Traveling from Edgewater to Fort Lauderdale covers 219.5 miles of Florida coastline, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, this trip works perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $37 on fuel, making this a cost-effective way to transition between these two regions. The route relies heavily on major arteries like I-95 and Florida's Turnpike to keep you moving efficiently. Whether you are heading south for business or leisure, this drive offers a straightforward path that prioritizes speed and reliability over slow-paced backroads.
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
109.7 miles from Edgewater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
121.6 mi
2h 10m
Florida's Turnpike
84.9 mi
1h 32m
West Indian River Boulevard
3.7 mi
6m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Ridgewood Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Okeechobee Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 121.6 mi, about 2h 10m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 94 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,419 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,165
Quietest
2 AM
~251 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Edgewater, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on this road
19 ft·1 sec·this road
2
Continue on East Ocean Avenue
0.2 mi·45 sec·East Ocean Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 1
1.2 mi·2 min·Ridgewood Avenue
4
Turn right onto FL 442
3.7 mi·6 min·West Indian River Boulevard
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
6
Merge onto I 95
114 mi·2 hr 2 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 32 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
15
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
17
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
18
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
20
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
24
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 10-minute trip, try to avoid peak commuting hours when traffic on I-95 can become heavy. Since the route is efficient, you only need one planned stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which helps break up the monotony of the longest 121.6-mile stretch. Keep your fuel budget of $37 in mind, and consider filling up before hitting the Turnpike to potentially save on service plaza pricing. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart mid-morning or early afternoon without feeling rushed. Always keep an eye on real-time traffic updates, as the heavy reliance on major highways makes this route sensitive to sudden congestion or accidents.
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 109.7 miles from Edgewater, FL, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.6 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 48 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.7 miles or 2h 1m 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 19m
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 Edgewater, 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 Edgewater, FL
This is one driving day of about 219.5 miles and 4h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Edgewater, 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 95 for about 121.6 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 119.9 and 217 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
119.9 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
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 129
Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
7
120.3 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
8
121.1 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
8
206.5 mi into trip|~3h 48m 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...
8
217 mi into trip|~4h 4m 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
$33.23 one way
$66.45 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$36.46
$72.92
premium
$4.55
$39.32
$78.64
diesel
$4.80
$41.45
$82.89
Estimated Tolls: $5.94
Florida's Turnpike
(84.9 mi)$5.94
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
$33
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.9
0
$23.05
$10.54
Efficient EV
54.9
0
$19.21
$8.78
EV Truck/SUV
87.8
1
$30.73
$14.05
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Edgewater, FL
Evening
in Edgewater on Monday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
SE 10 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:12PM CDT until July 18 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:06PM CDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Evening
in Fort Lauderdale on Monday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Partly Sunny
SE 12 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:12PM CDT until July 18 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:06PM CDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
1 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
4h 10m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of your time spent on high-speed roads that prioritize efficiency. You will face a significant 121.6-mile stretch on I-95, which serves as the backbone of your journey and demands steady focus behind the wheel. The experience is largely a monotonous interstate grind, designed to move you quickly through the Florida landscape rather than offer technical or winding terrain. As you shift from the quieter roads of Edgewater onto the busier corridors of the Turnpike and I-95, the pace of traffic will likely intensify. Expect a functional, high-speed transit experience that demands alertness during the longer interstate segments.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 119.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 219.5 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 119.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 121.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
31 ft2 ft
Total Climb
40 ft
Total Descent
42 ft
Highest Point
31 ft
~15.7 mi in
Elevation Range
29 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Edgewater, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
Fort Pierce
119.9 mi in|~2h 12m
Miami
121.1 mi in|~2h 15m
Florida's Turnpike South
121.1 mi in|~2h 15m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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).
Top landmarks
•Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale — art museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
•Bryan Building — building in Florida, United States
•North Woodlawn Cemetery — cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 10m. Total distance: 219.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.94 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 119.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 121.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Lauderdale, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
