How far is Fort Lauderdale, FL from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Tampa, FL is about 263.6 miles (424.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 27m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 43m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Census-designated place in Lee County, Florida
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
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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
-
7
Merge slight left
236 mi · 4 hr 14 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
2.4 mi · 3 min
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9
Continue on Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi · 9 min · Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
1212 ft · 31 sec
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11
Turn straight onto East Kennedy Boulevard
1885 ft · 1 min · East Kennedy Boulevard
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
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
236 mi · 04h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Fort Lauderdale and Sunny near Tampa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa?
The road trip is about 263.6 miles (424.3 km) and usually takes 03h 43m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gateway is a useful midpoint, sitting about 131.7 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 132 miles from Tampa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 190.3 miles (306.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 73.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:32 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.58 one way or $77.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Lauderdale and Sunny near Tampa.
Stop Ideas Near Gateway
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 Gateway.
Fort Myers, Florida
Port Charlotte, Florida
Sebring
Sarasota, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. Straight-line distance: 190.26 mi (306.2 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 Tampa
The third most populous city in Florida and the center of the Tampa metropolitan area.
| Population | 407,599 |
| Coordinates | 27.9475200, -82.4584300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kennedy Boulevard (-82.458429, 27.947518)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 424 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $38.58 | $77.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $42.74 | $85.49 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $45.53 | $91.07 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $40.46 | $80.91 |
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 · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.