How far is Wauchula, FL from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driving distance from Wauchula, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL is about 175 miles (281.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.4 miles (229.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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 Glades County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wauchula and Fort Lauderdale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wauchula and Fort Lauderdale.
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1
Start on the route
26 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left onto 6th Avenue
3.9 mi · 6 min · 6th Avenue
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3
Turn left onto 6th Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · 6th Avenue
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4
Continue on Debank Street
23.8 mi · 30 min · Debank Street
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5
Turn right
51.1 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
1177 ft · 18 sec
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7
Turn slight right
103 m · 4 sec
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8
Continue straight
32.1 mi · 43 min
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9
Continue straight
40.1 mi · 48 min
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10
Continue straight
2525 ft · 33 sec
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
1458 ft · 32 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
1.3 km · 2 min
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13
Merge slight left
4.6 mi · 5 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Port Everglades Expressway
10.1 mi · 12 min · Port Everglades Expressway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward SR 84 East: Marina Mile Boulevard
1302 ft · 32 sec
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16
Turn straight onto I 595 East, SR 84 East
991 ft · 19 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on SR 84 East
2 mi · 4 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on Marina Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · Marina Boulevard
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19
Turn left onto Southwest 4th Avenue
2736 ft · 1 min · Southwest 4th Avenue
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20
Turn right onto Southwest 17th Street
1594 ft · 34 sec · Southwest 17th Street
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21
Continue on Southeast 17th Street
780 ft · 25 sec · Southeast 17th Street
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22
Turn left onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
1.5 mi · 3 min · Southeast 3rd Avenue
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23
Turn left onto East Broward Boulevard
988 ft · 35 sec · East Broward Boulevard
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Broward Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wauchula and Fort Lauderdale.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
51.1 mi · 01h 01m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Wauchula and Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Lauderdale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wauchula to Fort Lauderdale?
The road trip is about 175 miles (281.6 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Moore Haven is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.7 miles from Wauchula and 87.2 miles from Fort Lauderdale.
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 32.6 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 12:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.59 one way or $51.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Wauchula and Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Lauderdale.
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 Wauchula and Fort Lauderdale. Straight-line distance: 142.37 mi (229.12 km).
#1 Wauchula
City and county seat of Hardee County, Florida, United States
| Population | 4,771 |
| Coordinates | 27.5472600, -81.8114700 |
| Altitude | 34 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Lauderdale
The second most populous city in Broward County, Florida.
| Population | 184,245 |
| Coordinates | 26.1223100, -80.1433800 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Broward Boulevard (-80.143384, 26.122355)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $25.59 | $51.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $28.36 | $56.71 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $30.21 | $60.42 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $26.84 | $53.68 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.