Fort Lauderdale to Callahan is 343 miles and takes about 6h 28m via I 95, Florida's Turnpike, and East Beltway, with a fuel budget near $54 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, taking you from the southern part of the state up towards the Georgia border. It's a predominantly highway route, making it a straightforward option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. With a recommended one-day drive, you can expect a direct trip without needing an overnight stop.
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
171.5 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
203.6 mi
3h 38m
Florida's Turnpike
84.6 mi
1h 33m
East Beltway
26.3 mi
30m
Lem Turner Road
11 mi
15m
FL 9B
4.3 mi
4m
Northwest 9th Avenue
2.9 mi
5m
South Powerline Road
2.4 mi
4m
Powerline Road
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 203.6 mi, about 3h 38m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 59 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,188 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,953
Quietest
2 AM
~255 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.5×
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 Fort Lauderdale, FL and Callahan, FL.
1
Start on SR 842
0.6 mi·1 min·East Broward Boulevard
2
Turn right onto Northwest 9th Avenue
2.9 mi·5 min·Northwest 9th Avenue
3
Continue on SR 845
1.1 mi·2 min·Powerline Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on SR 845
2.4 mi·4 min·South Powerline Road
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on SR 845
1.0 mi·1 min·South Pompano Parkway
Use the left lane.
6
Turn left onto SR 814
0.6 mi·1 min·West Atlantic Boulevard
7
Turn right onto Northwest 31st Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Northwest 31st Avenue
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·16 sec·this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, OrlandoUse the straight / left lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
10
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 33 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 152Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero BeachUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
214 ft·5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
13
Merge onto FL 70
0.3 mi·35 sec·Okeechobee Road
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
204 mi·3 hr 38 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 333Toward FL 9B: Jacksonville BeachesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·53 sec
Toward FL 9B North: Jacksonville BeachesUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto FL 9B
4.3 mi·4 min·FL 9B
20
Merge onto I 295
26 mi·30 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 32Toward FL 115: Lem Turner RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto FL 115
11 mi·15 min·Lem Turner Road
23
Turn right onto US 1; US 23
0.4 mi·1 min·US 1; US 23
24
Turn left onto US 301
0.1 mi·21 sec·1st Avenue
25
Turn left
91 ft·6 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6 hour 28 minute drive time, departing Fort Lauderdale in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Callahan with daylight to spare. The route features a substantial 203.6-mile stretch on I 95, so plan for at least one fuel and rest stop during this segment. While the entire trip can be completed in a single day, pay attention to the transition off the main highways as you get closer to Callahan. Keeping your fuel tank above half full is a good practice on longer highway stretches, especially since the estimated fuel cost is around $54 for the 343 miles.
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 171.5 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.6 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 75 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.5 miles or 3h 16m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Callahan, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL
This is one driving day of about 343 miles and 6h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Fort Lauderdale, 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 203.6 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 94.7 and 331.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
94.7 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
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 152
Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
7
95.8 mi into trip|~1h 54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
7
299.9 mi into trip|~5h 34m in
Take the exit toward FL 9B: Jacksonville Beaches
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 333
Toward FL 9B: Jacksonville Beaches
7
300.1 mi into trip|~5h 35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 9B North: Jacksonville Beaches
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 9B North: Jacksonville Beaches
7
331.3 mi into trip|~6h 11m in
Take the exit toward FL 115: Lem Turner Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 32
Toward FL 115: Lem Turner Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.92 one way
$103.85 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg120 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$56.97
$113.95
premium
$4.55
$61.44
$122.89
diesel
$4.80
$64.76
$129.53
Estimated Tolls: $5.92
Florida's Turnpike
(84.6 mi)$5.92
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
$52
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
EV Charging Along Route
13 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Fort Lauderdale, FL - East Sunrise Boulevard - Tesla Supercharger
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tesla
16 DCFC
Fort Lauderdale Hub, Miami Rd, FL
Ft Lauderdale, FL
BP_PULSE
16 DCFC
606 N Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL
US_SUPERCHARGE
4 DCFC
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Fort Lauderdale (Holman Motorcars)
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.9
1
$36.02
$16.46
Efficient EV
85.8
0
$30.01
$13.72
EV Truck/SUV
137.2
1
$48.02
$21.95
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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 19, 2026
Origin
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Late night
in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 7 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 3:49AM EDT until July 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 3:44AM EDT until July 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Callahan, FL
Late night
in Callahan on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 3:49AM EDT until July 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 3:44AM EDT until July 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
76°F
Titusville, FL
172 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
6 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 28m 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.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
$15
near mile 283.8
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...
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$25
near mile 201.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 84% of the 343 miles spent on high-speed roads like I 95. You'll experience a long stretch of 203.6 miles on I 95, which means you'll likely encounter numerous exits and entrances in populated areas for a significant portion of the drive. The highway portion concludes as you approach your destination, transitioning to surface roads for the final leg into Callahan.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 203.6 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 94.7 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 343 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 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 299.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
41 ft-3 ft
Total Climb
82 ft
Total Descent
63 ft
Highest Point
41 ft
~269.5 mi in
Elevation Range
43 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Callahan, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.
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 28m. Total distance: 343 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 203.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.92 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 29 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 Callahan, 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. There are 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 299.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Fort Matanzas 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 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Callahan, FL before the return drive.
