Origin
North Lauderdale, FL
Morning in North Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North Lauderdale, FL to Port Saint Lucie, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 42m
Distance
86.3 mi
139 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 34m
★
6 AM
1h 42m
8 AM
1h 57m
10 AM
1h 47m
12 PM
1h 46m
3 PM
1h 48m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North Lauderdale, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
This straightforward 86.3-mile drive from North Lauderdale to Port Saint Lucie takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. With 92% of the journey on highways, you'll spend most of your time on Florida's Turnpike. The estimated fuel cost is around $14, which is quite budget-friendly for a quick hop within Florida. This route is all about efficient travel, so if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get from the South Florida region to the Treasure Coast, this is a solid option.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.2 miles from North Lauderdale, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 79.8 mi | 1h 28m |
| Southeast Airoso Boulevard | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Rock Island Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Southwest 71st Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| West Commercial Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Kimberly Boulevard | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Southwest Bayshore Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 79.8 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Lauderdale, FL and Port Saint Lucie, FL.
1
Start on this road
155 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Kimberly Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Kimberly Boulevard
3
Turn right onto Southwest 71st Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest 71st Avenue
4
Continue on Rock Island Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Rock Island Road
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto SR 870
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Commercial Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
Use the left lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
80 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 142
Toward Port Saint Lucie
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
483 ft
·
15 sec
·
Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
11
Turn right onto FL 716
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Use the right lane.
12
Turn left onto CR 615
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Airoso Boulevard
Use the left / uturn lanes.
13
Turn left onto Southwest Carter Avenue
215 ft
·
9 sec
·
Southwest Carter Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
Southwest Carter Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with departure times. Leaving in the morning, perhaps around 9:00 AM, should help you avoid the worst of any commuter traffic. Since there are no recommended stops, you can easily power through this drive without needing to plan for extended breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel level, especially before you embark on the longest stretch of 79.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike, as services can be more spread out on longer highway segments.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.2 miles from North Lauderdale, FL, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.8 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 19 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.2 miles or 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Saint Lucie, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North Lauderdale, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from North Lauderdale, FL
This is one driving day of about 86.3 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from North Lauderdale, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Florida's Turnpike for about 79.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.2 miles from North Lauderdale, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 2.6 and 84.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
8
2.9 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
7
83 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
Take the exit toward Port Saint Lucie
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 142
Toward Port Saint Lucie
6
83.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
|
FL 716 / Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Turn right onto FL 716 / Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
84.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
|
CR 615 / Southeast Airoso Boulevard
Turn left onto CR 615 / Southeast Airoso Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / uturn lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.74 one way
$27.47 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $14.94 | $29.89 |
| premium | $4.72 | $16.05 | $32.09 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.05 | $38.11 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.58
Florida's Turnpike
(79.8 mi)
$5.58
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
$14
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.06 | $4.14 |
| Efficient EV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.55 | $3.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.5 | 0 | $12.08 | $5.52 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Morning in Port Saint Lucie on Sunday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Mostly Sunny
E 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:40AM EDT until April 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 3:00AM EDT until April 17 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne 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
4 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
1h 42m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the vast majority of this trip, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted stretch of 79.8 miles primarily on Florida's Turnpike. The roads are generally well-maintained and designed for consistent speed. While the focus is on getting you to your destination efficiently, you'll be navigating through a mix of urban and suburban landscapes as you transition from the Fort Lauderdale area towards the Port Saint Lucie region.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.8 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and Southeast Airoso Boulevard. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.3 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 86.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m 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 79.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.58 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.
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 Port Saint Lucie, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Port Saint Lucie, FL before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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