Origin
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Afternoon in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday
Local time
3:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Tavares, FL
Drive Time
4h 37m
Distance
236.6 mi
381 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kelly
Tavares, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
The drive from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Tavares, FL covers 236.6 miles and takes about 4h 37m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Florida's Turnpike, Western Beltway, Orange Blossom Trail for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 199.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $39.52 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
118.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a 4h 37m highway drive covering 236.6 miles, with most of the trip on Florida's Turnpike and Western Beltway. The longest continuous stretch is about 199.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Florida's Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 199.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and Western Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Northwest 9th Avenue.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 236.6 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 0.6 miles (Northwest 9th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 209.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Northwest 9th Avenue
Turn right onto Northwest 9th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
9.8 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
8
209.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
Take the exit toward FL 429 Toll: Apopka, Tampa, UF Research & Education Center, Winter Garden
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 267A
Toward FL 429 Toll: Apopka, Tampa, UF Research...
8
221.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward US 441, CR 437: Orange Blossom Trail, Plymouth Sorrento Road
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 34
Toward US 441, CR 437: Orange Blossom Trail, Pl...
8
221.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Orange Blossom Trail
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward Orange Blossom Trail
Towns Along This Route
Between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tavares, FL, road signs point toward Tampa, Uf Research & Education Center and Winter Garden.
Tampa
209.3 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Uf Research & Education Center
209.3 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Winter Garden
209.3 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 199.2 mi | 3h 35m |
| Western Beltway | 10.4 mi | 11m |
| Orange Blossom Trail | 7.2 mi | 10m |
| CR Old 441 | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Northwest 9th Avenue | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| East 5th Avenue | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| South Powerline Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Powerline Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 199.2 mi, about 3h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tavares, FL.
1
Start on SR 842
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Broward Boulevard
Use the none lane.
2
Turn right onto Northwest 9th Avenue
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest 9th Avenue
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on SR 845
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Powerline Road
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on SR 845
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
South Powerline Road
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on SR 845
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Pompano Parkway
Use the left / none lanes.
6
Turn left onto SR 814
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the none lane.
7
Turn right onto Northwest 31st Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 31st Avenue
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando
Use the straight / left lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
10
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
199 mi
·
3 hr 35 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 267A
Toward FL 429 Toll: Apopka, Tampa, UF Research & Education Center, Winter Garden
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
13
Merge onto FL 429 Toll
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Western Beltway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 34
Toward US 441, CR 437: Orange Blossom Trail, Plymouth Sorrento Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
368 ft
·
15 sec
Toward Orange Blossom Trail
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on SR 429 Connector Road
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
SR 429 Connector Road
17
Turn right onto US 441
7.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Orange Blossom Trail
Use the none lane.
18
Turn slight left onto CR 500A
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Highway 441
19
Continue on CR Old 441
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Highland Street
20
Turn left onto CR Old 441
2.5 mi
·
5 min
·
East 5th Avenue
21
Turn left onto CR Old 441
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
CR Old 441
22
Turn slight left onto CR Old 441
399 ft
·
13 sec
·
CR Old 441
23
Turn left onto North Saint Clair Abrams Avenue
349 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Saint Clair Abrams Avenue
24
Turn left onto CR Old 441
56 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Alfred Street
25
Arrive at destination
CR Old 441
Trip Plan
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 118.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 199.2 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.3 miles or 2h 16m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tavares, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL
This is one driving day of about 236.6 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fort Lauderdale, 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 199.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 118.3 mi from Fort Lauderdale, FL · 2h 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.3 miles from Fort 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 199.2 miles.
Arriving in Tavares, FL
The final approach into Tavares, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Tavares, FL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.52 one way
$79.05 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $42.81 | $85.62 |
| premium | $4.90 | $45.61 | $91.21 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $52.56 | $105.13 |
Estimated Tolls: $13.94
Florida's Turnpike
(199.2 mi)
$13.94
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
$40
Tolls
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71 | 0 | $24.84 | $11.36 |
| Efficient EV | 59.2 | 0 | $20.70 | $9.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.6 | 1 | $33.12 | $15.14 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Tavares, FL
Afternoon in Tavares on Sunday
Local time
3:30 PM
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
6 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 37m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Tavares, FL covers 236.6 miles and takes about 4h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Florida's Turnpike, Western Beltway, Orange Blossom Trail. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 118.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.52 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 236.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (Northwest 9th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 209.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tavares, FL, road signs point toward Tampa, Uf Research & Education Center and Winter Garden.
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