Lakeland Highlands, FL to Miramar, FL is 217.6 miles and takes about 4h 20m via Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive entirely within Florida, making it a convenient one-day trip. You'll be spending most of your time on Florida's Turnpike, which is a well-maintained toll road. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from Central Florida down to the South Florida region. Expect a predictable journey with minimal detours.
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
108.8 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 217.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on Florida's Turnpike, including a substantial 142.7-mile stretch without needing to exit. The primary roads, including Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, and Boy Scout Ranch Road, are designed for efficient travel. Expect a consistent driving experience for the majority of the trip, with the focus being on covering distance rather than exploring local scenery. The road's character is predominantly that of a fast-paced highway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 142.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 71.4 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 217.6 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 71.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
71.4 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
71.6 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
7
214.4 mi into trip|~4h 12m 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
6
215.9 mi into trip|~4h 15m in|Southwest 72nd Avenue
Turn left onto Southwest 72nd Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
217.1 mi into trip|~4h 18m in|Tropicana Street
At end of road, turn right onto Tropicana Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
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 Lakeland Highlands, FL to Miramar, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami along the way.
Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
71.6 mi in|~1h 35m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
142.7 mi
2h 36m
FL 60
61.7 mi
1h 19m
Boy Scout Ranch Road
4.8 mi
8m
Bartow Road
3.2 mi
4m
Hollywood Boulevard
1.1 mi
2m
Southwest 72nd Avenue
1 mi
2m
Broadway Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Van Fleet Drive
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 142.7 mi, about 2h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakeland Highlands, FL and Miramar, FL.
1
Start on CR 37A
0.5 mi·1 min·Scott Lake Road
2
Turn left onto CR 540A
4.8 mi·8 min·Boy Scout Ranch Road
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·Bartow Road
4
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
7
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
143 mi·2 hr 36 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto SR 820
1.1 mi·2 min·Hollywood Boulevard
16
Turn left onto Southwest 72nd Avenue
1.0 mi·2 min·Southwest 72nd Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
At end of road, turn left onto SR 824
444 ft·19 sec·Pembroke Road
18
Turn right onto West Arcadia Drive
527 ft·25 sec·West Arcadia Drive
19
At end of road, turn right onto Tropicana Street
158 ft·12 sec·Tropicana Street
20
Turn left onto Bahama Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Bahama Drive
21
Arrive at destination
Bahama Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 20m estimated duration, starting your drive from Lakeland Highlands in the morning will allow you to reach Miramar well before evening. Plan for a single stop to break up the 142.7-mile stretch on Florida's Turnpike; a service plaza along the turnpike would be a practical choice. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the majority of the drive is on a major highway where services can be spaced out. The fuel cost estimate of $35 is helpful for budgeting. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart later if needed, but an earlier start ensures a relaxed arrival in Miramar.
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 108.8 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 48 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Miramar, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakeland Highlands, 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 Lakeland Highlands, FL
This is one driving day of about 217.6 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Lakeland Highlands, 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 142.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.8 mi from Lakeland Highlands, FL
· 2h 16m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.64 one way
$69.27 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$37.68
$75.35
premium
$4.72
$40.46
$80.92
diesel
$5.61
$48.04
$96.09
Estimated Tolls: $9.99
Florida's Turnpike
(142.7 mi)$9.99
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
$35
Tolls
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.85
$10.44
Efficient EV
54.4
0
$19.04
$8.70
EV Truck/SUV
87
1
$30.46
$13.93
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lakeland Highlands, FL
Night
in Lakeland Highlands on Friday
Local time
10:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Miramar, FL
Night
in Miramar on Friday
Local time
10:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°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
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
4h 20m 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 Lakeland Highlands, FL to Miramar, FL covers 217.6 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, Boy Scout Ranch Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.8 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.64 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 217.6 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 71.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Lakeland Highlands, FL to Miramar, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami along the way.
