Tampa, FL to Kendall, FL is 280.3 miles and takes about 5h 6m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, traveling south on major expressways for most of the way. It's a straightforward drive, largely on the highway, making it a good option if you're looking for a direct route. Expect this to be a one-day trip with minimal fuss, focusing on covering ground efficiently.
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
140.1 miles from Tampa, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
247.5 mi
4h 25m
Express Lanes
15.7 mi
17m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi
9m
Palmetto Expressway
5.8 mi
7m
East Jackson Street
0.5 mi
1m
Dixie Highway
0.5 mi
<1m
Dadeland Boulevard
0.3 mi
<1m
Southwest 88th Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 247.5 mi, about 4h 25m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 142 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,878 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,646
Quietest
2 AM
~250 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Tampa, FL and Kendall, FL.
1
Start on FL 60
118 ft·10 sec·East Kennedy Boulevard
2
Turn left onto US 41 Business
296 ft·12 sec·North Tampa Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Turn left onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·East Jackson Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto East Jackson Street
69 ft·3 sec·East Jackson Street
5
Turn left onto North Nebraska Avenue
404 ft·9 sec·North Nebraska Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward FL 618 Toll East: Brandon
7
Merge onto FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·33 sec
Exit 15AToward I 75 South: Naples
9
Merge onto I 75
56 mi·59 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
3.3 mi·3 min·I 75
Toward MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
7.2 mi·7 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·28 sec
Toward Express LanesUse the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto Express Lanes
16 mi·17 min·Express Lanes
15
Merge onto SR 826
3.5 mi·4 min·Palmetto Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 826
2.3 mi·3 min·Palmetto Expressway
Toward SR 826 South: Palmetto ExpresswayUse the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward SR 94: Southwest 88th Street, North Kendall Drive, Metrorail, Dadeland Mall Circle, Dadeland MallUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Toward SR 94 East: Southwest 88th Street, North Kendall DriveUse the straight lane.
19
Turn straight onto SR 94
0.3 mi·33 sec·Southwest 88th Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto Dadeland Boulevard
0.3 mi·47 sec·Dadeland Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 1
0.5 mi·51 sec·Dixie Highway
Use the right lane.
22
Arrive at destination
US 1
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive in the morning is advisable to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic in the Tampa or Miami areas. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The longest continuous stretch is over 247 miles on I 75, so plan for a fuel stop before you begin that segment if your tank is low. Keep an eye on the express lane options as they can help bypass congestion, but be aware of any associated tolls.
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 140.1 miles from Tampa, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 247.5 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 62 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.1 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kendall, 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.
+
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 Tampa, FL
This is one driving day of about 280.3 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Tampa, 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 247.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 278.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
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.
7
246.2 mi into trip|~4h 26m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami
7
276.3 mi into trip|~5h in|SR 826 / Palmetto Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 826 / Palmetto Expressway toward SR 826 South: Palmetto Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SR 826 South: Palmetto Expressway
7
278.6 mi into trip|~5h 3m in
Take the exit toward SR 94: Southwest 88th Street, North Kendall Drive, Metrorail, Dadeland Mall Circle, Dadeland Mall
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.
Toward SR 94: Southwest 88th Street, North Kend...
8
278.9 mi into trip|~5h 3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 94 East: Southwest 88th Street, North Kendall Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward SR 94 East: Southwest 88th Street, North...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.07 one way
$90.14 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$49.16
$98.33
premium
$4.78
$52.77
$105.54
diesel
$6.28
$69.26
$138.52
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.1
1
$29.43
$13.45
Efficient EV
70.1
0
$24.53
$11.21
EV Truck/SUV
112.1
1
$39.24
$17.94
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Tampa, FL
Morning
in Tampa on Thursday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
NNE 12 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Kendall, FL
Morning
in Kendall on Thursday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
NE 14 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
64°F
Harlem Heights, FL
140 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
9 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
5h 6m 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.
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 38.7
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 280.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 93% of the trip on major roadways like I 75 and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. You'll encounter a long stretch of 247.5 miles on I 75, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will likely occur near your destination, offering a change of pace after significant highway time. Expect a lot of merging and exiting as you navigate the express lane system.
93% 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: 247.5 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Express Lanes. 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 Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 280.3 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: near the start (US 41 Business / North Tampa Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 246.2 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.3 miles (SR 826 / Palmetto Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
41 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
74 ft
Total Descent
77 ft
Highest Point
41 ft
~20 mi in
Elevation Range
43 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tampa, FL and Kendall, FL, road signs point toward Miami and Express Lanes.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 280.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 247.5 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.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Kendall, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 41 Business / North Tampa Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 246.2 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.3 miles (SR 826 / Palmetto Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial and Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kendall, FL before the return drive.
