Longboat Key to Coral Springs is 223.3 miles and takes about 4h 19m via I 75 and Sawgrass Expressway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, covering a good distance primarily on interstate highways. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, it's a practical option for a single-day transit. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads, making it a straightforward drive to your destination.
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
111.7 miles from Longboat Key, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
191 mi
3h 24m
Sawgrass Expressway
10.4 mi
12m
Fruitville Road
6 mi
10m
Gulf of Mexico Drive
5.8 mi
9m
John Ringling Boulevard
2.4 mi
5m
South Gulf of Mexico Drive
1.5 mi
2m
West Sample Road
1.5 mi
3m
John Ringling Parkway
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 191 mi, about 3h 24m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,831 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,554
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Longboat Key, FL and Coral Springs, FL.
1
Start on FL 789
5.8 mi·9 min·Gulf of Mexico Drive
2
Continue on FL 789
1.5 mi·2 min·South Gulf of Mexico Drive
3
Continue on FL 789
0.8 mi·1 min·John Ringling Parkway
4
Continue on FL 789
0.4 mi·1 min·Boulevard of the Presidents
5
Enter roundabout onto FL 789
0.1 mi·25 sec·John Ringling Boulevard
6
Continue on FL 789
2.3 mi·4 min·John Ringling Boulevard
7
Enter roundabout onto US 41
300 ft·10 sec·Tamiami Trail
8
Continue on US 41
0.2 mi·25 sec·Tamiami Trail
9
Turn right onto CR 780
6.0 mi·10 min·Fruitville Road
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 75 South: NaplesUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 75
9.7 mi·10 min·I 75
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
0.4 mi·29 sec·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.7 mi·3 min
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North: Coral SpringsUse the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Merge onto SR 869 Toll
10 mi·12 min·Sawgrass Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 11Toward SR 834: Sample RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto West Sample Road
1.5 mi·3 min·West Sample Road
Use the left lane.
18
Turn sharp right
0.1 mi·41 sec
19
Keep slight left at fork
56 ft·4 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Longboat Key to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $35, it's manageable in a single day. The 191-mile stretch on I 75 means you can cover a lot of ground efficiently before needing to exit. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the end of the I 75 segment, as it's the most significant portion of your drive before reaching the Sawgrass Expressway.
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 111.7 miles from Longboat Key, FL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 191 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 49 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.7 miles or 2h 14m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Coral Springs, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Longboat Key, 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 Longboat Key, FL
This is one driving day of about 223.3 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Longboat Key, 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 75 for about 191 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.2 and 221.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
17.2 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the ramp toward I 75 South: Naples
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 75 South: Naples
6
27.4 mi into trip|~43m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
208.6 mi into trip|~3h 58m 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...
7
209.1 mi into trip|~3h 58m in
Take the exit toward SR 869 Toll North: Coral Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 19
Toward SR 869 Toll North: Coral Springs
7
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 14m in
Take the exit toward SR 834: Sample Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11
Toward SR 834: Sample Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.53 one way
$69.06 round trip
$3.93/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.30
$37.82
$75.64
premium
$4.63
$40.67
$81.34
diesel
$5.60
$49.22
$98.45
Estimated Tolls: $0.84
Sawgrass Expressway
(10.4 mi)$0.84
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
$35
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67
0
$23.45
$10.72
Efficient EV
55.8
0
$19.54
$8.93
EV Truck/SUV
89.3
1
$31.26
$14.29
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Aug 31, 2026
Origin
Longboat Key, FL
Evening
in Longboat Key on Friday
Local time
8:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 to 8 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued August 31 at 11:49AM EDT until September 1 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Coral Springs, FL
Evening
in Coral Springs on Friday
Local time
8:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
E 1 to 7 mph72% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued August 31 at 11:49AM EDT until September 1 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.
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
3 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
4h 19m 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.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 91% highway, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for the vast majority of the 223.3 miles. The longest continuous stretch is 191 miles on I 75. You'll transition to surface roads like Fruitville Road near the beginning of your trip and then back to highways like the Sawgrass Expressway. Expect a consistent driving experience with frequent exits and merges characteristic of major interstates.
91% 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: 191 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sawgrass Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
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 223.3 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 17.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.6 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
30 ft9 ft
Total Climb
61 ft
Total Descent
59 ft
Highest Point
30 ft
~175.5 mi in
Elevation Range
21 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Longboat Key, FL to Coral Springs, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Lauderdale along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 223.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m 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 191 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.84 in tolls one way, starting with Sawgrass Expressway. 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 12 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 Coral 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. There are 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.6 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Coral Springs, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
