Traveling from Clermont to Fort Lauderdale covers 226.3 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 17 minutes. Because this trip is highway-focused, you can easily complete the journey in a single day, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach the coast quickly. With an estimated fuel cost of $38, it remains a budget-friendly option for a Florida getaway. You will primarily navigate via FL 50, Florida's Turnpike, and I-95. Whether you are heading south for business or leisure, this route provides a direct connection between Central Florida and the Fort Lauderdale area.
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
113.2 miles from Clermont, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
204.3 mi
3h 40m
FL 50
8 mi
12m
I 95
7.2 mi
8m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
East Broward Boulevard
0.2 mi
<1m
10th Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 204.3 mi, about 3h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clermont, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on Linden Street
235 ft·15 sec·Linden Street
2
Turn left onto 10th Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·10th Street
3
Turn right onto FL 50
0.9 mi·1 min·FL 50
4
Continue on FL 50
0.5 mi·55 sec·FL 50
5
Continue on FL 50
3.0 mi·4 min·FL 50
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on FL 50
3.5 mi·5 min·FL 50
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
9
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
204 mi·3 hr 40 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
12
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
14
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
15
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
16
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
17
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 17-minute drive, consider leaving early to avoid peak traffic surges near the urban centers. Since the route relies heavily on a single, massive 204.3-mile stretch, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the turnpike portion, as the long, uninterrupted nature of the road means you should be strategic about when you pull off for gas. Because the trip is short enough to handle in one day, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Always double-check your toll payment method before heading out, as Florida's Turnpike is a major component of this journey.
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 113.2 miles from Clermont, FL, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 204.3 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 50 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.2 miles or 2h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 26m
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 Clermont, 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 Clermont, FL
This is one driving day of about 226.3 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Clermont, 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 204.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 0 and 223.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|10th Street
Turn left onto 10th Street
Navigation decision point
7
8.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, Miami
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.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, Miami
8
213.3 mi into trip|~3h 56m 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
213.9 mi into trip|~3h 58m 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
223.9 mi into trip|~4h 11m 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
$36.02 one way
$72.04 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$39.18
$78.37
premium
$4.72
$42.08
$84.16
diesel
$5.61
$49.96
$99.93
Estimated Tolls: $14.30
Florida's Turnpike
(204.3 mi)$14.30
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
$36
Tolls
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.9
0
$23.76
$10.86
Efficient EV
56.6
0
$19.80
$9.05
EV Truck/SUV
90.5
1
$31.68
$14.48
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Clermont, FL
Morning
in Clermont on Sunday
Local time
6:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Morning
in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
6:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
E 3 to 10 mph6% chanceLive 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
22 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
4h 17m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a straightforward, high-speed experience as 97% of this route takes place on major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on Florida's Turnpike, which accounts for a single, long stretch of 204.3 miles. Because of this, the drive feels like a consistent, efficient interstate grind rather than a winding backroad adventure. Once you transition toward the coast, the environment shifts as you merge into the more heavily trafficked corridors leading into Fort Lauderdale. Prepare for a steady pace behind the wheel that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 204.3 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 50. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 10th Street.
Driving Effort8/10
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 226.3 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 (10th Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 213.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Clermont is a city in Lake County, Florida, just over 20 miles (32 km) west of Orlando. While the city is small and primarily residential, it is home to a handful of landmarks and offbeat attractions that make it a stop worth considering when in the area. In 2019, the population was about 39,000, an increase of 10,000 over nine years. The city quadrupled its population from 2000 to 2019.
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).
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 17m. Total distance: 226.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 204.3 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $14.30 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: near the start (10th Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 213.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Lauderdale, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
