WDW to Fort Myers (and back!)

[Tam1067]

On 12/26 we'll be leaving WDW and driving to Fort Myers. We will return to WDW from there on 12/30.

Both Mapquest and Googlemaps say that the fastest route is via US-17. It comes to 163 miles and 3 hours, 15 minutes.

However, if we take I-75, it ends up being 3 hours, 18 minutes and 205 miles.

So for all intents and purposes, the actual time is the same, but the distance is about 40 more miles by through Tampa/Sarasota, etc. on I-75.

I have a feeling that traffic will make a huge difference in the real time. So I'm wondering--for those of you who know this area of Florida, which route would be the best?

Thanks!

 

[dioxide45]

We have always taken the I4 to I75 route and never had a problem. I think you will have more food and gas options if you take the interstate. You will also likely be able to travel at a more consistent rate of speed and get better gas mileage, though traveling more miles would erase any savings you could get.

 

[OKW Lover]

You'll be much better off taking the I-4>I-75 route. The other route will actually require a bunch of stops for cross-roads and business areas, etc and there's no way you'll maintain any kind of reasonable speed.

 

[skiingfast]

I'd agree with the other posters. the little slow downs eat up time. Plus if you are like me, you can beat those times driving faster and the interstates will have more speeders to blend in with.

 

[Tam1067]

Thanks everyone! I thought the interstate would be faster but wanted to make sure there wasn't some unusual traffic issue in that area.

 

[ChristmasElf]

The I 4 route to 275 is much better. The other route will not only have traffic lights and slower speeds, but also SPEED TRAPS.

 

[magickingdommommy]

I am driving from fort myers airport to disney just a week after you.

It will be our first time flying into RSW (but we got a great deal!), and I am hoping the drive isn't too bad.

 

[mousebymarriage]

We have always taken the I4 to I75 route and never had a problem. I think you will have more food and gas options if you take the interstate. You will also likely be able to travel at a more consistent rate of speed and get better gas mileage, though traveling more miles would erase any savings you could get.

i agree! That's the way we go when we leave Disney to visit my family that lives in Port charlotte (about 20-30 min from FT.Myers).

 

[sue Z]

10 yrs ago we drove from I drive to Ft myers and back in one day went to a sox spring training game it was long but the interstate was so much better then in the days when we used to stay in Bradenton 73-80 and go to WDW for the day and go over the sky way bridge and finally get onto I-4
my parents and I were so amazed how quick it was compared to the old days!! althought I did miss going over the skyway!!

We did go back to Bradenton that same yr and used I-4 to I -75 for the quickness

 

[CanadianPaco]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read your post.... we're leaving WDW on Dec 26 to go to Fort Meyers and then leaving on Dec 30th! "Small world" or what!

 

[cruisingkat]

We drive either to or from Disney/Ft Myers several times a year when we go to Disney. We never take the I4/I75 route. The back roads are much faster (there isn't many towns and the speed limit is 50) and is the routing that our GPS recommends. I'll have to check on the exact routing that we take.

 

[Tam1067]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read your post.... we're leaving WDW on Dec 26 to go to Fort Meyers and then leaving on Dec 30th! "Small world" or what!

Maybe we'll see you there!