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Trip from Citrus Springs, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 31m

Distance

286.4 mi

461 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 18m ★
6 AM
5h 32m
8 AM
5h 58m
10 AM
5h 41m
12 PM
5h 38m
3 PM
5h 42m
5 PM
5h 57m
8 PM
5h 24m

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

census designated place in Citrus County, Florida, United States

Citrus Springs, FL

Wikimedia Commons

city ​​in Broward County, Florida, United States

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 286.4-mile journey from Citrus Springs, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL will take approximately 5 hours and 31 minutes of driving time. It's designed as a single-day trip, so you can comfortably complete it without needing an overnight stop. The route is primarily focused on highway travel, with 86% of the drive on main roads like Florida's Turnpike, Gulf to Lake Highway, and Florida Avenue. With an estimated fuel cost of $46, this drive offers a straightforward and efficient way to get from one part of Florida to another. You'll experience a consistent driving feel for most of the trip.

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

143.2 miles from Citrus Springs, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 240.2 mi 4h 19m
Gulf to Lake Highway 15 mi 20m
Florida Avenue 14.3 mi 21m
I 95 7.2 mi 8m
West Broward Boulevard 1.8 mi 3m
North Citrus Springs Boulevard 1.5 mi 3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard 1.4 mi 2m
Main Street 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 240.2 mi, about 4h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Citrus Springs, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.

1

Start on North Greco Terrace

484 ft · 22 sec · North Greco Terrace
2

Turn right onto North Citrus Springs Boulevard

1.5 mi · 3 min · North Citrus Springs Boulevard
3

Turn right onto US 41

14 mi · 21 min · Florida Avenue
4

Turn left onto US 41; FL 44

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street
5

Turn left onto FL 44

15 mi · 20 min · Gulf to Lake Highway
6

Take the ramp

0.7 mi · 1 min
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

240 mi · 4 hr 19 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 67 Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

251 ft · 15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
11

Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard

1.4 mi · 2 min · Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
12

Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Northwest 16th Avenue
13

Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Andrews Avenue
14

Turn left onto SR 814

497 ft · 16 sec · West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
16

Merge onto I 95

7.2 mi · 8 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 27 Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn left onto SR 842

1.8 mi · 3 min · West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on SR 842

0.2 mi · 35 sec · East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

SR 842

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour and 31-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Citrus Springs to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach Fort Lauderdale. With a longest stretch of 240.2 miles, you'll want to plan for at least one substantial stop for fuel and a break. Given the significant highway share, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is advisable, especially as the estimated fuel cost is $46. The single-day nature of this trip means you have flexibility, but breaking it up is generally not necessary unless you prefer a more leisurely pace.

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 143.2 miles from Citrus Springs, FL, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 240.2 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 63 miles or 1h 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 143.2 miles or 2h 50m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Citrus Springs, 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 Citrus Springs, FL

This is one driving day of about 286.4 miles and 5h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Citrus Springs, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 240.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Palm Bay, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palm Bay, FL

143 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

Clermont, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palm Bay, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.2 miles from Citrus Springs, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 240.2 miles.

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.

Top Restaurant

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orlando, Florida

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 81.8

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14077045878

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orlando, Florida

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.8

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+14079894499

Visit website

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 81.8

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14077045878

Visit website

Heidi's Souper Salads

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13524194033

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13527267060

Visit website

Hen House Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13524197942

Visit website

Central Cafe & Bakery

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+13524194911

Visit website

Ellianos Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Dunnellon, Florida

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13527634014

Visit website

Auggie's Cafe & Deli

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Beverly Hills, Florida

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13522497677

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.8

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+14079894499

Visit website

Lucky Goat Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 40.9

Sumterville, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+13525694075

Visit website

Sweet Alps Ice Cream Inverness

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13524231112

Visit website

Sweeties' Cafe & Tea House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Dunnellon, Florida

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+13522162510

The Station Nutrition

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Dunnellon, Florida

Hours: 6:30 am–3:30 pm

+13527634020

Blue Deep Sea Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 61.4

Clermont, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

Dunnellon Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Dunnellon, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13529663226

Visit website

Christmas Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13524194329

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 40.9

Wildwood, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 61.4

Minneola, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Dunnellon, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 61.4

Clermont, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

SynergEV Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 61.4

Minneola, Florida

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.6 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 40.9

Wildwood, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887518560

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.5 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 20.5

Inverness, Florida

BTC Power Charging Station

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 61.4

Clermont, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

The Orlando Auto Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 81.8

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13217541700

Visit website

Riverbend Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 225

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617411359

Visit website

Fun Spot America

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 81.8

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 2 pm–12 am

+14073633867

Visit website

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 81.8

Orlando, Florida

+14073638000

Visit website

Joseph C. Carter Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 286.4

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19548285411

Visit website

Indian Creek Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 225

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617412400

Visit website

Wreck It Ft Laudy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 286.4

Oakland Park, Florida

Peaceful Waters Sanctuary

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 245.5

Wellington, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15617914005

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 32.5 and 283.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
32.5 mi into trip | ~50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
5
33.1 mi into trip | ~51m in | Florida's Turnpike

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
273.3 mi into trip | ~5h 10m in

Take the exit toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 67 Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther Kin...
6
274 mi into trip | ~5h 12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlan...
8
283.9 mi into trip | ~5h 26m in

Take the exit toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, Downtown

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 27 Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$45.59 one way

$91.17 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $49.59 $99.18
premium $4.72 $53.25 $106.51
diesel $5.61 $63.23 $126.47

Estimated Tolls: $16.82

Florida's Turnpike (240.2 mi) $16.82

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

$46

Tolls

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.9 1 $30.07 $13.75
Efficient EV 71.6 0 $25.06 $11.46
EV Truck/SUV 114.6 1 $40.10 $18.33

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

34 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 16, 2026

Origin

Citrus Springs, FL

Morning in Citrus Springs on Sunday

Local time

6:28 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Morning in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday

Local time

6:28 AM

EDT

Current temp

80°F

Mostly Sunny

E 7 to 10 mph 4% chance Live forecast

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:40AM EDT until April 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:00AM EDT until April 17 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

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

23 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 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 286.4-mile trip, with 86% of the mileage on main roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 240.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike, indicating long periods of consistent speed. While the route is largely on major arteries, it's not exclusively a monotonous interstate experience. You'll navigate through Florida's Turnpike, Gulf to Lake Highway, and Florida Avenue, which should offer some variation in scenery and traffic patterns as you progress south.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 240.2 mi on Florida's Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and Gulf to Lake Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 32.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 286.4 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: at 32.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.1 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 273.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Citrus Springs, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.

Florida's Turnpike South

32.5 mi in | ~50m

Orlando

32.5 mi in | ~50m

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Full guide →

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean in the US state of Florida. It is known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive canal system. Situated in Broward County in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area, the city's population is over 180,000 (2021). The city is most famous for its beaches and boats, and while the city of Fort Lauderdale is relatively small in area, the term 'Fort Lauderdale' is often used to refer to the larger metropolis that has grown up around it. It is the county seat for Broward county, and is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, which has over 6.1 million people (2019).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 286.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 240.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.82 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Fort Lauderdale, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 32.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.1 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 273.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Lauderdale, FL before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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