Trip from New Port Richey, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL

Drive Time

5h 27m

Distance

282.6 mi

455 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 14m ★
6 AM
5h 27m
8 AM
5h 54m
10 AM
5h 37m
12 PM
5h 34m
3 PM
5h 38m
5 PM
5h 53m
8 PM
5h 19m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown New Port Richey, FL, FL

New Port Richey, FL

Arian Fernandez

Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL, FL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Kelly

Trip Overview

Connecting New Port Richey to Fort Lauderdale, this 282.6-mile journey across Florida typically takes about 5 hours and 27 minutes of driving time. Because the route is highly efficient, you can easily complete the trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $47 for fuel for the duration of the drive. The journey transitions from the Gulf Coast region toward the Atlantic side of the state. It is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours, making it a practical choice if you need to reach your destination quickly.

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

141.3 miles from New Port Richey, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .

Drive Character

With 93% of your travel occurring on highways, you should prepare for a consistent, interstate-heavy experience. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-75, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 209.3 miles that requires steady focus. While you start your journey on US Highway 19, the character of the road shifts quickly as you merge onto the primary interstate system. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge adds a unique element to the transit, breaking up the monotony of the surrounding landscape. Overall, the drive feels like a functional sprint across the state rather than a leisurely backroads tour.

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.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 209.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US Highway 19. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Grand Boulevard.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 282.6 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: near the start (Grand Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 265.9 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Grand Boulevard

Turn left onto Grand Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
9
265.9 mi into trip | ~5h 2m 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
276 mi into trip | ~5h 13m 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
276.5 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in | SR 84

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 84 toward SR 84 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward SR 84 East
7
278.4 mi into trip | ~5h 18m 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 none lane. Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 209.3 mi 3h 44m
US Highway 19 24.5 mi 35m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge 13.4 mi 15m
I 275 11.2 mi 14m
Port Everglades Expressway 10.1 mi 11m
US Highway 19 North 4.4 mi 6m
SR 84 2.2 mi 3m
Marina Boulevard 1.6 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 209.3 mi, about 3h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New Port Richey, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.

1

Start on Tennessee Avenue

113 ft · 10 sec · Tennessee Avenue
2

Turn left onto Grand Boulevard

0.8 mi · 1 min · Grand Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Turn right onto Marine Parkway

0.4 mi · 1 min · Marine Parkway
Use the none lane.
4

Turn left onto US 19

25 mi · 35 min · US Highway 19
Use the left lane.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto US 19

4.4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 19 North
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on US 19

0.6 mi · 1 min · 34th Street North
Use the none lane.
7

Turn left onto 54th Avenue North

0.8 mi · 1 min · 54th Avenue North
Use the left lane.
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 275 South Use the right lane.
9

Merge onto I 275

10 mi · 11 min · I 275
Use the none lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 17 sec
11

Merge onto I 275; US 19

13 mi · 15 min · Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 275

1.1 mi · 2 min · I 275
Toward I 75 South: Naples
13

Merge onto I 75

28 mi · 30 min · I 75
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

181 mi · 3 hr 14 min · I 75
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 595

10 mi · 11 min · Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19 Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 9C Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn straight onto SR 84

0.2 mi · 18 sec · SR 84
Toward I 595 East, SR 84 East
18

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 84

2.0 mi · 3 min · SR 84
Toward SR 84 East Use the none lane.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 84

1.6 mi · 3 min · Marina Boulevard
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard Use the none lane.
20

Turn left onto Southwest 4th Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest 4th Avenue
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto Southwest 17th Street

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Southwest 17th Street
22

Continue on Southeast 17th Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Southeast 17th Street
23

Turn left onto Southeast 3rd Avenue

1.5 mi · 3 min · Southeast 3rd Avenue
Use the none lane.
24

Turn left onto SR 842

0.2 mi · 35 sec · East Broward Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
25

Arrive at destination

SR 842

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the 5.5-hour duration and stay alert during the long highway stretches. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day congestion and ensure you arrive in Fort Lauderdale before evening traffic peaks. Since you are spending nearly $47 on fuel, check your tire pressure before departing New Port Richey to maximize your efficiency during the 209.3-mile interstate leg. Because this is a high-speed route, maintain a consistent pace and keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long, uninterrupted sections of I-75. The flexibility of a single-day trip allows you to adjust your departure time based on the latest traffic reports for the I-75 corridor.

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 141.3 miles from New Port Richey, FL, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.3 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 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 141.3 miles or 2h 48m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 25m

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 New Port Richey, 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 New Port Richey, FL

This is one driving day of about 282.6 miles and 5h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New Port Richey, 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 209.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 141.3 mi from New Port Richey, FL · 2h 48m into the drive

Downtown Rotonda West, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rotonda West, FL

141 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.

Popular next leg

Rotonda West, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL

190.9 mi · 3h 46m

Pacing Suggestions

Rotonda West, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cape Coral, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141.3 miles from New Port Richey, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 209.3 miles.

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The final approach into Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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

$47.21 one way

$94.42 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $51.14 $102.27
premium $4.90 $54.47 $108.95
diesel $5.64 $62.78 $125.57

Estimated Tolls: $0.94

Sunshine Skyway Bridge (13.4 mi) $0.94

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

$47

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.8 1 $29.67 $13.56
Efficient EV 70.7 0 $24.73 $11.30
EV Truck/SUV 113 1 $39.56 $18.09

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

New Port Richey, FL

Afternoon in New Port Richey on Sunday

Local time

4:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Afternoon in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday

Local time

4:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

5 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

5h 27m 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 New Port Richey, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL covers 282.6 miles and takes about 5h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, US Highway 19, Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 141.3 miles from New Port Richey, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.21 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 21 significant decision points across 282.6 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: near the start (Grand Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 265.9 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from New Port Richey, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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