This 147.2-mile drive from Suncoast Estates to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused route, 93% of the drive utilizes major roads like I-75 and the Port Everglades Expressway. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, this trip is an efficient option for those looking to travel between these two Florida locations. The straightforward nature of the route makes it ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll be spending most of your time on the interstate, so expect a consistent pace.
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
73.6 miles from Suncoast Estates, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 24m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 50m. Total distance: 147.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this 147.2-mile trip. With 93% of the route on major highways, including I-75 and Port Everglades Expressway, the pace is generally fast and consistent. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 124 miles on I-75, offering a prolonged period of steady driving. While mostly interstate, the initial and final segments may involve local roads like Bayshore Road, providing a slight change of pace before reaching your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 124 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 6.4 miles in near I 75.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 147.2 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 6.4 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.4 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
6.4 mi into trip|~12m in|I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
130.4 mi into trip|~2h 25m 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
140.6 mi into trip|~2h 37m 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
143 mi into trip|~2h 41m 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 right lane.
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
6
145.5 mi into trip|~2h 47m in|Southeast 3rd Avenue
Turn left onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
124 mi
2h 12m
Port Everglades Expressway
10.1 mi
11m
Bayshore Road
4 mi
6m
SR 84
2.2 mi
3m
Marina Boulevard
1.6 mi
3m
Southeast 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi
3m
Hart Road
0.7 mi
1m
Hart Drive
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 124 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Suncoast Estates, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1
Start on McDaniel Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·McDaniel Drive
2
Turn left onto Laurel Lane
0.2 mi·37 sec·Laurel Lane
3
Turn right onto Hart Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·Hart Drive
4
Continue on Hart Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Hart Road
5
Turn left onto FL 78
4.0 mi·6 min·Bayshore Road
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 75: Naples
7
Merge onto I 75
124 mi·2 hr 12 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi·11 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 9CToward SR 84 East: Marina Mile BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.2 mi·18 sec·SR 84
Toward I 595 East, SR 84 East
11
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 84
2.0 mi·3 min·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East
12
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 84
1.6 mi·3 min·Marina Boulevard
Toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile BoulevardUse the right lane.
13
Turn left onto Southwest 4th Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 4th Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto Southwest 17th Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Southwest 17th Street
15
Continue on Southeast 17th Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Southeast 17th Street
16
Turn left onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn left onto SR 842
0.2 mi·35 sec·East Broward Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
18
Arrive at destination
SR 842
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 50-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day journey. To make the most of your drive, consider departing in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach Fort Lauderdale. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 124 miles on I-75, you can plan your breaks strategically. The estimated fuel cost of $23 makes it an economical choice, but always keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly during the long interstate segments. A practical tip for this route is to ensure your navigation system is updated, as the transitions between I-75 and the Port Everglades Expressway can be busy.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.6 miles from Suncoast Estates, FL, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 124 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 32 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.6 miles or 1h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 15m
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 Suncoast Estates, 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 Suncoast Estates, FL
This is one driving day of about 147.2 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Suncoast Estates, 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 124 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 73.6 mi from Suncoast Estates, FL
· 1h 24m into the drive
The midpoint is around 73.6 miles from Suncoast Estates, 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 124 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.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.43 one way
$46.86 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$25.49
$50.98
premium
$4.72
$27.37
$54.74
diesel
$5.61
$32.50
$65.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.2
0
$15.46
$7.07
Efficient EV
36.8
0
$12.88
$5.89
EV Truck/SUV
58.9
0
$20.61
$9.42
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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 16, 2026
Origin
Suncoast Estates, FL
Evening
in Suncoast Estates on Friday
Local time
8:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Evening
in Fort Lauderdale on Friday
Local time
8:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
E 7 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
77°F
Naples, FL
74 mi in
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
16 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
2h 50m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Suncoast Estates, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL covers 147.2 miles and takes about 2h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Port Everglades Expressway, Bayshore 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 73.6 miles from Suncoast Estates, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.43 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 147.2 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 6.4 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.4 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Suncoast Estates, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
