, but it’s always wise to have a buffer. This route prioritizes speed, so if you’re looking for spontaneous roadside attractions, this might not be the best choice.

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 111.8 miles from Tallahassee, FL, or about 2h 24m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.1 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 49 miles or 1h 5m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 111.8 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 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Odessa, 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 223.6 miles and 4h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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 US 27 for about 94.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

human settlement in Levy County, Florida, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chiefland, FL

112 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Perry, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chiefland, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.8 miles from Tallahassee, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 27 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Halisi Africa

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tallahassee, Florida

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: Closed

+18507393129

Visit website

Ma Wish High Chai- Tea & Food

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trenton, Florida

1 mi

Maple Street Biscuit Company

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tallahassee, Florida

1.8 mi

Best coffee break

Lucky Goat Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tallahassee, Florida

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18505979737

Visit website

La Florida Coffee & Wine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tallahassee, Florida

0.2 mi

Argonaut Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tallahassee, Florida

0.3 mi

Halisi Africa

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: Closed

+18507393129

Visit website

Ma Wish High Chai- Tea & Food

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Trenton, Florida

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+18004619211

Visit website

McDonald's

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Cross City, Florida

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+13524984284

Visit website

Maple Street Biscuit Company

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18503919512

Visit website

The Bada Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18505622326

Visit website

Socos House of Eats

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Homosassa, Florida

Hours: 8 AM–2 PM

+13524194772

Visit website

The Roost

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Homosassa, Florida

Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm

+13524002432

Visit website

3 Nelsons Sandwich & Ice Cream Shop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Perry, Florida

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18508437072

Visit website

Lucky Goat Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18505979737

Visit website

La Florida Coffee & Wine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm

Visit website

Argonaut Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Catalina Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18509991559

Bee coffee Odessa

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Odessa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16562051399

Visit website

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Ice Cream - Odessa

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Odessa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18134755019

Visit website

The Power Plant Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+18505366821

Visit website

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream - SoMo Walls

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14482302356

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Odessa, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Brooksville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Perry, Florida

Hours: 5:15 am–9:15 pm

+18505842002

Cascades Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18508913866

Visit website

Goodies Eatery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18506813888

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18507654156

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 220 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 27 / Apalachee Parkway

Turn left onto US 27 / Apalachee Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

110.2 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate

Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

165.4 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in | FL 44 / Northeast 5th Street

Turn left onto FL 44 / Northeast 5th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

171.4 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in | FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway

Merge onto FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

220 mi into trip | ~4h 34m in

Take the exit toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills

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 19 Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.85 one way

$67.70 round trip

$3.85/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.22	$37.14	$74.28
premium	$4.55	$40.05	$80.11
diesel	$4.80	$42.22	$84.44

Estimated Tolls: $2.91

Suncoast Parkway (48.5 mi) $2.91

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

$34

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	67.1	0	$23.48	$10.73
Efficient EV	55.9	0	$19.57	$8.94
EV Truck/SUV	89.4	1	$31.30	$14.31

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% 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

Late night in Tallahassee on Monday

Local time

3:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

93°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

S 5 mph 77% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:41PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:23PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Destination

Odessa, FL

Late night in Odessa on Monday

Local time

3:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

90°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

S 12 mph 32% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:41PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:23PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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

3 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

4h 40m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 223.6-mile trip. You'll be covering 96% of the distance on high-speed roads, primarily utilizing US 27 and US 19, with a significant portion on the Suncoast Parkway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 94.1 miles along US 27, so be prepared for a substantial period of consistent driving. This road profile means you'll experience a steady pace for most of the journey, with minimal slowdowns or complex intersections.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 94.1 mi on US 27.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and US 19. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 27 / Apalachee Parkway.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 40m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 27 / Apalachee Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 110.2 miles (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 165.4 miles (FL 44 / Northeast 5th Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

204 ft 12 ft

Total Climb

94 ft

Total Descent

240 ft

Highest Point

204 ft

Elevation Range

192 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Tallahassee, FL

Full guide →

Founded 1824

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

Arriving in Odessa, FL

Full guide →

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 40m. Total distance: 223.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 94.1 miles on US 27. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.91 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Odessa, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Tallahassee, FL to Odessa, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Halisi Africa

Lucky Goat Coffee

Halisi Africa

Ma Wish High Chai- Tea & Food

McDonald's

Maple Street Biscuit Company

The Bada Bean

Socos House of Eats

The Roost

3 Nelsons Sandwich & Ice Cream Shop

Lucky Goat Coffee

La Florida Coffee & Wine

Argonaut Coffee

Catalina Cafe

Bee coffee Odessa

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Ice Cream - Odessa

The Power Plant Cafe

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream - SoMo Walls

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

SunStop Market #357

Jj Gas & Grill

Cascades Park

Goodies Eatery

Walkers Landmark

Capital Cascades Trail Park

Ology Brewing Co [Midtown]

LeRoc Bistro

The Episcopal University Center of FSU

Honest Living Tea House

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Tallahassee, FL

Odessa, FL

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 40m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Tallahassee, FL

Arriving in Odessa, FL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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