Driving up from Miami...

[Kimberly]

How long will this realistically take at about 10:30 a.m. (departure time) from Miami on a Saturday? I haven't driven north of Jupiter, so I don't really know how the traffic is north of there, and if there are any major road projects currently on the Turnpike.

Also... any general tips for getting out of South Florida to Orlando? My current plan was I-95 and the FL Tpke all the way up...

 

[sotoalf]

Taking the Turnpike from Miami to the Osceola Parkway is about a three-hour ride, depending on speed and frequency of bathroom breaks.

 

[DOOM1001]

Turnpike the whole way is going to be the fastest way but if you want to save some money on tolls take I-95 to exit 129 (Ft.Pierce exit)and grab the turnpike there.The turnpike is like a mile from I-95 in this exit,it's also a good place to get gas or get something to eat,I usually stop at the Pilot service station,in fact there's actually two Pilots almost right next to each other.I'm down in SW Miami Dade and the fastest I've made it from my house to 192 in Kissimmee is 3 hours and 10 minutes straight on the turnpike with no traffic or stopping,If you get traffic it might take you 4 1/2 hours.On a Saturday at 10:30 am it should be OK 3 1/2 hours or so.

 

[Kimberly]

Turnpike the whole way is going to be the fastest way but if you want to save some money on tolls take I-95 to exit 129 (Ft.Pierce exit)and grab the turnpike there.The turnpike is like a mile from I-95 in this exit,it's also a good place to get gas or get something to eat,I usually stop at the Pilot service station,in fact there's actually two Pilots almost right next to each other.I'm down in SW Miami Dade and the fastest I've made it from my house to 192 in Kissimmee is 3 hours and 10 minutes straight on the turnpike with no traffic or stopping,If you get traffic it might take you 4 1/2 hours.On a Saturday at 10:30 am it should be OK 3 1/2 hours or so.

How's the traffic between I-95 and the FL Tpke in south FL? I know what traffic can be like on I-95... is there less traffic on the FL Tpke? I'd rather just pay the tolls if there was less congestion.

 

[DOOM1001]

You're more likely to encounter an accident on I-95 anytime.If it was a weekday with rush hour then I would tell you you must take the Turnpike the whole way,but being a Saturday if you wanted to save $9 in tolls you could risk taking the I-95 to the Ft.Pierce exit,but the Turnpike will most likely be the faster alternative.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

.....if you wanted to save $9 in tolls you could risk taking the Turnpike to the Ft.Pierce exit,but the Turnpike will most likely be the faster alternative.

She means taking I-95 to the Ft. Pierce exit. (to save the money) On a Saturday morning, that's what I would do too. Backups not likely. Then the Turnpike north from there.

BobK/Orlando

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

I have driven highway 27 between Fort Lauderdale and Clermont a few times, and it took between 3.5 to 4 hours. There are not as many red lights as you would expect, and the speeds are comparable to the interstate. It's a good, free alternate if 95 is backed up.

 

[DOOM1001]

She means taking I-95 to the Ft. Pierce exit. (to save the money) On a Saturday morning, that's what I would do too. Backups not likely. Then the Turnpike north from there.

BobK/Orlando

Yeah that's what I meant I wrote Turnpike rather than I-95,just corrected it.