This straightforward 108.9-mile drive from Port LaBelle, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes and is easily manageable as a single-day trip. With 95% of the route on highways, expect a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $17, making it an economical option. You'll primarily be on FL 80, US 27, and the Port Everglades Expressway, offering a consistent pace. This route is ideal for those seeking a direct and efficient connection between these two Florida locations without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
54.4 miles from Port LaBelle, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
FL 80
45.2 mi
58m
US 27
40.5 mi
48m
Port Everglades Expressway
10.1 mi
11m
I 75
4.6 mi
4m
SR 84
2.2 mi
3m
Marina Boulevard
1.6 mi
3m
Southeast 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi
3m
Southwest 4th Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
FL 80
— 45.2 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Port LaBelle, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on Beaumont Lane
129 ft·9 sec·Beaumont Lane
2
Turn left onto South Edgewater Circle
0.1 mi·23 sec·South Edgewater Circle
3
Turn left onto Northeast Eucalyptus Boulevard
0.3 mi·52 sec·Northeast Eucalyptus Boulevard
4
Turn right onto Collingswood Parkway
0.3 mi·40 sec·Collingswood Parkway
5
Turn right onto FL 80
14 mi·18 min·FL 80
Use the right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 80
6.0 mi·7 min·FL 80
7
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 80
25 mi·32 min·FL 80
Toward US 27 South, FL 80 East: ClewistonUse the left lane.
8
Continue on US 27; FL 80
40 mi·48 min·US 27; FL 80
9
Continue on US 27
0.5 mi·33 sec·US 27
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, NaplesUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
12
Merge onto I 75
4.6 mi·4 min·I 75
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi·11 min·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
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 9CToward SR 84 East: Marina Mile BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.2 mi·18 sec·SR 84
Toward I 595 East, SR 84 East
16
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 84
2.0 mi·3 min·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East
17
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 84
1.6 mi·3 min·Marina Boulevard
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile BoulevardUse the right lane.
18
Turn left onto Southwest 4th Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 4th Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto Southwest 17th Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Southwest 17th Street
20
Continue on Southeast 17th Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Southeast 17th Street
21
Turn left onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn left onto SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Port La Belle in the morning will allow you to arrive in Fort Lauderdale with ample time to spare. With no designated stops recommended, you can determine your own pace, but remember the longest stretch without significant changes is 45.2 miles, so plan a brief break if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $17 for the 108.9 miles, and it’s always wise to top off before heading out on this highway-centric route.
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 54.4 miles from Port LaBelle, FL, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.2 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 24 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 54.4 miles or 1h 10m 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 53m
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 Port LaBelle, 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 Port LaBelle, FL
This is one driving day of about 108.9 miles and 2h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Port LaBelle, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on FL 80 for about 45.2 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.1 and 104.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.1 mi into trip|~27m in|FL 80
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 80 toward US 27 South, FL 80 East: Clewiston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 27 South, FL 80 East: Clewiston
7
86.4 mi into trip|~1h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
9
92.1 mi into trip|~1h 56m 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
102.3 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9C
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
7
104.7 mi into trip|~2h 12m in|SR 84 / Marina Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 84 / Marina Boulevard toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.33 one way
$34.67 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg38 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$18.86
$37.71
premium
$4.72
$20.25
$40.50
diesel
$5.61
$24.04
$48.09
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32.7
0
$11.43
$5.23
Efficient EV
27.2
0
$9.53
$4.36
EV Truck/SUV
43.6
0
$15.25
$6.97
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Port LaBelle, FL
Morning
in Port LaBelle on Sunday
Local time
7:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Morning
in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
7:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers
E 7 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 16 at 7:03PM 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
9 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
2h 21m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the trip, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 45.2 miles on FL 80. The route progresses through a mix of main roads including FL 80, US 27, and the Port Everglades Expressway, suggesting a transition from potentially more open stretches to more urban approaches as you near Fort Lauderdale. Expect a predominantly efficient and direct driving experience rather than a winding or particularly scenic one.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 45.2 mi on FL 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on FL 80 and US 27. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.1 miles in near FL 80.
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 18 significant decision points across 108.9 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 21.1 miles (FL 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 86.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): 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.
On the drive from Port LaBelle, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Naples along the way.
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).
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 108.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 45.2 miles on FL 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.1 miles (FL 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 86.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Lauderdale, FL before heading back.
