Ensley, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL is 648.2 miles and takes about 11 hours 45 minutes via I 10 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $112 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though it's best split over two days. This long-haul drive spans the length of Florida, taking you from the western Panhandle region to the southeastern Atlantic coast. With 99% of the route on highways, expect a consistent pace. Planning for an overnight stop is highly recommended to avoid fatigue and make the most of your time.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
324.1 miles from Ensley, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
285.7 mi
5h 6m
Florida's Turnpike
240.6 mi
4h 19m
I 75
107.2 mi
1h 54m
I 95
7.2 mi
8m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Pensacola Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 285.7 mi, about 5h 6m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 58 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,350 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,768
Quietest
2 AM
~151 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
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 Ensley, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on West Detroit Boulevard
35 ft·9 sec·West Detroit Boulevard
2
Turn left onto US 29
1.1 mi·1 min·Pensacola Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·20 sec
4
Merge onto I 10
286 mi·5 hr 6 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 296AToward I-75 South: Tampa
6
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
241 mi·4 hr 19 min·Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328Toward Florida's Turnpike South, OrlandoUse the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
10
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
12
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
13
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
15
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
Given the 11-hour 45-minute duration, splitting this drive over two days is the most practical approach. Aim to depart early in the morning on your first day to cover a substantial portion, perhaps around 300-350 miles. Your longest continuous highway stretch is 285.7 miles on I 10, so plan your first stop after reaching that point or slightly beyond. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer highway segments, and utilize the approximately 3 planned stops for rest and refueling. Florida's Turnpike can have variable toll costs, so factor that into your budget beyond fuel.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 324.1 miles from Ensley, FL, or about 5h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 285.7 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 143 miles or 2h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 324.1 miles or 5h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 324.1 miles or 5h 49m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 10h 33m
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 Ensley, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ensley, FL
Aim for roughly 324 miles and 5.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Fort Lauderdale, FL
Aim for roughly 324 miles and 5.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 143 miles from Ensley, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 285.7 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 645.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 29 / Pensacola Boulevard
Turn left onto US 29 / Pensacola Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
394.5 mi into trip|~7h 4m in|Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
8
635.2 mi into trip|~11h 24m 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
635.8 mi into trip|~11h 26m 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
645.7 mi into trip|~11h 39m 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
$98.12 one way
$196.25 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg227 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$107.67
$215.34
premium
$4.55
$116.11
$232.23
diesel
$4.80
$122.39
$244.78
Estimated Tolls: $16.84
Florida's Turnpike
(240.6 mi)$16.84
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
$98
Tolls
$17
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$245–$355
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 226.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $68 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
194.5
2
$68.06
$31.11
Efficient EV
162.1
1
$56.72
$25.93
EV Truck/SUV
259.3
3
$90.75
$41.48
Gas CO2
227 kg
EV CO2
76 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 16, 2026
Origin
Ensley, FL
Evening
in Ensley on Saturday
Local time
8:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:58PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Night
in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 8 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:58PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 16 at 11:29AM EDT until July 17 at 4:00AM 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
11h 45m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$25
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom B/D Loop Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on major highways, with 99% of the 648.2 miles on interstates and turnpikes. You'll experience a significant 285.7-mile stretch on I 10 before transitioning to other main roads. Expect a steady cruising experience with frequent exits for services. The highway nature of this route means you'll be dealing with typical interstate conditions, including merging traffic and multiple lanes.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 285.7 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 29 / Pensacola Boulevard.
Driving Effort7/10
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 648.2 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 (US 29 / Pensacola Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 394.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 635.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
159 ft2 ft
Total Climb
152 ft
Total Descent
283 ft
Highest Point
159 ft
~277.8 mi in
Elevation Range
157 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ensley, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.
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
The longest stretch is about 285.7 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 324 miles on day one.
Expect about $16.84 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.
Yes — we found about 61 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 3 meaningful breaks. There are 61 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 29 / Pensacola Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 394.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 635.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 11.8 hours each way, a round trip means 23.5 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.
