Drive from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa

[CisforCookie991]

My takeaway from another thread is that driving in Florida is always full of adventure and the unexpected. Realistically, how long will it take me to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, and is one route better than another? Google Maps is telling me about 4 hours, and my options are to go up 95 then west, or go west on 75 then North. Ideally looking to leave late morning or early afternoon. Thanks!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We've done it both directions, and I'd say 4 - 4 1/2 hours is a reasonable estimate, depending on potential traffic issues. We've done both directions. We usually go 'alligator alley', heading west on 75. Late morning/early afternoon should work well.

 

[wabbott]

I've done a lot of vacation driving over the past 3 years - literally from coast to coast and border to border. When planing driving schedules, I've found it invaluable to study Google Maps traffic flow during the time of day I will be in that area. Waze is also a good traffic flow app.

For example, two years ago, we left our home in North Central Louisiana headed west on I20 toward Dallas/Ft Worth at about 2:30 AM to beat the morning rush hour. That probably saved us an hour or more of travel time.

Obviously, you might not want to drive at those odd hours, but the real-time traffic flow maps will tell you what to expect at different times of the day.

The I75 map currently shows problem areas near Bradenton and Venice, FL. Friday PM is tough everywhere.

 

[CisforCookie991]

We've done it both directions, and I'd say 4 - 4 1/2 hours is a reasonable estimate, depending on potential traffic issues. We've done both directions. We usually go 'alligator alley', heading west on 75. Late morning/early afternoon should work well.

Well I had to Google "alligator alley." It sounds...interesting. Maybe a little terrifying. But more terrifying than 95? Maybe, maybe not. I generally don't love 95. Where do you suggest is a good place to stop for lunch? Fort Myers?

 

[Calantha]

Where do you suggest is a good place to stop for lunch?

So, I live in DC...and I'm going to slightly hijack this, but anyone who goes to Tampa should vist the Columbia Restaurant (https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/) in Ybor City. Florida's oldest restaurant and the best mojitos I've had in my life.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

So, I live in DC...and I'm going to slightly hijack this, but anyone who goes to Tampa should vist the Columbia Restaurant (https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/) in Ybor City. Florida's oldest restaurant and the best mojitos I've had in my life.

Would definitely second the Columbia Restaurant experience - either in Ybor City or along Riverwalk. Tampa Riverwalk has many fun options. Sorry - can't really give you a good recommendation along the way, though!

Alligator Alley sounds intimidating, but in reality it's another interstate highway!

 

[princesscinderella]

Definitely take 595 to I-75 all the way to Tampa, definitely faster than 95 north to I-4 which is a traffic nightmare. The alligator alley portion is not a big deal they now have fencing along the whole highway so alligators aren’t on the roads like they were when I was a kid. There’s no lights along the stretch so if that bothers you don’t plan to drive that section at night. I second Columbia restaurant as a great restaurant and also suggest Berns steakhouse, it’s an unforgettable meal and requires reservations at 60 days out at midnight.

 

[sadiecatie]

it’s an unforgettable meal and requires reservations at 60 days out at midnight.

Among Disney folks that shouldn’t be too intimidating

 

[princesscinderella]

Among Disney folks that shouldn’t be too intimidating

Exactly we are well trained!!

 

[Capt_BJ]

Definitely take 595 to I-75 all the way to Tampa, definitely faster than 95 north to I-4 which is a traffic nightmare. The alligator alley portion is not a big deal they now have fencing along the whole highway so alligators aren’t on the roads like they were when I was a kid.

- Yes 75. Going north on 95 you are either going to end up OFF interstate or go way north of Orlando thn backtrack west. Going 95 to SR528 to I-4 is silly ... 30 extra wasted miles ... not mention how most folks try to avoid I-4 in that Tampa/Orlando stretch

- Before 75 was completed south of Tampa in the 80's (?) Alligator Alley was 2 lane and much more 'exciting' ..... with 4 lanes and fencing it is much more 'main stream' but still lacks places for gas/food go fuel up the car and the body and pump bilges before you start that leg!

- Columbia is very good ,,, there is a Columbia Cafe in downtown Tampa open for lunch and dinner and can be easier to get in to. Bern's is consistently rated among the best steakhouses in the world .... just take a look at the menu and you'll see why. Arguably the largest wine list of any rest' in the world and a completely separate dining room for dessert - can be done after dinner or as a stand alone experience ... not open for lunch.

 

[Lizgistix]

Well I had to Google "alligator alley." It sounds...interesting. Maybe a little terrifying.

it's not, it's very boring. Imagine driving on a very straight and very flat highway with not much to look at for an hour. that's Alligator Alley. there's a place for gas on the reservation about half way, that's all the excitement you'll get.

Naples is nice, Fort Myers is nice. While it's mostly back to normal, you may still see some damage leftover from when the hurricane came through. traffic does get backed up around Venice/Sarasota/Bradenton but it always does. It also gets backed up near Brandon and the I-4 interchange, as well as malfunction junction (where I-4 and I-275 meet in Tampa). That's normal, it's going to happen.