This 244.2-mile drive from Zephyrhills, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes. You'll primarily be on Florida's Turnpike, with some sections of FL 60 and Paul S Buchman Highway. With a highway share of 89%, expect a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost is around $39, and you'll likely make just one stop along the way. This route keeps you within the state of Florida, offering a straightforward journey through varied landscapes.
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
122.1 miles from Zephyrhills, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
142.7 mi
2h 36m
FL 60
61.7 mi
1h 19m
Paul S Buchman Highway
9.8 mi
12m
Polk Parkway
9.4 mi
10m
Bartow Road
6.9 mi
9m
I 4
4.7 mi
4m
Paul Buchman Highway
2.1 mi
3m
Alexander Street
1.2 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 142.7 mi, about 2h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Zephyrhills, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL.
1
Start on 5th Avenue
122 ft·7 sec·5th Avenue
2
Continue on 5th Avenue
304 ft·18 sec·5th Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 301
1.2 mi·2 min·Gall Boulevard
4
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 39
9.8 mi·12 min·Paul S Buchman Highway
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on FL 39
1.2 mi·1 min·Alexander Street
6
Turn left onto FL 39A
2.1 mi·3 min·Paul Buchman Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Turn slight right
182 ft·6 sec
8
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 4 East: Orlando
9
Merge onto I 4
4.7 mi·4 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 27Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on FL 570 Toll
9.4 mi·10 min·Polk Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 10Toward US 98: Lakeland, BartowUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn right onto US 98
6.9 mi·9 min·Bartow Road
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
15
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
17
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
143 mi·2 hr 36 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
26
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
28
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 51-minute trip, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Pembroke Pines. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 142.7 miles, you can plan your break strategically. The estimated fuel cost of $39 is manageable, but be sure to check your fuel levels before departing Zephyrhills. Given the highway-focused profile, keep an eye on your speed and be aware of the transitions between Florida's Turnpike and other highways.
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 122.1 miles from Zephyrhills, FL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 54 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.1 miles or 2h 35m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Zephyrhills, 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 Zephyrhills, FL
This is one driving day of about 244.2 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Zephyrhills, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 142.7 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 242.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in|FL 39 / Paul S Buchman Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 39 / Paul S Buchman Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
19.7 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
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 27
Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
8
29.6 mi into trip|~38m in
Take the exit toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
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 10
Toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
8
100 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
7
242.8 mi into trip|~4h 47m in
Take the exit toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.26 one way
$78.53 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$42.83
$85.66
premium
$4.78
$45.97
$91.95
diesel
$6.28
$60.34
$120.68
Estimated Tolls: $9.99
Florida's Turnpike
(142.7 mi)$9.99
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
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.3
0
$25.64
$11.72
Efficient EV
61.1
0
$21.37
$9.77
EV Truck/SUV
97.7
1
$34.19
$15.63
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Zephyrhills, FL
Morning
in Zephyrhills on Friday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
NNE 14 to 18 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Friday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 16 to 21 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
64°F
Dundee, FL
122 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
5 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
4h 51m 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?
The personality of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the journey on major roads. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 142.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike, which forms the backbone of this trip. While largely a high-speed experience, expect some transitions as you navigate between the Turnpike and state roads like FL 60 and Paul S Buchman Highway. This means a consistent pace for most of the way, punctuated by moments of entering and exiting the main thoroughfare.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.7 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near FL 39 / Paul S Buchman Highway.
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 17 significant decision points across 244.2 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 1.3 miles (FL 39 / Paul S Buchman Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
150 ft6 ft
Total Climb
78 ft
Total Descent
162 ft
Highest Point
150 ft
~17.4 mi in
Elevation Range
144 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Zephyrhills, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs point toward Winter Haven, Bartow and Florida's Turnpike South: Miami.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 244.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.99 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 13 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (FL 39 / Paul S Buchman Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
