Origin
Watertown, FL
Late night in Watertown on Wednesday
Local time
2:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Watertown, FL to Tampa, FL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
3h 14m
Distance
172.9 mi
278 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 3m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 38m
10 AM
3h 23m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 24m
5 PM
3h 37m
8 PM
3h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watertown, FL
Samuel Etienne
Tampa, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a 172.9-mile journey from Watertown to Tampa, Florida, this drive is best suited for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 95% of the travel occurring on major interstates like I-75 and I-275, complemented by Southwest State Road 47. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, this trip offers a straightforward and efficient passage within the state of Florida. It's an uncomplicated drive that allows for flexibility in your schedule, making it an easy addition to your travel plans.
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
86.5 miles from Watertown, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 172.9-mile trip, with 95% of your travel on major interstates. The dominant roadway will be I-75, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of 148.5 miles. This means you'll be in a consistent driving rhythm for a significant portion of the journey. Southwest State Road 47 will also play a role, but the overall character remains that of a direct, efficient drive designed for covering distance quickly.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 148.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3 miles in near FL 47 / Southwest State Road 47.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 172.9 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 3 miles (FL 47 / Southwest State Road 47): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 155.5 miles (I 275): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
FL 47 / Southwest State Road 47
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 47 / Southwest State Road 47
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
6.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Turn left toward I 75 South: Tampa
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 75 South: Tampa
9
155.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
I 275
Keep slight right at fork onto I 275 toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 274
Toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
7
171.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
Take the exit toward Downtown East-West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 45A
Toward Downtown East-West
9
172 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street
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 Watertown, FL to Tampa, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
Saint Petersburg
155.5 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via I 275
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 148.5 mi | 2h 39m |
| I 275 | 15.9 mi | 19m |
| Southwest State Road 47 | 3.8 mi | 6m |
| Southwest Main Boulevard | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| East Duval Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| North Orange Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Pierce Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Kennedy Boulevard | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 148.5 mi, about 2h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, FL and Tampa, FL.
1
Start on Northeast Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Northeast Washington Street
2
Turn left onto Northeast Milton Terrace
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
·
Northeast Milton Terrace
3
At end of road, turn right onto Northeast Jacksonvile Loop
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Northeast Jacksonvile Loop
4
Turn right onto US 90
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
East Duval Street
5
Turn left onto US 41; US 441 Truck
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Main Boulevard
6
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 47
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Southwest State Road 47
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 75
148 mi
·
2 hr 39 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 275
16 mi
·
19 min
·
I 275
Exit 274
Toward I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 45A
Toward Downtown East-West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
251 ft
·
6 sec
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward Downtown East, Jefferson Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on North Orange Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
North Orange Avenue
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn straight onto Pierce Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Pierce Street
15
Turn right onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Kennedy Boulevard
16
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 14-minute duration, this route from Watertown to Tampa is easily manageable as a day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach the Tampa area. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which is ample for a break on this 172.9-mile drive. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a significant exit is 148.5 miles on I-75, so plan your refueling accordingly before entering that segment.
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 86.5 miles from Watertown, FL, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.5 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 80 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.5 miles or 1h 37m 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 37m
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 Watertown, 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 Watertown, FL
This is one driving day of about 172.9 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Watertown, 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 148.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.5 mi from Watertown, FL · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.5 miles from Watertown, 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 148.5 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
$27.52 one way
$55.04 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $29.94 | $59.88 |
| premium | $4.72 | $32.15 | $64.30 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.17 | $76.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.9 | 0 | $18.15 | $8.30 |
| Efficient EV | 43.2 | 0 | $15.13 | $6.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.21 | $11.07 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Tampa, FL
Late night in Tampa on Wednesday
Local time
2:48 AM
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
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
3h 14m 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 Watertown, FL to Tampa, FL covers 172.9 miles and takes about 3h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, I 275, Southwest State Road 47. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.5 miles from Watertown, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.52 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 172.9 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 3 miles (FL 47 / Southwest State Road 47): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 155.5 miles (I 275): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Watertown, FL to Tampa, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
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