Fort Lauderdale to Miami travel time ( november 2024)

The best way to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Miami is typically via Interstate 95 (I-95), which is the most direct and commonly used route. Here’s what you need to know:

Route
Take I-95 South: From Fort Lauderdale, get onto I-95 South toward Miami.
Express Lanes Option: If you're driving during peak hours and are willing to pay, consider the I-95 Express Lanes for potentially faster travel. These lanes often help avoid heavy traffic congestion.
Alternate Route: You could also take Florida's Turnpike (State Road 91), which is a toll road. It might be a bit longer but can save time when I-95 is congested.
Estimated Driving Time
Non-Peak Hours: About 35-45 minutes without heavy traffic.
Rush Hours (Weekdays 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM): Plan for up to 1-1.5 hours or more due to traffic congestion.
For the best timing, avoid peak hours if possible and check traffic apps (like Google Maps or Waze) before starting your trip to get real-time updates on traffic conditions.
US1 (also known as Federal Highway) is another option for driving from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. While US1 is more scenic and takes you through several smaller towns and coastal areas, it’s typically slower than taking I-95 or Florida's Turnpike because it has more traffic lights, lower speed limits, and more local traffic.

US1 Route Details:
Start on US1 South (Federal Highway) in Fort Lauderdale.
Pass through Coastal Cities: You’ll go through places like Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, and North Miami, seeing more of the local scenery and having access to shops and restaurants along the way.
Rejoin Major Highways if Needed: Near North Miami, you can switch back to I-95 South if traffic is lighter or if you want to speed up the rest of the trip.
Estimated Driving Time on US1
Normal Conditions: Around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Peak Hours: It can take up to 2 hours or more due to traffic lights and increased local traffic.
Using US1 can be a nice alternative if you want a slower, more scenic drive with opportunities to stop along the way, but it’s not the fastest option if you’re trying to get to Miami quickly.