Skip to main content

Trip from St. Petersburg, FL to Auburndale, FL

Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026

Drive Time

1h 27m

Distance

66.4 mi

107 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 20 min
4 AM
1h 21m ★
6 AM
1h 28m
8 AM
1h 41m
10 AM
1h 33m
12 PM
1h 31m
3 PM
1h 33m
5 PM
1h 41m
8 PM
1h 24m

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

city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States

St. Petersburg, FL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk County, Florida, United States

Auburndale, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 66.4-mile drive from St. Petersburg, FL to Auburndale, FL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes. The route primarily utilizes major highways, with I-4 and I-275 forming the backbone for a significant portion of your journey. You'll also navigate East Memorial Boulevard as you approach your destination. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, this is an economical option for a quick transition within Florida. Expect a highway-focused experience for most of the drive, making it a convenient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

33.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this 66.4-mile journey. The road profile indicates that 74% of your drive will be on highways, including a substantial 27.7-mile stretch on I-4 without interruption. While the majority of the route involves interstate travel, you will transition to East Memorial Boulevard in the later stages, offering a slight change in scenery before reaching Auburndale. This drive is designed for efficient travel rather than scenic exploration, with the focus on covering ground quickly on well-trafficked roads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 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 27.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and I 275. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near FL 595 / 5th Avenue North.

Route Complexity 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 1h 27m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (FL 595 / 5th Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

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

3
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | FL 595 / 5th Avenue North

Turn right onto FL 595 / 5th Avenue North

Navigation decision point

5
1.9 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 275

Merge onto I 275

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
23.4 mi into trip | ~31m in

Take the exit toward I 4 East: Orlando

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 45B Toward I 4 East: Orlando
7
51.5 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Take the exit toward Lakeland

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 28 Toward Lakeland
6
65.9 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | Main Street

Turn left onto Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

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 St. Petersburg, FL to Auburndale, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Lakeland along the way.

Lakeland

51.5 mi in | ~1h 2m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 4 27.7 mi 30m
I 275 21.4 mi 27m
East Memorial Boulevard 10.6 mi 17m
Memorial Boulevard 3.4 mi 5m
5th Avenue North 1.2 mi 2m
Main Street 0.4 mi 1m
34th Street South 0.4 mi 1m
North Bartow Avenue

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 4 — 27.7 mi, about 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 19

0.4 mi · 1 min · 34th Street South
2

Turn right onto FL 595

1.2 mi · 2 min · 5th Avenue North
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 275 North
4

Merge onto I 275

21 mi · 27 min · I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 42 sec
Exit 45B Toward I 4 East: Orlando Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 4

28 mi · 30 min · I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Exit 28 Toward Lakeland Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Turn straight onto FL 546

3.4 mi · 5 min · Memorial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
9

Continue on US 92

11 mi · 17 min · East Memorial Boulevard
Use the left lane.
10

Turn left onto Main Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Main Street
Use the left lane.
11

Arrive at destination

North Bartow Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 27-minute duration, this trip offers considerable flexibility. You can depart St. Petersburg at your leisure, but consider leaving before the peak afternoon rush hour on I-4 to ensure a smoother arrival in Auburndale. With no designated stops in the data, plan for a brief rest break on your own terms, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is low at $11, it's always wise to top off before a longer highway stretch like the 27.7 miles on I-4 to avoid unexpected delays.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 33.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.7 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 15 miles or 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 33.2 miles or 42m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 11m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving St. Petersburg, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from St. Petersburg, FL

This is one driving day of about 66.4 miles and 1h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from St. Petersburg, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 4 for about 27.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 33.2 mi from St. Petersburg, FL · 42m into the drive

Downtown Plant City, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Plant City, FL

33 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

Tampa, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Temple Terrace, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 33.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Auburndale, FL

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

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$10.57 one way

$21.14 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $11.50 $22.99
premium $4.72 $12.35 $24.69
diesel $5.61 $14.66 $29.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$11

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$36–$61

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 23.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 19.9 0 $6.97 $3.19
Efficient EV 16.6 0 $5.81 $2.66
EV Truck/SUV 26.6 0 $9.30 $4.25

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (65% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

St. Petersburg, FL

Evening in St. Petersburg on Wednesday

Local time

5:36 PM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Auburndale, FL

Evening in Auburndale on Wednesday

Local time

5:36 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

24 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

1h 27m 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Auburndale, FL covers 66.4 miles and takes about 1h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 4, I 275, East Memorial Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 33.2 miles from St. Petersburg, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.57 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.
This is a straightforward 1h 27m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (FL 595 / 5th Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (I 275): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from St. Petersburg, FL to Auburndale, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Lakeland along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

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