Skip to main content

Trip from DeLand, FL to St. Petersburg, FL

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

2h 55m

Distance

144.1 mi

232 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 44m ★
6 AM
2h 55m
8 AM
3h 17m
10 AM
3h 3m
12 PM
3h 1m
3 PM
3h 4m
5 PM
3h 16m
8 PM
2h 48m

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

Downtown DeLand, FL, FL

DeLand, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States

St. Petersburg, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 144.1-mile drive from DeLand to St. Petersburg is easily manageable as a single-day trip, typically taking around 2 hours and 55 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, with Interstate 4 and Interstate 275 forming the backbone of your journey, supplemented by Florida State Road 472. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, this is an economical option for exploring the Florida landscape. The route is focused on efficient travel, making it a straightforward option for getting between these two Florida locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

72 miles from DeLand, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 95% of the route utilizing high-speed interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.2 miles on I-4, meaning you can settle in for a significant portion of the trip without many interruptions. This profile suggests a focus on covering distance efficiently rather than a winding, scenic exploration. The character of the drive remains consistent for most of its length, prioritizing direct travel.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 4 is the longest continuous segment at about 112.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 144.1 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 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.7 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
6.8 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 4 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 4 West
6
25.7 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 4

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
36.1 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 84B Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
120.3 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport...
8
142 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Take the exit toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery

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 23B Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange...

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 DeLand, FL to St. Petersburg, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Saint Petersburg

120.3 mi in | ~2h 23m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 4 112.2 mi 2h 8m
I 275 21.3 mi 26m
FL 472 2.7 mi 3m
South Woodland Boulevard 2.4 mi 4m
5th Avenue North 1.2 mi 2m
South Alabama Avenue 1 mi 2m
34th Street North 0.5 mi 1m
East Beresford Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 4 — 112.2 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between DeLand, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.

1

Start on FL 44

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East New York Avenue
2

Turn right onto South Alabama Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Alabama Avenue
3

At end of road, turn right onto East Beresford Avenue

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Beresford Avenue
4

Turn left onto US 17; US 92

0.1 mi · 13 sec · South Woodland Boulevard
5

Enter roundabout onto US 17; US 92

157 ft · 2 sec · South Woodland Boulevard
6

Continue on US 17; US 92

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Woodland Boulevard
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
8

Continue on FL 472

2.7 mi · 3 min · FL 472
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 4 West Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 4

19 mi · 21 min · I 4
Use the right lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 4

10 mi · 13 min · I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 84B Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
13

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 1 min · this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
14

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
15

Merge onto I 4

83 mi · 1 hr 34 min · I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg Use the slight left lane.
17

Merge onto I 275

21 mi · 26 min · I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 23B Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto FL 595

1.2 mi · 2 min · 5th Avenue North
20

Turn left onto US 19

0.5 mi · 1 min · 34th Street North
Use the left lane.
21

Continue on US 19

323 ft · 14 sec · 34th Street South
22

Arrive at destination

US 19

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 2-hour 55-minute duration, this drive is perfect for a day trip, offering flexibility in departure time. You'll want to plan for just one stop, perhaps along the 112.2-mile stretch on I-4, to break up the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $23 estimated cost is based on continuous highway travel. Departing later in the morning can help you avoid potential commuter traffic around the urban areas you'll pass through.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72 miles from DeLand, FL, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.2 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72 miles or 1h 28m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving DeLand, 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 DeLand, FL

This is one driving day of about 144.1 miles and 2h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from DeLand, 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 4 for about 112.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 72 mi from DeLand, FL · 1h 28m into the drive

city in Polk County, Florida, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lakeland, FL

72 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

Lakeland, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Orlando, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72 miles from DeLand, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.2 miles.

Arriving in St. Petersburg, FL

The final approach into St. Petersburg, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around St. Petersburg, FL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.94 one way

$45.87 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $24.95 $49.90
premium $4.72 $26.79 $53.59
diesel $5.61 $31.82 $63.63

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.2 0 $15.13 $6.92
Efficient EV 36 0 $12.61 $5.76
EV Truck/SUV 57.6 0 $20.17 $9.22

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

DeLand, FL

Morning in DeLand on Wednesday

Local time

8:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

St. Petersburg, FL

Morning in St. Petersburg on Wednesday

Local time

8:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°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

25 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

2h 55m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from DeLand, FL to St. Petersburg, FL covers 144.1 miles and takes about 2h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 4, I 275, FL 472. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 72 miles from DeLand, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.94 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 144.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.7 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from DeLand, FL to St. Petersburg, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from DeLand, FL or browse trips ending in St. Petersburg, FL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

Explore maps for DeLand, FL or St. Petersburg, FL on MapSof.net.