Land O' Lakes to Fort Lauderdale is 258.3 miles and takes about 5 hours 9 minutes via Florida's Turnpike and I-4, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive entirely within Florida, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. You'll be covering a significant portion of the state, so expect a change in scenery as you travel south. The route is predominantly on major highways, designed for efficient travel between these two Florida locations. Given the relatively short duration, this trip is best suited for those looking for a practical and quick 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
129.2 miles from Land O' Lakes, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
125.3 mi
2h 15m
FL 60
61.7 mi
1h 19m
I 4
17.4 mi
18m
I 75
12.7 mi
13m
Polk Parkway
9.4 mi
10m
I 95
7.2 mi
8m
Bartow Road
6.9 mi
9m
State Road 54
4.4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 125.3 mi, about 2h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Land O' Lakes, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on this road
207 ft·18 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Bell Lake Road
290 ft·10 sec·Bell Lake Road
3
Turn left onto US 41
1.9 mi·3 min·Land O' Lakes Boulevard
4
Turn left onto FL 54
4.4 mi·6 min·State Road 54
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on FL 56
0.4 mi·38 sec·State Road 56
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Continue on FL 56
0.1 mi·8 sec·FL 56
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·13 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
9
Merge onto I 75
1.0 mi·1 min·I 75
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·12 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.3 mi·1 min
Exit 261Toward I 4: Tampa, OrlandoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 4 East: OrlandoUse the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 4
17 mi·18 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 27Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on FL 570 Toll
9.4 mi·10 min·Polk Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 10Toward US 98: Lakeland, BartowUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto US 98
6.9 mi·9 min·Bartow Road
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
19
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
21
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
125 mi·2 hr 15 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
30
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
31
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
32
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
33
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
34
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
35
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
39
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 5 hours, this trip is comfortably manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight hours and allow for any unexpected traffic. You'll have one primary recommended stop, but feel free to make additional brief breaks as needed, especially during the 125.3-mile stretch on Florida's Turnpike. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the estimated cost is around $45, so plan your refueling stops accordingly, particularly before embarking on longer highway segments. Because this is a direct route, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing and stop frequency.
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 129.2 miles from Land O' Lakes, FL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.3 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 57 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.2 miles or 2h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
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 Land O' Lakes, 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 Land O' Lakes, FL
This is one driving day of about 258.3 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Land O' Lakes, 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 125.3 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.3 and 245.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20.3 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward I 4: Tampa, Orlando
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 261
Toward I 4: Tampa, Orlando
8
39.6 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
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 27
Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
8
49.4 mi into trip|~59m in
Take the exit toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
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 10
Toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
8
119.8 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
8
245.3 mi into trip|~4h 48m 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
$41.11 one way
$82.23 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$44.72
$89.45
premium
$4.72
$48.03
$96.06
diesel
$5.61
$57.03
$114.06
Estimated Tolls: $8.77
Florida's Turnpike
(125.3 mi)$8.77
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
$41
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
2 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: fair
Blink Charging Station
Bartow, Florida
Blink
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Bartow, Florida
Tesla
1 DCFC
Blink: 1
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.5
0
$27.12
$12.40
Efficient EV
64.6
0
$22.60
$10.33
EV Truck/SUV
103.3
1
$36.16
$16.53
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Land O' Lakes, FL
Afternoon
in Land O' Lakes on Sunday
Local time
12:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Afternoon
in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
12:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
129 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
5h 9m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 91% of the journey on major interstates and turnpikes. You'll spend the majority of your time on Florida's Turnpike, including a substantial stretch of 125.3 miles without a major break. The route is designed for speed and efficiency, so expect a consistent driving experience as you transition from FL 60 to I-4 and finally to Florida's Turnpike. While not characterized by winding backroads, the continuous highway travel allows for a steady pace throughout the 5-hour journey.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 125.3 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 20.3 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 27 significant decision points across 258.3 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 20.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.4 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 Land O' Lakes, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, Winter Haven, Bartow and Florida's Turnpike South: Miami.
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).
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 258.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 125.3 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $8.77 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 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 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 20.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.4 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 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.
