This 222.3-mile drive from Winter Springs, Florida, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 19 minutes on the road, with a projected fuel cost of around $35. The route primarily utilizes Florida's Turnpike and I-95, making up 87% of the journey. This efficient path is ideal for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive keeps you moving, connecting two points within the same state without significant regional shifts.
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
111.2 miles from Winter Springs, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
84.9 mi
1h 32m
I 95
82.7 mi
1h 29m
Beachline Expressway
25.3 mi
27m
Central Florida GreeneWay
11.3 mi
12m
Tuskawilla Road
3.2 mi
5m
West Broward Boulevard
1.8 mi
3m
Lake Drive
1.8 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 84.9 mi, about 1h 32m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 70 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,796 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,594
Quietest
2 AM
~257 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.8×
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 Winter Springs, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on this road
150 ft·13 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto FL 434
469 ft·19 sec·FL 434
3
Turn left onto Edgemon Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Edgemon Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Murphy Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Murphy Road
5
Turn left onto Seminola Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·Seminola Boulevard
6
Continue on Lake Drive
1.8 mi·3 min·Lake Drive
7
Turn right onto Tuskawilla Road
3.2 mi·5 min·Tuskawilla Road
8
Turn left onto FL 426
0.4 mi·47 sec·Aloma Avenue
9
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward FL 417 Toll South: OrlandoUse the right lane.
10
Continue on FL 417 Toll
11 mi·12 min·Central Florida GreeneWay
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·59 sec
Exit 26Toward FL 528 Toll: International Airport, CocoaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward FL 528 East: Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center
13
Merge onto FL 528 Toll
25 mi·27 min·Beachline Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 42AToward I 95 South: MiamiUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 95
75 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
21
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 32 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
24
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
25
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
26
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
27
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
28
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
29
Merge onto I 95
7.2 mi·8 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 27Toward SR 842: Broward Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto SR 842
1.8 mi·3 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
33
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 19-minute drive, consider leaving Winter Springs in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic congestion, especially as you approach Fort Lauderdale. With a single day recommended and a fuel cost of about $35, it's an economical trip. Plan for one stop along the way to stretch your legs or refuel. Given the longest stretch is 84.9 miles on Florida's Turnpike, ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. This route is designed for efficiency, so your stop can be brief.
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 111.2 miles from Winter Springs, FL, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.9 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 49 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.2 miles or 2h 9m 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 Winter Springs, 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 Winter Springs, FL
This is one driving day of about 222.3 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Winter Springs, 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 84.9 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 19.6 and 219.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
19.6 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward FL 528 Toll: International Airport, Cocoa
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 26
Toward FL 528 Toll: International Airport, Coco...
8
122.7 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
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 129
Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
8
124 mi into trip|~2h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
8
209.3 mi into trip|~3h 57m 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
219.8 mi into trip|~4h 13m 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
$33.65 one way
$67.30 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$36.92
$73.85
premium
$4.55
$39.82
$79.64
diesel
$4.80
$41.97
$83.95
Estimated Tolls: $5.94
Florida's Turnpike
(84.9 mi)$5.94
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
$34
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.7
0
$23.34
$10.67
Efficient EV
55.6
0
$19.45
$8.89
EV Truck/SUV
88.9
1
$31.12
$14.23
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Winter Springs, FL
Night
in Winter Springs on Monday
Local time
9:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 10 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:41PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Night
in Fort Lauderdale on Monday
Local time
9:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Partly Sunny
SE 13 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:41PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
2 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
4h 19m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
$25
near mile 38.3
Caution: Pavement Project- Playalinda District
Park Closure: Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the 222.3 miles spent on major roadways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on Florida's Turnpike and I-95, so anticipate a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 84.9 miles on Florida's Turnpike. While primarily highway, the Beachline Expressway offers a brief change of pace. Overall, the personality of this drive is efficient and direct, designed for covering distance rather than exploring scenery.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.9 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 19.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 222.3 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 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
82 ft2 ft
Total Climb
41 ft
Total Descent
94 ft
Highest Point
82 ft
~15.9 mi in
Elevation Range
80 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Winter Springs, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, road signs point toward Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center, Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
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 19m. Total distance: 222.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.9 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.94 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 14 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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.
