Origin
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Late night in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
4:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL to De Leon Springs, 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 42m
Distance
243.7 mi
392 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 29m
★
6 AM
4h 43m
8 AM
5h 10m
10 AM
4h 52m
12 PM
4h 50m
3 PM
4h 54m
5 PM
5h 9m
8 PM
4h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wikimedia Commons
De Leon Springs, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Trip Overview
Fort Lauderdale to De Leon Springs is 243.7 miles and takes about 4 hours 42 minutes via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Florida for its entirety, moving from the southern part of the state up towards the central region. It's primarily a highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to cover distance efficiently. Consider this route if you value directness and a predictable travel time for a single-day journey.
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
121.9 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 119.8 mi | 2h 8m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 84.6 mi | 1h 33m |
| East New York Avenue | 9.6 mi | 12m |
| State Road 44 | 8.6 mi | 10m |
| North Woodland Boulevard | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| Northwest 9th Avenue | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| North US Highway 17 | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| South Powerline Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 119.8 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale, FL and De Leon Springs, 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
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 152
Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
Use 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 Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
120 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 249
Toward FL 44: DeLand, New Smyrna Beach
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto FL 44
8.6 mi
·
10 min
·
State Road 44
19
Continue on FL 44
8.7 mi
·
11 min
·
East New York Avenue
20
Continue on FL 44
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East New York Avenue
21
Turn right onto Blue Lake Avenue
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Blue Lake Avenue
22
Continue on East Plymouth Avenue
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
East Plymouth Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
North Woodland Boulevard
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Woodland Boulevard
25
Continue on US 17
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
North US Highway 17
26
Turn left onto Wheeler Street
362 ft
·
15 sec
·
Wheeler Street
27
Arrive at destination
Wheeler Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 42-minute duration, leaving Fort Lauderdale in the morning allows ample time to reach De Leon Springs well before evening. With only one recommended stop and 85% of the drive on highways, you can maintain a consistent pace. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 119.8 miles on I 95, as services can be spaced out. The $39 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting this single-day excursion.
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 121.9 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.8 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 54 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.9 miles or 2h 23m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near De Leon Springs, 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 243.7 miles and 4h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 119.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
122 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 121.9 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 8.7 and 216.1 — 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
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
8
216.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward FL 44: DeLand, New Smyrna Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 249
Toward FL 44: DeLand, New Smyrna Beach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.79 one way
$77.58 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $42.20 | $84.39 |
| premium | $4.72 | $45.31 | $90.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.81 | $107.61 |
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
$39
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.1 | 0 | $25.59 | $11.70 |
| Efficient EV | 60.9 | 0 | $21.32 | $9.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.5 | 1 | $34.12 | $15.60 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Destination
De Leon Springs, FL
Late night in De Leon Springs on Sunday
Local time
4:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
10 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 42m 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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$25
near mile 201.7
Caution: Pavement Project- Playalinda District
Park Closure: Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 243.7-mile trip, with 85% of it utilizing major interstates. You'll spend a significant portion on I 95, including a continuous stretch of 119.8 miles. Later, Florida's Turnpike will guide you north. While largely interstate, the route transitions from the bustling South Florida corridors to more open stretches as you head inland. The drive is designed for steady progress rather than winding scenic exploration.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.8 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 8.7 miles in near Northwest 31st Avenue.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 243.7 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 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fort Lauderdale, FL and De Leon Springs, FL, road signs point toward Vero Beach and New Smyrna Beach.
Vero Beach
94.7 mi in
|
~1h 52m
New Smyrna Beach
216.1 mi in
|
~4h 4m
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 42m. Total distance: 243.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119.8 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.
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 De Leon Springs, 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 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at De Leon Springs, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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Return Trip
De Leon Springs, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FLPlan the drive back the other way.
246.5 mi
4h 44m
Continue From De Leon Springs, FL
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