Fernandina Beach to Fort Lauderdale is 354.5 miles and takes about 6 hours 47 minutes via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, moving you from the northern coast down to the southeastern tip. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a straightforward, if not particularly scenic, transit. Consider this route if you need to get from Point A to Point B efficiently, with minimal fuss.
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
177.3 miles from Fernandina Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
210.2 mi
3h 46m
Florida's Turnpike
84.9 mi
1h 32m
East Beltway
21.4 mi
24m
US 17
12.6 mi
18m
South 8th Street
11.3 mi
19m
FL 9B
5.1 mi
5m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 210.2 mi, about 3h 46m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 53 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,082 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,862
Quietest
2 AM
~248 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.4×
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 Fernandina Beach, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on Ash Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·Ash Street
2
Turn right onto SR A1A; FL 200
11 mi·19 min·South 8th Street
3
Turn sharp left onto US 17
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17
4
Continue on US 17
12 mi·16 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 295 SouthUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 295
8.5 mi·9 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
7.3 mi·8 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
5.6 mi·6 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 9B
5.1 mi·5 min·FL 9B
Exit 58Toward I 795 South: Saint AugustineUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 4BToward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
11
Merge onto I 95
203 mi·3 hr 38 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
14
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
15
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
17
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 32 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
20
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
22
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
23
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
25
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
29
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
For this 6 hour 47 minute drive, leaving in the morning is best to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you have flexibility in how you pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you get closer to Fort Lauderdale, and plan your refueling stops accordingly. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 210.2 miles on I 95, so ensure you're comfortable with that before you set out.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 177.3 miles from Fernandina Beach, FL, or about 3h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 210.2 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 78 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 177.3 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 35m
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 Fernandina Beach, 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 Fernandina Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 354.5 miles and 6h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Fernandina Beach, 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 210.2 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 46.2 and 352.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
46.2 mi into trip|~1h 4m in|FL 9B
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 9B toward I 795 South: Saint Augustine
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 58
Toward I 795 South: Saint Augustine
8
254.9 mi into trip|~4h 50m 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
8
256.2 mi into trip|~4h 52m 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
341.5 mi into trip|~6h 26m 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
352.1 mi into trip|~6h 42m 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
$53.66 one way
$107.33 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg124 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$58.88
$117.77
premium
$4.55
$63.50
$127.01
diesel
$4.80
$66.94
$133.87
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
$54
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 124 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
106.4
1
$37.22
$17.02
Efficient EV
88.6
1
$31.02
$14.18
EV Truck/SUV
141.8
1
$49.63
$22.69
Gas CO2
124 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Fernandina Beach, FL
Late night
in Fernandina Beach on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 2 to 10 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Late night
in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 6 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
76°F
Titusville, FL
177 mi in
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
9 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
6h 47m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 85.6
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
$25
near mile 158.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 87% of the 354.5 miles on major roads like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll encounter a long stretch of 210.2 miles on I 95 before transitioning to other highways. The route profile is mostly highway driving, suggesting a consistent pace. Expect to see plenty of exits and traffic as you approach urban areas.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 210.2 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 46.2 miles in near FL 9B.
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 25 significant decision points across 354.5 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 46.2 miles (FL 9B): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 254.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 256.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
41 ft2 ft
Total Climb
63 ft
Total Descent
70 ft
Highest Point
41 ft
~76 mi in
Elevation Range
39 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fernandina Beach, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
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 6h 47m. Total distance: 354.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 47m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 210.2 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 46.2 miles (FL 9B): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 254.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 256.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 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.
