Tampa to Richmond Heights is 279.4 miles and takes about 5h 10m via I 75, US 27, and Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, moving from the central part of the state down towards the southern tip. Primarily a highway-focused journey, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates and turnpikes. It's a straightforward trip for a single day, designed for efficient travel rather than extensive sightseeing. Plan for a solid block of driving, keeping the fuel budget in mind.
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
139.7 miles from Tampa, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 10m. Total distance: 279.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the journey on major roads like I 75, US 27, and the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike. Expect a consistent pace for the majority of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 231.5 miles on I 75, meaning you can settle in for a long haul without many interruptions. The character of the road is primarily that of a high-speed corridor, designed for 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 23 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 231.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 27. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 41 Business / North Tampa Street.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 279.4 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: near the start (US 41 Business / North Tampa Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 41 Business / North Tampa Street
Turn left onto US 41 Business / North Tampa Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street
Turn left onto US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
8.7 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 15A
Toward I 75 South: Naples
6
64.9 mi into trip|~1h 12m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
276.8 mi into trip|~5h 5m in
Take the exit toward SR 992: Southwest 117th Avenue, Southwest 152nd Street
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 18
Toward SR 992: Southwest 117th Avenue, Southwes...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tampa, FL and Richmond Heights, FL, road signs point toward Bay, Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead and Key West.
Bay
240.7 mi in|~4h 20m
Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead
259.2 mi in|~4h 44m
Key West
259.2 mi in|~4h 44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
231.5 mi
4h 8m
US 27
17.9 mi
22m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
17.4 mi
20m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi
9m
State Road 821 Access Road
1.4 mi
2m
Southwest 152nd Street
0.8 mi
1m
East Jackson Street
0.5 mi
1m
Buchanan Street
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 231.5 mi, about 4h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tampa, FL and Richmond Heights, FL.
1
Start on FL 60
118 ft·10 sec·East Kennedy Boulevard
2
Turn left onto US 41 Business
296 ft·12 sec·North Tampa Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Turn left onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·East Jackson Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto East Jackson Street
69 ft·3 sec·East Jackson Street
5
Turn left onto North Nebraska Avenue
404 ft·9 sec·North Nebraska Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward FL 618 Toll East: Brandon
7
Merge onto FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·33 sec
Exit 15AToward I 75 South: Naples
9
Merge onto I 75
56 mi·59 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
176 mi·3 hr 8 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 27: Miami, South Bay
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward US 27 South: Miami
13
Merge onto US 27
9.2 mi·11 min·US 27
Use the right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 27
8.6 mi·11 min·US 27
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead, Key West
16
Merge onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
17 mi·20 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 18Toward SR 992: Southwest 117th Avenue, Southwest 152nd StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on State Road 821 Access Road
1.1 mi·1 min·State Road 821 Access Road
19
Keep slight left at fork onto State Road 821 Access Road
0.2 mi·28 sec·State Road 821 Access Road
20
Turn left onto SR 992
0.8 mi·1 min·Southwest 152nd Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn left onto Buchanan Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Buchanan Street
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto Southwest Graham Drive
127 ft·3 sec·Southwest Graham Drive
23
Arrive at destination
Southwest Graham Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 10m duration, starting your drive in Tampa early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid arriving too late in Richmond Heights. With a recommended single day for this trip, you have flexibility, but plan for one substantial stop. The longest stretch is over 231 miles, so identify a convenient point along I 75 for a fuel and rest break before continuing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the southern end of the state, where services might be more spread out.
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 139.7 miles from Tampa, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 231.5 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 61 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.7 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond Heights, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tampa, 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 Tampa, FL
This is one driving day of about 279.4 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Tampa, 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 231.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 139.7 mi from Tampa, FL
· 2h 32m into the drive
The midpoint is around 139.7 miles from Tampa, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 231.5 miles.
Arriving in Richmond Heights, FL
The final approach into Richmond Heights, 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 Richmond Heights, 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.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 38.5
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 279.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.47 one way
$88.95 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$48.38
$96.76
premium
$4.72
$51.95
$103.91
diesel
$5.61
$61.69
$123.38
Estimated Tolls: $1.82
Homestead Extension
(17.4 mi)$1.04
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
$44
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.8
1
$29.34
$13.41
Efficient EV
69.9
0
$24.45
$11.18
EV Truck/SUV
111.8
1
$39.12
$17.88
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Tampa, FL
Evening
in Tampa on Friday
Local time
6:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Richmond Heights, FL
Evening
in Richmond Heights on Friday
Local time
6:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°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
2 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
5h 10m 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 Tampa, FL to Richmond Heights, FL covers 279.4 miles and takes about 5h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, US 27, Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 139.7 miles from Tampa, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.47 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 20 significant decision points across 279.4 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: near the start (US 41 Business / North Tampa Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (US 41 Business; FL 60 / East Jackson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Tampa, FL and Richmond Heights, FL, road signs point toward Bay, Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead and Key West.
Yes. Nearby national parks include De Soto National Memorial and Biscayne National Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
