South Sarasota, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL is 209.1 miles and takes about 3h 54m 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, connecting Southwest Florida to the South Florida metropolitan area. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey designed for efficiency, making it ideal if you're looking to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss. With a recommended one-day drive, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so plan for consistent travel speeds.
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
104.5 miles from South Sarasota, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
186.1 mi
3h 19m
Port Everglades Expressway
9 mi
10m
Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi
4m
Clark Road
2.7 mi
4m
Proctor Road
2 mi
3m
Beneva Road
1 mi
1m
Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi
1m
SR 84
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 186.1 mi, about 3h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Sarasota, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL.
1
Start on Fiesta Drive
0.1 mi·35 sec·Fiesta Drive
2
Turn right onto US 41
0.1 mi·17 sec·South Tamiami Trail
3
Turn left onto CR 72A
2.0 mi·3 min·Proctor Road
4
Turn right onto CR 773
1.0 mi·1 min·Beneva Road
5
Turn left onto FL 72
2.7 mi·4 min·Clark Road
6
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Naples
7
Merge onto I 75
4.8 mi·5 min·I 75
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
9.0 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 8; 9A-BToward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
11
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.4 mi·37 sec·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East, I 595 East, US 441: Florida's Turnpike, North Orlando, South Miami
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 8Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
15
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi·4 min·Florida's Turnpike
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
18
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
20
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 54-minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to avoid any lingering afternoon traffic. Since it's a relatively short, single-day trip, you have the flexibility to start when you feel most rested. There's only one major highway segment, the 186.1-mile stretch on I-75, so you can plan your fuel stop accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you pass through less populated areas on I-75 before reaching the more developed regions closer to Pembroke Pines.
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 104.5 miles from South Sarasota, FL, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.1 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 104.5 miles or 1h 57m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Sarasota, 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 South Sarasota, FL
This is one driving day of about 209.1 miles and 3h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from South Sarasota, 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 186.1 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 192.8 and 207.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
192.8 mi into trip|~3h 32m 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...
8
201.8 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpike
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 8; 9A-B
Toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpi...
7
202.4 mi into trip|~3h 43m in
Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando...
8
202.8 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
7
207.7 mi into trip|~3h 50m in
Take the exit toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.28 one way
$66.57 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg73 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$36.21
$72.41
premium
$4.72
$38.88
$77.76
diesel
$5.61
$46.17
$92.33
Estimated Tolls: $0.30
Florida's Turnpike
(4.2 mi)$0.30
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: 73.2 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
$21.96
$10.04
Efficient EV
52.3
0
$18.30
$8.36
EV Truck/SUV
83.6
1
$29.27
$13.38
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 17, 2026
Origin
South Sarasota, FL
Morning
in South Sarasota on Sunday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Clear
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Sunday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 6 mph20% chanceLive 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
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
3h 54m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of your travel occurring on high-speed roads. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I-75, including a long stretch of 186.1 miles where you can maintain a steady pace. The journey transitions to other major highways like the Port Everglades Expressway and Florida's Turnpike, ensuring a consistent driving experience. Expect a predictable flow with minimal slowdowns outside of potential urban traffic as you approach your destination.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 186.1 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 192.8 miles in near I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway.
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 16 significant decision points across 209.1 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 192.8 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.4 miles: 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 South Sarasota, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Lauderdale along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 54m. Total distance: 209.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 54m 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 186.1 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.30 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 192.8 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.4 miles: 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 Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
