How far is Fort Lauderdale, FL from Sanibel, FL?
The driving distance from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Sanibel, FL is about 145.9 miles (234.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118.6 miles (190.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Collier County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Lauderdale and Sanibel.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale and Sanibel.
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1
Start on East Broward Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · East Broward Boulevard
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2
Take the ramp slight left toward I 95 South: Miami
885 ft · 24 sec
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport
2.2 mi · 4 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 595 West
1 mi · 2 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Port Everglades Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Port Everglades Expressway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Port Everglades Expressway
10.1 mi · 12 min · Port Everglades Expressway
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7
Merge slight left
108.1 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CR 840: San Carlos Park, Southwest Florida International Airport
1767 ft · 28 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on CR 840: San Carlos Park
3216 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn straight onto Alico Road
3.6 mi · 6 min · Alico Road
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11
Turn right onto South Tamiami Trail
2.7 mi · 5 min · South Tamiami Trail
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12
Turn left onto Gladiolus Drive
1.5 mi · 3 min · Gladiolus Drive
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13
Turn slight left onto Summerlin Road
6 mi · 9 min · Summerlin Road
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14
Continue on McGregor Boulevard
2 mi · 3 min · McGregor Boulevard
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15
Continue on Sanibel Causeway
2.9 mi · 6 min · Sanibel Causeway
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16
Continue on Causeway Road
2423 ft · 1 min · Causeway Road
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17
Turn left onto Periwinkle Way
1.6 km · 2 min · Periwinkle Way
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18
Turn right onto Buttonwood Lane
766 ft · 38 sec · Buttonwood Lane
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19
Turn left
35 m · 8 sec
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Lauderdale and Sanibel.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Port Everglades Expressway
Merge slight left
108 mi · 01h 56m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Fort Lauderdale and Mostly Sunny near Sanibel.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Sanibel?
The road trip is about 145.9 miles (234.8 km) and usually takes 02h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Immokalee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.9 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 72.9 miles from Sanibel.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118.6 miles (190.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.36 one way or $42.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Fort Lauderdale and Mostly Sunny near Sanibel.
Stop Ideas Near Immokalee
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Immokalee.
Fort Myers, Florida
Port Charlotte, Florida
Okeechobee
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Lauderdale and Sanibel. Straight-line distance: 118.56 mi (190.81 km).
#1 Fort Lauderdale
The second most populous city in Broward County, Florida.
| Population | 184,245 |
| Coordinates | 26.1223100, -80.1433800 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sanibel
City in Florida, USA
| Population | 7,429 |
| Coordinates | 26.4489700, -82.0223100 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sanibel (-82.02231, 26.44897)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 235 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $21.36 | $42.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $23.67 | $47.34 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $25.21 | $50.43 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $22.40 | $44.81 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Florida · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.