Origin
North Miami Beach, FL
Evening in North Miami Beach on Wednesday
Local time
7:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North Miami Beach, FL to Tampa, FL
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
4h 59m
Distance
269.9 mi
434 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 46m
★
6 AM
5h 0m
8 AM
5h 27m
10 AM
5h 9m
12 PM
5h 6m
3 PM
5h 10m
5 PM
5h 25m
8 PM
4h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North Miami Beach, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Tampa, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 270-mile drive from North Miami Beach to Tampa, Florida, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours. With 97% of the route on major highways like I-75 and the Port Everglades Expressway, it's well-suited for a single-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of approximately $43 for this stretch. The drive is predominantly on the interstate, making it a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Florida cities. Consider this route when you want to get from point A to point B with minimal 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
135 miles from North Miami Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .
Drive Character
The personality of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-centric, with a 97% highway share. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 236 miles on I-75. This means you'll encounter consistent speeds and limited opportunities for spontaneous stops off the main path. The Port Everglades Expressway and Lee Roy Selmon Expressway also contribute to the fast-paced, interstate nature of the journey. Expect a driving experience focused on covering distance efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 236 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Port Everglades Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 269.9 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 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10.2 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Take the exit toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
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 24
Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-...
7
10.4 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
6
13 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
259.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
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 256
Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West...
8
269.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
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 8
Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - Eas...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 236 mi | 4h 13m |
| Port Everglades Expressway | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| Lee Roy Selmon Expressway | 7.8 mi | 9m |
| I 95 | 7.3 mi | 8m |
| Northeast 18th Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Northeast 19th Avenue | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| East Kennedy Boulevard | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Northeast 199th Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 236 mi, about 4h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Miami Beach, FL and Tampa, FL.
1
Start on Northeast 171st Street
46 ft
·
3 sec
·
Northeast 171st Street
2
Turn left onto Northeast 19th Avenue
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Northeast 19th Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork onto Northeast 18th Road
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Northeast 18th Road
4
Continue on Northeast 18th Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Northeast 18th Avenue
5
Continue on Northeast 199th Street
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Northeast 199th Street
6
Turn left onto Highland Lakes Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Highland Lakes Boulevard
7
Turn left onto Ives Dairy Road
406 ft
·
16 sec
·
Ives Dairy Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: West Palm Beach
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 95
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
I 95
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 24
Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 595 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 595
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Port Everglades Expressway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 75
236 mi
·
4 hr 13 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
2.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 256
Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 8
Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Kennedy Boulevard
19
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic congestion, especially around urban areas. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically along the 236-mile stretch of I-75. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest uninterrupted stretch is quite substantial. Your estimated fuel cost for this 270-mile trip is around $43, so budget accordingly.
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 135 miles from North Miami Beach, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236 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 59 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tampa, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North Miami 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from North Miami Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 269.9 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from North Miami Beach, 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 236 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135 mi from North Miami Beach, FL · 2h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
135 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 135 miles from North Miami Beach, 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 236 miles.
Arriving in Tampa, FL
The final approach into Tampa, 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 Tampa, 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
$42.96 one way
$85.92 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $46.73 | $93.47 |
| premium | $4.72 | $50.19 | $100.37 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.59 | $119.18 |
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
$43
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81 | 0 | $28.34 | $12.96 |
| Efficient EV | 67.5 | 0 | $23.62 | $10.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108 | 1 | $37.79 | $17.27 |
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Destination
Tampa, FL
Evening in Tampa on Wednesday
Local time
7:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
3 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 59m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from North Miami Beach, FL to Tampa, FL covers 269.9 miles and takes about 4h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Port Everglades Expressway, Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135 miles from North Miami Beach, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.96 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break 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 12 significant decision points across 269.9 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 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from North Miami Beach, FL to Tampa, FL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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