Longwood to Fort Lauderdale is 226.2 miles and takes about 4 hours 21 minutes via Florida's Turnpike and I-95, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Orlando area south through central Florida, ultimately reaching the vibrant coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey designed for efficient travel between these two Florida locales. You'll be spending most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical choice if your priority is getting there quickly rather than extensive sightseeing along the way. Plan for a single-day drive, as the duration is well within typical travel limits.
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
113.1 miles from Longwood, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
191.2 mi
3h 26m
I 4
15.7 mi
20m
I 95
7.2 mi
8m
FL 434
3.1 mi
5m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Grant Street
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 191.2 mi, about 3h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Longwood, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on Palmetto Avenue
71 ft·5 sec·Palmetto Avenue
2
Turn right onto Grant Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Grant Street
3
Turn right onto FL 434
1.7 mi·3 min·FL 434
4
Continue on FL 434
1.3 mi·2 min·FL 434
5
Take the ramp
397 ft·9 sec
Toward I 4: Daytona Beach, Tampa
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 4 West: TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 4
9.0 mi·11 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 84BToward Ivanhoe BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
10
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
11
Merge onto I 4
6.7 mi·8 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 77Toward Miami, OcalaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·15 sec·this road
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
191 mi·3 hr 26 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
18
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
20
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
21
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
23
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
27
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 21-minute estimated drive time and 226.2-mile distance, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic congestion, especially as you approach Fort Lauderdale. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, ensure your tank is full before you leave Longwood. While the longest stretch without a major exit is substantial at 191.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike, keep an eye on your fuel gauge. There's only one recommended stop, so plan it strategically for a break and to refuel if needed.
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 113.1 miles from Longwood, FL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 191.2 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 50 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.1 miles or 2h 11m 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Longwood, 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 Longwood, FL
This is one driving day of about 226.2 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Longwood, 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 191.2 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.5 and 223.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.5 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 4 West: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
8
20.7 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward Miami, Ocala
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 77
Toward Miami, Ocala
8
21.5 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South, Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Miami
8
213.2 mi into trip|~3h 59m 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...
8
223.7 mi into trip|~4h 15m in
Take the exit toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, Downtown
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 SR 842: Broward Boulevard, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.00 one way
$72.01 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$39.17
$78.33
premium
$4.72
$42.06
$84.12
diesel
$5.61
$49.94
$99.88
Estimated Tolls: $13.39
Florida's Turnpike
(191.2 mi)$13.39
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
$36
Tolls
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.9
0
$23.75
$10.86
Efficient EV
56.6
0
$19.79
$9.05
EV Truck/SUV
90.5
1
$31.67
$14.48
Gas CO2
79 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Longwood, FL
Morning
in Longwood on Tuesday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Morning
in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
17 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 21m 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 96% of the route utilizing major interstates. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, primarily on Florida's Turnpike and I-95. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 191.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so you'll experience extended periods of highway cruising. The road character remains largely consistent throughout, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery. You'll primarily be navigating well-maintained, high-speed roadways designed for covering significant distances.
96% 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: 191.2 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 I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 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 20 significant decision points across 226.2 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 3.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Longwood, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Miami, Ocala and Florida's Turnpike South.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 226.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m 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 191.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $13.39 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 14 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Lauderdale, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
