How Long Does It Take to Drive to Florida?
Quick Answer
4–20 hours depending on your starting city. From Atlanta it's about 6 hours, from New York 16–18 hours, and from Chicago 16–18 hours.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Driving to Florida takes 4–20 hours depending on where you start and where in Florida you're headed. From nearby cities like Atlanta, the drive is 4–7 hours. From the Northeast or Midwest, expect a 14–20 hour drive that most travelers split into two days. Florida is about 450 miles long from the Georgia border to Key West, so your final destination within the state adds significant time.
Drive Times from Major US Cities
| Starting City | To Jacksonville | To Orlando | To Miami | Distance to Miami |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 5.5 hours | 7.5 hours | 10 hours | 660 miles |
| Charlotte, NC | 7 hours | 9 hours | 11.5 hours | 750 miles |
| Nashville, TN | 8.5 hours | 10.5 hours | 13 hours | 870 miles |
| Washington, DC | 10 hours | 12.5 hours | 15 hours | 1,050 miles |
| Dallas, TX | 14 hours | 16 hours | 18.5 hours | 1,310 miles |
| New York, NY | 12.5 hours | 15 hours | 18 hours | 1,280 miles |
| Philadelphia, PA | 11.5 hours | 14 hours | 17 hours | 1,190 miles |
| Chicago, IL | 13 hours | 15.5 hours | 18.5 hours | 1,380 miles |
| Boston, MA | 14.5 hours | 17.5 hours | 20.5 hours | 1,500 miles |
| Detroit, MI | 13 hours | 15.5 hours | 18.5 hours | 1,370 miles |
Times assume no major traffic delays and include brief fuel stops.
Best Interstate Routes
| Route | Best For | Key Interstates |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Corridor | Northeast cities | I-95 South through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia |
| Appalachian Route | Midwest and Mid-Atlantic | I-75 South through Tennessee, Georgia |
| Gulf Coast Route | Texas and Deep South | I-10 East through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama |
| Central Route | Chicago and Upper Midwest | I-65 South to I-75 through Alabama, Georgia |
The I-95 corridor is the most popular but also the most congested, especially around Washington, DC, and through South Carolina. The I-75 route through Tennessee and Georgia is a strong alternative for drivers from the Midwest.
Florida Destinations and Added Drive Time
Once you cross the Florida border, you still have significant driving ahead depending on your destination.
| Destination | From GA/FL Border | Key Route |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 0.5 hours | I-95 or I-10 |
| St. Augustine | 1 hour | I-95 South |
| Daytona Beach | 2 hours | I-95 South |
| Orlando / Disney World | 3 hours | I-75 to Florida's Turnpike |
| Tampa / St. Petersburg | 4 hours | I-75 South |
| Sarasota | 4.5 hours | I-75 South |
| Fort Lauderdale | 5 hours | I-95 South or Florida's Turnpike |
| Miami | 5.5 hours | I-95 South or Florida's Turnpike |
| Key West | 8.5 hours | US-1 South through the Keys |
Tips for Driving to Florida
- Avoid I-95 through Virginia on weekends and holidays. Traffic near Richmond, VA and the I-95/I-4 interchange in Orlando can add 1–3 hours.
- Use SunPass or E-ZPass. Florida's Turnpike and many Florida toll roads are cashless. Pre-load a SunPass or confirm your E-ZPass works in Florida.
- Fuel up before the Florida Turnpike. Gas stations along the turnpike are spaced far apart and more expensive.
- Plan for weather. Summer afternoon thunderstorms in Florida are nearly daily and can reduce visibility.
- Drive overnight or early morning. Leaving at 4–5 AM helps you clear congested metro areas before rush hour.
- Split long drives into two days. For trips over 12 hours, stop overnight in Fayetteville, NC, Savannah, GA, or Chattanooga, TN.