The drive from Fort Walton Beach, FL to Hollywood, FL covers 624.9 miles and takes about 11h 31m behind the wheel.
It usually feels better as a 2-day road trip than as one long push.
The route leans on Florida's Turnpike, I 10, I 75 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is long-distance drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 240.6 miles on Florida's Turnpike.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $99.47 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
312.4 miles from Fort Walton Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 49m into the drive
.
Drive Character
At 624.9 miles and 11h 31m of driving, this is a route where fuel stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single turn. The main roads are Florida's Turnpike and I 10.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Florida's Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 240.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near FL 189 / Beal Parkway Northwest.
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 21 significant decision points across 624.9 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 0.2 miles (FL 189 / Beal Parkway Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 364.3 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 604.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~1m in|FL 189 / Beal Parkway Northwest
At end of road, turn left onto FL 189 / Beal Parkway Northwest
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
8
364.3 mi into trip|~6h 44m in|Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
8
604.9 mi into trip|~11h 4m in
Take the exit toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King Boulevard
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 67
Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther Kin...
7
623.3 mi into trip|~11h 29m in
Take the exit toward SR 820: Hollywood Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 20
Toward SR 820: Hollywood Boulevard
7
624.4 mi into trip|~11h 31m in|SR 820 / Hollywood Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 820 / Hollywood Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fort Walton Beach, FL and Hollywood, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.
Florida's Turnpike South
364.3 mi in|~6h 44m|via Florida's Turnpike
Orlando
364.3 mi in|~6h 44m|via Florida's Turnpike
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
240.6 mi
4h 19m
I 10
226.1 mi
4h 2m
I 75
107.2 mi
1h 54m
North Partin Drive
17.4 mi
22m
I 95
15.1 mi
17m
Eglin Parkway Northeast
7 mi
12m
Eglin Parkway
2.9 mi
4m
West John Sims Parkway
1.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 240.6 mi, about 4h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Walton Beach, FL and Hollywood, FL.
1
Start on Hummingbird Avenue Northwest
153 ft·8 sec·Hummingbird Avenue Northwest
2
Turn right onto Williams Street Northwest
0.2 mi·56 sec·Williams Street Northwest
3
At end of road, turn left onto FL 189
0.2 mi·27 sec·Beal Parkway Northwest
4
Turn sharp right onto Yacht Club Drive
0.3 mi·41 sec·Yacht Club Drive
5
Turn left onto FL 85
7.0 mi·12 min·Eglin Parkway Northeast
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on FL 85
2.9 mi·4 min·Eglin Parkway
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on FL 85
0.7 mi·1 min·Government Avenue
8
Turn left onto FL 85
1.4 mi·3 min·West John Sims Parkway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
9
Turn left onto FL 285
17 mi·22 min·North Partin Drive
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
11
Merge onto I 10
226 mi·4 hr 2 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 296AToward I-75 South: Tampa
13
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
241 mi·4 hr 19 min·Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328Toward Florida's Turnpike South, OrlandoUse the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
17
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
19
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
20
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
22
Merge onto I 95
15 mi·17 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 20Toward SR 820: Hollywood BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
24
Turn left onto SR 820
0.6 mi·1 min·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on SR 820
391 ft·5 sec·SR 820
26
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 820
0.5 mi·38 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the right lane.
27
Arrive at destination
SR 820
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 312.4 miles from Fort Walton Beach, FL, or about 5h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 240.6 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 137 miles or 2h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 312.4 miles or 5h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 312.4 miles or 5h 49m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 10h 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollywood, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Walton Beach, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fort Walton Beach, FL
Aim for roughly 312 miles and 5.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Hollywood, FL
Aim for roughly 312 miles and 5.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 137 miles from Fort Walton Beach, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Florida's Turnpike for about 240.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 312.4 mi from Fort Walton Beach, FL
· 5h 49m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$99.47 one way
$198.93 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg219 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$108.20
$216.40
premium
$4.72
$116.20
$232.39
diesel
$5.61
$137.97
$275.94
Estimated Tolls: $16.84
Florida's Turnpike
(240.6 mi)$16.84
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
$99
Tolls
$17
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$246–$356
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 218.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $66 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
187.5
2
$65.61
$30.00
Efficient EV
156.2
1
$54.68
$25.00
EV Truck/SUV
250
3
$87.49
$39.99
Gas CO2
219 kg
EV CO2
73 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Late night
in Fort Walton Beach on Friday
Local time
12:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hollywood, FL
Late night
in Hollywood on Friday
Local time
1:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
6 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
11h 31m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Fort Walton Beach, FL to Hollywood, FL covers 624.9 miles and takes about 11h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Florida's Turnpike, I 10, I 75. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 312 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 312.4 miles from Fort Walton Beach, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $99.47 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 624.9 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 0.2 miles (FL 189 / Beal Parkway Northwest): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 364.3 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 604.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fort Walton Beach, FL and Hollywood, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.
