Medulla to Fort Lauderdale is 212 miles and takes about 4h 17m via Florida's Turnpike and I-95, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the central part of the state down to the southeastern coast. It's a straightforward drive that largely sticks to major highways, making it a good option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. Expect a primarily highway experience with minimal detours. You'll likely want to ensure you have enough gas before setting off, as the route is heavily road-based.
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
106 miles from Medulla, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
125.3 mi
2h 15m
FL 60
61.7 mi
1h 19m
I 95
7.2 mi
8m
Boy Scout Ranch Road
4.8 mi
8m
Bartow Road
3.2 mi
4m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
CR 540A
1.5 mi
2m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 125.3 mi, about 2h 15m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 38 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,207 veh/hr typical
· worst 6,073
Quietest
2 AM
~284 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.3×
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 Medulla, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on Old Road 37
1.0 mi·2 min·Old Road 37
2
Turn left onto CR 540A
1.5 mi·2 min·CR 540A
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on CR 540A
4.8 mi·8 min·Boy Scout Ranch Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·Bartow Road
5
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
6
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
8
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
125 mi·2 hr 15 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
17
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
19
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
20
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
22
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
For this 4h 17m drive, starting in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for potential traffic. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but consider a brief stop around the halfway point for a stretch. The longest continuous stretch is over 125 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so plan your fuel accordingly before you begin; you'll want to top off in Medulla. Keep an eye on the fuel cost estimate of $33 to budget appropriately for gas. The route is mostly highway, so be prepared for typical interstate conditions.
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 106 miles from Medulla, FL, or about 2h 14m 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 47 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 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 28m
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 Medulla, 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 Medulla, FL
This is one driving day of about 212 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Medulla, 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 209.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip|~2m in|CR 540A
Turn left onto CR 540A
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
73.4 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
73.6 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
199 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
209.6 mi into trip|~4h 11m 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
$32.09 one way
$64.18 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$35.21
$70.43
premium
$4.55
$37.98
$75.95
diesel
$4.80
$40.03
$80.06
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
$32
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.26
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.55
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.68
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Medulla, FL
Evening
in Medulla on Monday
Local time
7:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SE 3 to 8 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Evening
in Fort Lauderdale on Monday
Local time
7:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 6 to 12 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
7 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 17m 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 drive is predominantly highway, with 92% of the 212 miles on high-speed roads like Florida's Turnpike and I-95. You'll encounter a stretch of 125.3 miles on Florida's Turnpike without needing to exit. The transition to surface streets will happen near your destination as you approach Fort Lauderdale. Given the high percentage of highway driving, anticipate merging with traffic and a consistent cruising speed for most of the trip.
92% 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: 125.3 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 1 miles in near CR 540A.
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 17 significant decision points across 212 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 1 miles (CR 540A): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
162 ft2 ft
Total Climb
17 ft
Total Descent
176 ft
Highest Point
162 ft
Elevation Range
160 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 Medulla, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami along the way.
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida. It is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright at a single site in the world.
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 17m. Total distance: 212 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). 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.
Yes — we found about 13 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (CR 540A): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Fort Lauderdale, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
