From Fort Lauderdale to Vero Beach

[babylisa4]

We usually fly into Melbourne but this year will be flying into Fort Lauderdale because it was the only flight where we could use "miles" instead of money. Anyway it looks like it is about 2.5 hours straight up the highway. Has anyone come in this way? Any info about the Fort Lauderdale airport since we are bringing my mom and her wheelchair-do they have jetways or do you usually have to do the stair thing when getting off planes there? Also is there anything special we should see since we are coming up that way to Vero? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[JimMIA]

From Ft. Lauderdale to Vero Beach is approximately 125 miles, probably 130 because the Ft. Lauderdale airport is a few miles south of downtown. I-95 forms the western boundary of the airport, so getting out of the airport and on the road will be very easy.

Unless you arrive late afternoon and get stuck in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale rush hour traffic, the drive should not be bad. You'll have some congestion most of the way, until you pass Palm Beach Gardens, but it shouldn't be too bad.

The Ft. Lauderdale airport is a very modern facility and you won't have any problems getting your mother around.

 

[JerJan]

I just personally did this drive on Tuesday but in reverse Vero Beach resort to Fort Lauderdale international. It took me as Jim said about 2 1/2 hours and I stopped one time.
WARNING!!!! I took I-95 on my way to VB from Lauderdale and almost all of Palm beach county is under construction from Boynton Beach all the way to PGA BLVD...... TAKE the Florida turnpike!!!! When you exit the airport follow the signs for 595 west to the Florida turnpike all the way to Fort Pierce then work your way toward the beach. I will also warn you if you are not used to driving in a metropoloitan area the people in South Florida drive VERY, VERY FAST! I was going 70 and they were flying past me like I was sitting on the side of the road changing a tire..... they're CRAZY (weaving in and out of traffic)!

 

[PamOKW]

If you have time, driving along A1A will take you right along the ocean. It's very scenic but it would make for a pretty long trip if you took it the whole way. You might want to consider driving it for a portion. You could cut over at some point -- maybe from Jupiter on up.

Also, not sure if you'd be interested in seeing either the Palm Beach Gardens Mall (very nice) or driving over to see "Palm Beach" proper.

 

[dsanner106]

I just made that drive day before yesterday, and agree that unless you want to take the scenic route and have lots of time, take the turnpike. yes it is a toll road, but it took 2 hours or a bit less. I took 95 down and it was 3.5 hours for the same trip.