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Trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Crystal Lake, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

208.5 mi

335 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 2m ★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 41m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city ​​in Broward County, Florida, United States

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Crystal Lake, FL, FL

Crystal Lake, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

Trip Overview

This 208.5-mile drive from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Crystal Lake, Florida, is a manageable one-day trip, taking about 4 hours and 14 minutes. You'll primarily travel on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60, with a portion on Bartow Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's an economical journey. The highway-focused profile means you'll cover ground efficiently, making it ideal for a direct trip. Given the duration and distance, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination 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

104.2 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 125.2 mi 2h 16m
FL 60 61.6 mi 1h 19m
Bartow Road 7.7 mi 10m
Northwest 9th Avenue 2.9 mi 5m
South Powerline Road 2.4 mi 4m
South Combee Road 1.8 mi 3m
Powerline Road 1.1 mi 2m
South Pompano Parkway 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 125.2 mi, about 2h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Crystal Lake, 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, Orlando Use 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

125 mi · 2 hr 16 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
12

Keep slight right at fork

245 ft · 6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto FL 60

62 mi · 1 hr 19 min · FL 60
Use the left lane.
14

Turn left onto US 98; FL 60

0.6 mi · 1 min · Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right onto US 98

0.6 mi · 1 min · Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
16

Continue on US 98

7.7 mi · 10 min · Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto FL 659

1.8 mi · 3 min · South Combee Road
Use the right lane.
18

Turn left onto Lawndale Road

309 ft · 15 sec · Lawndale Road
19

Turn right onto Belair Avenue

407 ft · 17 sec · Belair Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

Belair Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 4-hour and 14-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Fort Lauderdale to avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 125.2 miles, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before embarking on the longer highway segments, and budget approximately $33 for gas. A practical tip for this route: utilize the services available along Florida's Turnpike for any necessary breaks or refueling before you begin the FL 60 portion of your 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 104.2 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.2 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 46 miles or 58m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104.2 miles or 2h 2m 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 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Crystal Lake, 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 208.5 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 125.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Palm Bay, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palm Bay, FL

104 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Jupiter, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vero Beach, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.2 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 125.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 208.5

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

3 mi

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

3 mi

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 208.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 208.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 208.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18636033166

Visit website

Lake Wales Latte Lounge Coffee and Bookshop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 178.7

Lake Wales, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18632968827

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 134

Okeechobee, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 193.6

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Riverbend Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 59.6

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617411359

Visit website

Joseph C. Carter Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19548285411

Visit website

Wreck It Ft Laudy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Oakland Park, Florida

Indian Creek Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 59.6

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617412400

Visit website

Bonnet Springs Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 208.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+18637327000

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.7 and 136 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
8.7 mi into trip | ~16m in | Northwest 31st Avenue

Turn right onto Northwest 31st Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
9.8 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
5
10.1 mi into trip | ~19m in | Florida's Turnpike

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
135.3 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in

Take the exit toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
6
136 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.19 one way

$66.38 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $36.10 $72.20
premium $4.72 $38.77 $77.54
diesel $5.61 $46.03 $92.07

Estimated Tolls: $8.76

Florida's Turnpike (125.2 mi) $8.76

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

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 73 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.6 0 $21.89 $10.01
Efficient EV 52.1 0 $18.24 $8.34
EV Truck/SUV 83.4 1 $29.19 $13.34

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Late night in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday

Local time

3:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Crystal Lake, FL

Late night in Crystal Lake on Sunday

Local time

3:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live 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

7 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 14m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this 208.5-mile journey, with 90% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 125.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike, offering a consistent pace. As you transition onto FL 60 and then Bartow Road, you may notice a slight shift in the driving environment, though the overall character remains geared towards efficient travel. This route prioritizes covering distance over scenic detours.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 125.2 mi on Florida's Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in near Northwest 31st Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 208.5 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 8.7 miles (Northwest 31st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Full guide →

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).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 208.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 125.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $8.76 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 Crystal Lake, 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 8.7 miles (Northwest 31st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Crystal Lake, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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