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Trip from Pembroke Pines, FL to Ridge Wood Heights, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 53m

Distance

208.9 mi

336 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 41m ★
6 AM
3h 53m
8 AM
4h 19m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 18m
8 PM
3h 46m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Ridge Wood Heights, FL, FL

Ridge Wood Heights, FL

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

Trip Overview

Pembroke Pines to Ridge Wood Heights is 208.9 miles and takes about 3h 53m via I 75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, beginning in the South Florida region and heading north. Given that it's a highway-focused route, expect a fairly direct journey with minimal detours. It's a straightforward trip well-suited for a single day of travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

104.4 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 186.4 mi 3h 19m
Port Everglades Expressway 9.1 mi 10m
Florida's Turnpike 4.9 mi 5m
Clark Road 3.9 mi 6m
Swift Road 1.2 mi 2m
Southwest 64th Way 0.5 mi 1m
Southwest 8th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Hollywood Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 186.4 mi, about 3h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pembroke Pines, FL and Ridge Wood Heights, FL.

1

Start on Southwest 8th Street

0.2 mi · 58 sec · Southwest 8th Street
2

Continue on Southwest 64th Way

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest 64th Way
3

Turn right onto SR 820

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Hollywood Boulevard
4

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando Use the right lane.
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
6

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

4.9 mi · 5 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 54 Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 595 West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 595

9.1 mi · 10 min · Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto I 75

186 mi · 3 hr 19 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 205 Toward FL 72: Siesta Key, Arcadia
13

Keep slight left at fork

468 ft · 13 sec
Toward FL 72 West
14

Turn straight onto FL 72

3.9 mi · 6 min · Clark Road
15

Continue on FL 72

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Stickney Point Road
16

Turn right onto Swift Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Swift Road
17

Turn right onto Grand Cayman Street

310 ft · 13 sec · Grand Cayman Street
18

Arrive at destination

Grand Cayman Street

Trip Plan

With a drive time under four hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day, giving you flexibility on your departure time. You'll want to plan for one stop, likely for fuel or a quick break, given the longest stretch without a major change in road is 186.4 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $33, and ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. Since it's a direct highway route, staying on I 75 for the majority of the drive is your most efficient option.

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 104.4 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.4 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 46 miles or 54m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104.4 miles or 1h 56m 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 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ridge Wood Heights, FL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pembroke Pines, 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 Pembroke Pines, FL

This is one driving day of about 208.9 miles and 3h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Pembroke Pines, 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 186.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Estero, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Estero, FL

104 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

Bonita Springs, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Estero, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.4 miles from Pembroke Pines, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 186.4 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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 7.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
6
1.1 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
8
6.3 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward I 595, SR 84, US 441

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 54 Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
8
6.8 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight left at fork toward SR 84 West, I 595 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
7
7.4 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 595 West

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.25 one way

$66.50 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $36.17 $72.34
premium $4.72 $38.84 $77.69
diesel $5.61 $46.12 $92.24

Estimated Tolls: $0.34

Florida's Turnpike (4.9 mi) $0.34

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

$33

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.7 0 $21.93 $10.03
Efficient EV 52.2 0 $18.28 $8.36
EV Truck/SUV 83.6 1 $29.25 $13.37

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Pembroke Pines, FL

Late night in Pembroke Pines on Sunday

Local time

12:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ridge Wood Heights, FL

Late night in Ridge Wood Heights on Sunday

Local time

12:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°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

5 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 53m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

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...

18 mi from route ~45 min detour Free near mile 208.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey on major roads like I 75 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 186.4 miles primarily on I 75, making for a consistent pace. The route is designed for efficiency rather than scenic exploration, so prepare for a steady, albeit potentially monotonous, interstate experience for the bulk of your travel time. The Port Everglades Expressway also contributes to the highway nature of this trip.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 186.4 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Port Everglades Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 13 significant decision points across 208.9 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: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Pembroke Pines, FL

Full guide →

Broward County is in the Greater Miami region of Florida.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 208.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 53m 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 186.4 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.34 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 Ridge Wood Heights, 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Ridge Wood Heights, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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