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Better route from Tallahassee to Tampa, US 98/19 to 589 or I-10 to 75?

Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:31 pm
Posted by Ry_garou
Lafayette
Member since Mar 2014
593 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:31 pm
Anyone have experience with the US 98/19 & Suncoast Pkwy drive? I’ve always taken I10 / 75 without issues but it has been years since I made the drive. Any input is appreciated.

Posted by TigerBR1111
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2014
7744 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:35 pm to
I did the old route highway from Tallahassee to Orlando a couple of years ago. Wasn’t much slower and I enjoyed going through the little towns and being off the interstate.
A major hurricane tore through part of the area recently, so not sure what kind of impact that has had.
This post was edited on 6/12/25 at 4:36 pm
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
70616 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:35 pm to
Took the old route leisurely about 4 years ago during COVID, it was a ghost town.

Probably won’t be bad while school is out.
Posted by oldtrucker
Marianna, Fl
Member since Apr 2013
2612 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:35 pm to
US 19, without a doubt. I always take it down to Tampa or Central Florida
Less traffic, much less stressful, better chance of avoiding traffic backups on 75, a no brainer
This post was edited on 6/12/25 at 4:39 pm
Posted by Tigris
Cloud Cuckoo Land
Member since Jul 2005
12883 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:50 pm to
The interstate may be slightly faster, but I'd do 19/98/589. Very little traffic in most parts of those roads, I-75 can be chaos with some really crappy drivers and lots of truck traffic. I do 98 for both Tampa and Orlando, but I live south of Tallahassee which makes the choice easier for me.
Posted by beachdude
FL
Member since Nov 2008
6128 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 4:52 pm to
I 75 from Lake City, FL to Wildwood, FL should be avoided all during the summer and in the winter holiday season.
Posted by TheOcean
#honeyfriedchicken
Member since Aug 2004
44472 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 5:07 pm to
Just make sure your Last Will is up to date before hopping on I10/I75
Posted by tide06
Member since Oct 2011
17254 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 5:15 pm to
98 is much more scenic old Florida-ish, 75 is much faster absent a major crash.

As was mentioned Helene messed that forgotten coast area up pretty badly so I’m not sure if they’re fully back online yet in some areas.
Posted by Koach K
Member since Nov 2016
4616 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 5:16 pm to
Airplane
Posted by PrezCock
Florida
Member since Sep 2019
795 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 5:56 pm to
I have taken this trip probably 100 times. I always take 19 and Suncoast Pkwy/Veterans Pkwy. Traffic is almost non-existent and there are plenty of places to get gas. I10/I75 is a terrible drive. It's worth the extra time to take 19.
Posted by Allyn McKeen
Key West, FL
Member since Jun 2012
4492 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 6:01 pm to
75 is usually bad. That's about all you need to know
Posted by Funky Tide 8
Bayou Chico
Member since Feb 2009
54980 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 6:18 pm to
quote:

98 is much more scenic old Florida-ish, 75 is much faster absent a major crash.



75 really isn't that much faster is it?

I drove down 98 in December and the hurricane damage wasn't all that bad.
Posted by Turner River Terror
Member since Apr 2022
274 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 6:50 pm to
I live about 2 miles from 19 just south of Perry.
Many times, I've pulled out on 19 and not seen a car in either direction for miles.
I 75 is a Racetrack...
Posted by MasterAbe1
Member since Oct 2016
5939 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 7:50 pm to
Took 75 towards Orlando a few times and took 98/19 once towards Tampa about two years ago.

I’ll never take 75 again if I have to. 98 is a really nice drive, not a ton of traffic, and honestly I didn’t notice a time difference versus what the map told me I would have gotten there if I took 75
Posted by Hank R Hill
Arlen,TX
Member since Jan 2017
529 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 8:38 pm to
Take US 19 from 1-10 to Crystal River. Then take the toll road to Tampa. It ends at the airport. You are on OT so I know you are a baller that can afford the toll
Posted by Ry_garou
Lafayette
Member since Mar 2014
593 posts
Posted on 6/12/25 at 8:56 pm to
Thanks for all the info, and yes I budgeted for the pay by tag toll because I am an OT baller.

I would fly but my Boeing has been grounded due to recent events..
Posted by Funky Tide 8
Bayou Chico
Member since Feb 2009
54980 posts
Posted on 6/13/25 at 10:29 am to
quote:

Thanks for all the info, and yes I budgeted for the pay by tag toll because I am an OT baller.

I would fly but my Boeing has been grounded due to recent events..


I would stop at some springs along the way.
Posted by TigersnJeeps
FL Panhandle
Member since Jan 2021
2418 posts
Posted on 6/13/25 at 10:41 am to
I have driven that route from Ft Walton to Bradenton many times in the nearly 40 years I have lived up here.

It is more leisurely and less stressful than 75. I-10 isn't bad.

However, in those 40yrs, many of the "old Florida" relics and feel have disappeared. While some towns have withered (eg Perry), others have grown - esp as you go further south on 98.

Since I was going to Bton, I usually cut over on 98 to I-75 at Brooksville.
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