Directions for Fort Lauderdale to Orlando

[DDM]

Hello,

We are not from Florida and will be driving from the Fort Lauderdale airport to Orlando next month. We would like to know the best route. Do any of you experts out there have any advice?

Thank you,
Donna

 

[apagano]

Florida Turnpike all the way. Take I-595 West from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport to the Turnpike North. It's about a 4 hour drive depending on stops. It will cost you a chunk of change to take the Turnpike, but it is much less congested than I-95, which can be a nightmare at times.

 

[PammyK]

I would definitely agree with apagano about taking the Florida Turnpike. There is still construction on I-95 in the West Palm Beach area and it can get really ugly there. Tolls on the Turnpike are hefty - expect to pay close to $30 round trip.

 

[DDM]

Thank you for the directions. We will just be driving up from Ft. Lauderdale after a cruise.

Does Florida have an automated toll system? Massachusetts has FastPass, does anyone know if this can be used for the Florida Turnpike as well?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Does Florida have an automated toll system? Massachusetts has FastPass, does anyone know if this can be used for the Florida Turnpike as well?

FL has an automated toll system, but, I don't think you can use your Fast Pass from MA on it. Check the website for the MA fastpass to see if FL accepts it.

 

[DDM]

Thanks, Gail. I didn't even think of that. I just looked on the website and Massachusetts Fast Lane is not hooked up with the Florida Turnpike.

Thanks,
Donna

 

[dvc guy]

You have gotten excellent info. Florida Turnpike north. Avoid I-95. About 4 hours from FLL.
Very boring ride, I have done it about 10 times.

 

[kylara]

If you have any questions or want to calculate the tolls, the turnpike link is below.

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/turnpikepio/

The one thing I like about this area, both the turnpike and the expressway have sites on the internet to calculate the tolls, see where construction is etc.