Traveling from Fort Meade to Pembroke Pines covers 186 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 58 minutes. This route is designed as a straightforward, highway-focused drive, making it a manageable day trip for most drivers. You will primarily navigate via US 27, US 98, and the Port Everglades Expressway to reach your destination. Expect to budget approximately $31 for fuel, keeping the trip cost-effective for a single-day excursion. Since the entire journey remains within Florida, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the inland areas toward the coast. It is a practical route for those prioritizing efficiency over variety.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
93 miles from Fort Meade, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 27
148.9 mi
3h 7m
US 98
10.5 mi
13m
Port Everglades Expressway
9 mi
10m
I 75
4.6 mi
4m
Broadway
4.6 mi
7m
Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi
4m
Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi
1m
SR 84
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 148.9 mi, about 3h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Meade, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL.
1
Start on US 17; US 98
126 ft·11 sec·Charleston Avenue
2
Turn left onto US 98
4.6 mi·7 min·Broadway
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 98
10 mi·13 min·US 98
4
Turn right onto US 27; US 98
11 mi·13 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 27; US 98
10 mi·14 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on US 27; US 98
55 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto US 27; FL 78
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 27; FL 78
8
Turn slight right
338 ft·4 sec
9
Continue on US 27
32 mi·42 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 27; FL 80
40 mi·48 min·US 27; FL 80
11
Continue on US 27
0.5 mi·33 sec·US 27
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, NaplesUse the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
14
Merge onto I 75
4.6 mi·4 min·I 75
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
9.0 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 8; 9A-BToward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.4 mi·37 sec·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East, I 595 East, US 441: Florida's Turnpike, North Orlando, South Miami
18
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 8Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
21
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi·4 min·Florida's Turnpike
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
24
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
26
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 186-mile trip is simple because it is easily completed in one day, giving you the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. With only one recommended stop required to break up the nearly four-hour drive, you can easily manage fatigue by choosing a convenient location along the long US 27 corridor. Keep in mind that the heavy reliance on highway travel means traffic conditions can impact your arrival time, so check for congestion before you head out. Since you are spending roughly $31 on fuel, topping off your tank before leaving Fort Meade can help you avoid unnecessary stops during the longest stretch of your journey. Staying hydrated and pacing your single break will ensure you arrive in Pembroke Pines feeling refreshed.
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 93 miles from Fort Meade, FL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.9 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 41 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 93 miles or 1h 59m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Meade, 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 Meade, FL
This is one driving day of about 186 miles and 3h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Fort Meade, 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 US 27 for about 148.9 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 164 and 179.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
164 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
9
169.7 mi into trip|~3h 35m in|I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19
Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Spr...
8
178.8 mi into trip|~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpike
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 8; 9A-B
Toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpi...
7
179.3 mi into trip|~3h 47m in
Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando...
8
179.7 mi into trip|~3h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.61 one way
$59.21 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg65 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$32.21
$64.41
premium
$4.72
$34.59
$69.17
diesel
$5.61
$41.07
$82.13
Estimated Tolls: $0.30
Florida's Turnpike
(4.2 mi)$0.30
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
$30
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
55.8
0
$19.53
$8.93
Efficient EV
46.5
0
$16.28
$7.44
EV Truck/SUV
74.4
0
$26.04
$11.90
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (66% 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 Meade, FL
Morning
in Fort Meade on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Lake Placid, FL
93 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
8 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 58m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You should prepare for a drive where 96% of the journey takes place on highways, emphasizing a focus on speed and consistency. The road maintains a steady pace, highlighted by a significant 148.9-mile stretch along US 27. This long, uninterrupted segment defines the experience, requiring you to stay alert during the extended highway travel. While you will transition through different road segments, the drive remains largely functional and direct rather than winding or technical. You can expect a predictable ride that prioritizes getting you to Pembroke Pines with minimal deviations.
96% 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: 148.9 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and US 98. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 164 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 17 significant decision points across 186 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 164 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.7 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 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.
Between Fort Meade, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs point toward Fort Lauderdale and Naples.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 58m. Total distance: 186 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 148.9 miles on US 27. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.30 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 164 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.7 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
