Trip from Tampa, FL to Cleveland, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 55m

Distance

103.9 mi

167 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min

4 AM

1h 47m ★

6 AM

1h 56m

8 AM

2h 12m

10 AM

2h 1m

12 PM

2h 0m

3 PM

2h 2m

5 PM

2h 11m

8 PM

1h 50m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Tampa, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Cleveland, FL

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

Trip Overview

This straightforward 103.9-mile journey from Tampa to Cleveland, Florida, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. With 98% of the drive on highways, it's a perfect candidate for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of daylight left. The estimated fuel cost is around $17, making it an economical option. You'll primarily navigate via I-75 and US-17, offering a direct and uncomplicated path through the heart of Florida. This route focuses on getting you there, rather than a leisurely exploration, so plan for a focused drive.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

52 miles from Tampa, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	91.7 mi	1h 38m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway	7.8 mi	9m
US 17	2.7 mi	4m
East Jackson Street	0.5 mi	1m
North Nebraska Avenue	<0.1 mi	<1m
North Tampa Street	<0.1 mi	<1m
East Kennedy Boulevard	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 91.7 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tampa, FL and Cleveland, FL.

Start on FL 60

118 ft · 10 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard

Turn left onto US 41 Business

296 ft · 12 sec · North Tampa Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto US 41 Business; FL 60

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Jackson Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto East Jackson Street

69 ft · 3 sec · East Jackson Street

Turn left onto North Nebraska Avenue

404 ft · 9 sec · North Nebraska Avenue

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Toward FL 618 Toll East: Brandon

Merge onto FL 618 Toll

7.8 mi · 9 min · Lee Roy Selmon Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec

Exit 15A Toward I 75 South: Naples

Merge onto I 75

56 mi · 59 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

36 mi · 38 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Exit 164 Toward US 17: Punta Gorda, Arcadia Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 18 sec

Toward US 17 North

Continue on US 17

2.7 mi · 4 min · US 17

Arrive at destination

US 17

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this trip is best tackled in one day. Consider departing Tampa mid-morning to avoid the heaviest rush hour traffic and arrive in Cleveland with ample time. With no specific stops recommended, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed, perhaps utilizing rest areas along I-75. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach the final leg of the journey, and remember that the longest uninterrupted stretch is over 90 miles, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before you embark on that segment.

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 52 miles from Tampa, FL, or about 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.7 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 23 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52 miles or 58m 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 33m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, FL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Tampa, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Tampa, FL

This is one driving day of about 103.9 miles and 1h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Tampa, FL.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 91.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

county seat of Manatee County, Florida, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bradenton, FL

52 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

Apollo Beach, FL

Fuel and coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+18138125025

Visit website

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 103.9

Punta Gorda, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 74.2

Venice, Florida

+18555675853

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 44.5

Bradenton, Florida

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Visit website

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 100.9 — 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 41 Business / North Tampa Street

Turn left onto US 41 Business / North Tampa Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street

Turn left onto US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

8.7 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South: Naples

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 15A Toward I 75 South: Naples

64.9 mi into trip | ~1h 12m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

100.9 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in

Take the exit toward US 17: Punta Gorda, Arcadia

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 164 Toward US 17: Punta Gorda, Arcadia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.54 one way

$33.08 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$17.99	$35.98
premium	$4.72	$19.32	$38.64
diesel	$5.61	$22.94	$45.88

Estimated Tolls: $0.78

Selmon Expressway (7.8 mi) $0.78

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

$17

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	31.2	$10.91	$4.99
Efficient EV	26	$9.09	$4.16
EV Truck/SUV	41.6	$14.55	$6.65

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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 15, 2026

Origin

Tampa, FL

Late night in Tampa on Sunday

Local time

3:51 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Mostly Clear

E 7 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued April 14 at 4:28PM EDT until April 16 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued April 14 at 12:29PM EDT until April 15 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Destination

Cleveland, FL

Late night in Cleveland on Sunday

Local time

3:51 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°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

1 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 55m 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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 39.4

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for nearly the entire 103.9 miles, with 98% of your travel occurring on high-speed roads. The bulk of your journey, a continuous stretch of 91.7 miles, will be on I-75. This means you'll experience the predictable rhythm of interstate driving for most of the trip. While not the most varied, this highway-centric profile ensures a swift transit, minimizing time spent on slower local roads. The transition between highways like I-75 and US-17 is generally seamless, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the drive.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 91.7 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 41 Business / North Tampa Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 103.9 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (US 41 Business / North Tampa Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 55m. Total distance: 103.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 91.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.78 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. 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 Cleveland, 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.

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 Cleveland, FL before heading back.

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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

More from Tampa, FL

Eglin Village, FL 430.8 mi · 7h 58m Laguna Beach, FL 394.1 mi · 7h 33m Bonifay, FL 365 mi · 6h 37m Youngstown, FL 355.1 mi · 6h 41m Westchester, FL 275.9 mi · 5h Tallahassee, FL 274.3 mi · 5h 4m

More trips to Cleveland, FL

Jacksonville, FL 266.7 mi Orlando, FL 127.2 mi St. Petersburg, FL 88.2 mi Cape Coral, FL 33.6 mi

Escape planner: Tampa, FL Scenic drives in FL

Explore more options from Tampa, FL or browse trips ending in Cleveland, FL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

Trip from Tampa, FL to Cleveland, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

Elevation Coffee Heights

DI Coffee Bar

22nd Street Coffee

The Lab Coffee - Heights

Coffee Uniting People - CUP

Kubana Kafe

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Jule Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

Magic Carpet Glide

Perry Harvey Sr. Park

The Florida Aquarium

Iconic Tampa Bay

Tom Bennett Park

Oscar Scherer State Park

Showmen's Museum

Cracker Country

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Tampa, FL

Cleveland, FL

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 55m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

De Soto National Memorial

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

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

How this page is built

Explore More

More from Tampa, FL

More trips to Cleveland, FL