Greensboro, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL is 769.1 miles and takes about 14h 19m via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $119 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a long-haul drive spanning the Southeast region from North Carolina down into Florida. With a recommended two days for the trip, you'll have ample opportunity to break up the drive and make the most of your travel time. Plan on this being a primary highway trek, so be prepared for consistent driving conditions.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
4 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
384.5 miles from Greensboro, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 7h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
505.9 mi
9h 4m
Florida's Turnpike
84.9 mi
1h 32m
I 73
57.2 mi
1h 3m
East Beltway
22.2 mi
25m
US 1
19.9 mi
26m
North Governor Williams Highway
19.8 mi
22m
Governor John Motley Morehead Expressway
17.7 mi
19m
US 52
11.2 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 505.9 mi, about 9h 4m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 136 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,246 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,044
Quietest
2 AM
~257 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
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 Greensboro, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on West Market Street
130 ft·9 sec·West Market Street
2
Turn right onto South Greene Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·South Greene Street
Use the right lane.
3
Enter roundabout onto West McGee Street
17 ft·0 sec·West McGee Street
4
Continue on West McGee Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·West McGee Street
5
Turn left onto Freeman Mill Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Freeman Mill Road
Use the right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Freeman Mill Road
1.8 mi·2 min·Freeman Mill Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 220
18 mi·19 min·Governor John Motley Morehead Expressway
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 73; I 74; US 220
57 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 73; I 74; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto US 220
5.6 mi·7 min·US 220
Exit 22Toward US 220 South: RockinghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 1
1.4 mi·1 min·US 1
11
Merge onto US 1
16 mi·21 min·US 1
12
Turn right onto US 1; SC 9
1.8 mi·2 min·US 1; SC 9
13
Turn left onto US 1 Truck; US 52 Truck
0.5 mi·36 sec·Front Street
14
Continue on US 1 Truck; US 52 Truck
0.1 mi·15 sec·Church Street
15
Turn left onto US 1 Truck; US 52 Truck
0.2 mi·13 sec·2nd Street
16
Continue on US 1 Truck; US 52 Truck
0.5 mi·35 sec·Cash Boulevard
17
Continue on US 1 Truck; US 52 Truck
1.9 mi·2 min·Cash Road
18
Turn left onto US 1; US 52
0.9 mi·1 min·US 1; US 52
19
Turn straight onto US 52
11 mi·15 min·US 52
20
Turn right onto US 15; US 401
2.1 mi·2 min·North Main Street
21
Continue on US 52; US 401
20 mi·22 min·North Governor Williams Highway
22
Continue on US 52
1.4 mi·1 min·West Lucas Street
23
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
24
Merge onto I 95
296 mi·5 hr 18 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 362AToward I 295 East: Jacksonville Beaches, East BeltwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 295: Jaxport Terminals, Jacksonville Beaches, East Beltway
27
Merge onto I 295
9.3 mi·10 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
7.3 mi·8 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
5.6 mi·6 min·East Beltway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
30
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.
31
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 4BToward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
32
Merge onto I 95
203 mi·3 hr 38 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
35
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
36
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
38
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 32 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
40
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
41
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
42
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
43
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
44
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
45
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
46
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
49
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
50
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
Given the 14-hour duration, this trip is best split over two days. Aim to leave Greensboro early in the morning on your first day to cover a significant portion of the 769.1 miles. You'll have about four stops planned, so use these to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 505.9-mile stretch on I 95, as services can sometimes be spaced out. Consider spending your overnight stop somewhere around the Florida border to make the second day's drive more manageable.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 4 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 384.5 miles from Greensboro, NC, or about 7h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 505.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 169 miles or 3h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 384.5 miles or 7h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 384.5 miles or 7h 11m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 13h 7m
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 Greensboro, NC 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Greensboro, NC
Aim for roughly 385 miles and 7.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Fort Lauderdale, FL
Aim for roughly 385 miles and 7.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 169 miles from Greensboro, NC.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 4 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 505.9 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 437.4 and 756 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
437.4 mi into trip|~8h 8m in
Take the exit toward I 295 East: Jacksonville Beaches, East Beltway
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 362A
Toward I 295 East: Jacksonville Beaches, East B...
8
460.7 mi into trip|~8h 36m 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
669.4 mi into trip|~12h 21m 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
670.7 mi into trip|~12h 24m 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
756 mi into trip|~13h 58m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$122.33 one way
$244.66 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg269 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$133.38
$266.76
premium
$4.78
$144.71
$289.41
diesel
$5.35
$162.00
$323.99
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
$122
Tolls
$6
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$258–$368
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 269.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $81 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
230.7
2
$80.76
$36.92
Efficient EV
192.3
2
$67.30
$30.76
EV Truck/SUV
307.6
3
$107.67
$49.22
Gas CO2
269 kg
EV CO2
90 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Greensboro, NC
Afternoon
in Greensboro on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Afternoon
in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 3 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 11:16AM EDT until June 2 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
14 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
14h 19m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on major highways, with 91% of the route utilizing them. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 505.9 miles on I 95, so expect extended periods of consistent cruising. Towards the end of the trip, as you transition off the main interstates, you'll likely notice a change in traffic patterns and exit frequency as you approach your destination.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 505.9 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 437.4 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 37 significant decision points across 769.1 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 437.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 460.7 miles (FL 9B): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 669.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
825 ft2 ft
Total Climb
27 ft
Total Descent
850 ft
Highest Point
825 ft
Elevation Range
823 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Greensboro, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Beltway, Jacksonville Beaches, Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
Beltway
437.4 mi in|~8h 8m
Jacksonville Beaches
438.3 mi in|~8h 10m
Fort Pierce
669.4 mi in|~12h 21m
Miami
670.7 mi in|~12h 24m
Florida's Turnpike South
670.7 mi in|~12h 24m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Greensboro is a city of almost 300,000 people (2020) in North Carolina. It is named after Nathanael Greene, a Patriot general who fought a battle here during the Revolutionary War. It's nicknamed the "Gate City" for its historical role as a transportation hub for the Piedmont. The famous author William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was born here. It can be sleepy and genteel but is enjoying a newfound reputation as a great place for young people. Downtown especially is experiencing a surfeit of bars, music venues and restaurants. Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point are the three cities that make up the Piedmont Triad, halfway between Raleigh and Charlotte.
Top landmarks
•Guilford Courthouse National Military Park — site maintained by the U.S. National Park Service commemorating the battle
•Greensboro Science Center — science museum and zoological park
•Grimsley High School — public school in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
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
The longest stretch is about 505.9 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 385 miles on day one.
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.
Yes — we found about 74 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 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 4 meaningful breaks. There are 74 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 437.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 460.7 miles (FL 9B): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 669.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 14.3 hours each way, a round trip means 28.7 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.
