Best Route Monday 9AM from Gulfport to Orlando Airport (Tampa: how much, beach)

[dothetwist]

Google Maps (directions) gives me two options...the obvious route over the Howard Frankland to I-4 (1hr 41min without traffic). The alternate goes south on 275 to 75 then to I-4 (1hr 53min without traffic).

We normally take the Howard Frankland to Tampa Airport, but we've never left during rush hour. We've only used the 'alternate' route once, to go to Apollo Beach and that was also non-rush.

Are both of these routes heavy with rushhour traffic at 9AM on Mondays??

We have to be at the airline check-in counter by 12:15PM, so I'm allowing 3+ hours for the drive, parking the car (we are totally unfamiliar with Orlando Airport), etc.

Which route would you take and how much time would you allow?

[KPB]

How long does it say it takes if you took Gandy to 75 ?

I'm thinking the traffic on 275 from the bridge all the way to malfunction junction (I-4) would be too much. I'd consider taking Gandy/Crosstown to 75 OR the Skyway like you said.

[dothetwist]

Yeah, we're thinking we at least have a shot at a detour taking the southern route over the Skyway. If there's an accident on the Howard Frankland, we're toast.

Anyone have an opinion on allowing 3 hours for the trip on Monday AM?