How far is Fort Lauderdale, FL from Wauchula, FL?
The driving distance from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Wauchula, FL is about 175.2 miles (282 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 22m 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 41m.
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.
City in Glades County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Lauderdale and Wauchula.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale and Wauchula.
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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
4.7 mi · 5 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay
1519 ft · 29 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US 27 North: South Bay
2115 ft · 52 sec
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10
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 60 sec
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11
Continue straight
62.2 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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12
Continue straight
51 mi · 1 hr 2 min
-
13
Continue straight
918 ft · 20 sec
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14
Continue straight
10.1 mi · 13 min
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15
Continue straight
74 m · 11 sec
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16
Turn left
25 mi · 32 min
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17
Turn right
3.9 mi · 6 min
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18
Turn left onto East Main Street
128 m · 19 sec · East Main Street
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19
Turn left onto 6th Avenue
63 m · 11 sec · 6th Avenue
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20
Turn left
26 m · 6 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Lauderdale and Wauchula.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 27 North
Continue straight
62.2 mi · 01h 17m
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.
Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fort Lauderdale and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Wauchula.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Wauchula?
The road trip is about 175.2 miles (282 km) and usually takes 03h 41m 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?
Moore Haven is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.7 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 87.6 miles from Wauchula.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.8 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 9:38 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.63 one way or $51.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms around Fort Lauderdale and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Wauchula.
Stop Ideas Near Moore Haven
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 Moore Haven.
Okeechobee
Fort Myers, Florida
Sebring
Port Charlotte, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Lauderdale and Wauchula. Straight-line distance: 142.37 mi (229.12 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 Wauchula
City and county seat of Hardee County, Florida, United States
| Population | 4,771 |
| Coordinates | 27.5472600, -81.8114700 |
| Altitude | 34 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wauchula (-81.81147, 27.54726)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $25.63 | $51.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $28.40 | $56.81 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $30.26 | $60.51 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $26.88 | $53.77 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.