Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Tampa, FL to Madison, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 6m
Distance
223 mi
359 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 53m
★
6 AM
4h 6m
8 AM
4h 32m
10 AM
4h 15m
12 PM
4h 13m
3 PM
4h 17m
5 PM
4h 31m
8 PM
3h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tampa, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Madison, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
Tampa to Madison is 223 miles and takes about 4 hours 6 minutes via I-75 and I-10, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Florida for its entirety, moving from the Gulf Coast region north towards the Panhandle. Most of the trip is on major interstate highways, making it a straightforward and efficient way to travel between these two points. It’s a good option if you need to get from Tampa to Madison quickly 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
111.5 miles from Tampa, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 160.3 mi | 2h 51m |
| I 10 | 37.9 mi | 40m |
| I 275 | 17 mi | 20m |
| FL 53 | 6 mi | 8m |
| North Ashley Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Base Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Kennedy Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Base Street | <0.1 mi | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 160.3 mi, about 2h 51m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 64 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,553 veh/hr typical · worst 3,559
Quietest
2 AM
~325 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 103 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 Madison, FL.
1
Start on FL 60
400 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Kennedy Boulevard
2
Turn right onto North Ashley Drive
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
North Ashley Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 275
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward I 275 North
Use the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 275
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 275
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 75
160 mi
·
2 hr 51 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 10
38 mi
·
40 min
·
I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 258
Toward SR 53: Madison
11
Keep slight right at fork
484 ft
·
11 sec
Toward FL 53 North: Madison
12
Turn straight onto FL 53
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
FL 53
13
Turn left onto US 90; FL 53
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
East Base Street
14
Arrive at destination
1 ft
·
US 90; FL 53
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour duration, leaving Tampa in the morning should get you to Madison with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop and 99% highway driving, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The fuel cost is estimated at $34, so factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 160.3-mile stretch on I-75, as services can sometimes be spaced out on longer interstate segments.
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 111.5 miles from Tampa, FL, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.3 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 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.5 miles or 2h 3m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison, 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 223 miles and 4h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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 160.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.5 miles from Tampa, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 160.3 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.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Madison County Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Madison County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Pasco County Rest Area Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Pasco County Rest Area Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)
0.2 mi from route
Sumter County Rest Area Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)
0.2 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Busy Bee Truck Stop
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Suwannee County Rest Area Eastbound
0.3 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Northbound
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 178.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Ashley Drive
Turn right onto North Ashley Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 275 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 275 North
5
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
I 275
Merge onto I 275
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
178.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
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 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
178.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.86 one way
$71.71 round trip
$4.08/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.44 | $39.00 | $78.00 |
| premium | $4.78 | $41.95 | $83.90 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $54.25 | $108.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.9 | 0 | $23.42 | $10.70 |
| Efficient EV | 55.8 | 0 | $19.51 | $8.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.2 | 1 | $31.22 | $14.27 |
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.
Origin
Tampa, FL
Morning in Tampa on Monday
Local time
9:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Sunny
NE 15 to 18 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:56AM EDT until October 20 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:21AM EDT until October 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Madison, FL
Morning in Madison on Monday
Local time
9:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
NE 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:56AM EDT until October 20 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:21AM EDT until October 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
78°F
Leesburg, FL
112 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
12 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 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on highways, with 99% of the 223 miles taking place on interstates like I-75 and I-10. You'll experience a long stretch of 160.3 miles on I-75, which means plenty of consistent cruising. Expect a high concentration of exits and interchanges as you navigate these main arteries. The transition to non-highway roads will only occur in the final moments before reaching Madison.
99% 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: 160.3 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 0.1 miles in near North Ashley Drive.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 223 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 0.1 miles (North Ashley Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
190 ft
15 ft
Total Climb
407 ft
Total Descent
233 ft
Highest Point
190 ft
~223 mi in
Elevation Range
175 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Tampa, FL to Madison, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Tallahassee along the way.
Tallahassee
178.1 mi in
|
~3h 14m
About the Cities
Starting in Tampa, FL
Full guide →Founded 1823
The city of Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city on Florida's West Coast.
Top landmarks
- • Busch Gardens Tampa — African-themed animal theme park in Tampa, Florida
- • Union Station — main railway station in Tampa, Florida, United States
- • Falcon's Fury — drop tower attraction located at the Busch Gardens Tampa amusement park
Arriving in Madison, FL
Full guide →Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. As the anchor of the Greater Madison Area, it is home to the University of Wisconsin — Madison, one of the premier universities in the United States. It is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and academic excellence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city's many museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its diverse and delicious food options.
Top landmarks
- • St. Mary's Episcopal Church — church in Madison, Florida
- • Wardlaw-Smith House — historic houses in Madison, Florida, United States
- • Treasures of Madison County
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 6m. Total distance: 223 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 160.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Madison, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North Ashley Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Madison, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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