"Road Trippin': The Time It Takes to Drive from Cary, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL"
Are you planning a road trip from Cary, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL? One of the first things you might be wondering is how long it takes to drive there. Well, we've got you covered! Read on for an overview of the fastest and slowest routes, distances, and estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.
Fastest Routes
If you're looking to get to Fort Lauderdale as quickly as possible, your best bet would be to take I-95 South. This is by far the shortest and most direct route, covering a total of 770 miles. Without traffic, you could make the drive in about 12 hours and 30 minutes. However, if you're driving during peak traffic times, it could take up to 15 hours or more.
Another option to consider is taking I-85 South to I-77 South, then merging onto I-26 East, and finally taking I-95 South. This route covers a total of 820 miles and usually takes about 13 hours and 15 minutes. However, traffic can impact this as well, and it could take closer to 16 hours if you're stuck in rush hour traffic.
Slowest Routes
If you're looking for a more scenic drive or would prefer to avoid highways as much as possible, you might want to consider taking the back roads. However, these routes will take significantly longer. For example, you could take US-1 South all the way down the east coast, which covers a total of 1,160 miles and usually takes about 20 hours. However, this could take much longer if you're dealing with traffic or road closures.
Another option would be to take the I-95 South route, but make detours to visit other cities along the way. For example, you could take a slight detour and visit Charleston, SC, or Savannah, GA. While this could add time to your overall trip, it could also make for a more enjoyable journey.
Estimated Driving Times
Of course, driving times can vary significantly based on the time of day and traffic patterns. Here are our estimates for the fastest and slowest routes:
- I-95 South: 12 hours 30 minutes (low traffic) to 15+ hours (peak traffic)
- I-85 South to I-77 South to I-26 East to I-95 South: 13 hours 15 minutes (low traffic) to 16+ hours (peak traffic)
- US-1 South: 20+ hours (low traffic) to 24+ hours (peak traffic, road closures, etc.)
Keep in mind that these times are just estimates and could change based on the actual conditions you encounter on the road. It's always a good idea to give yourself some extra time when planning a road trip, especially if you're driving a long distance.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to get to Fort Lauderdale as quickly as possible or prefer a more leisurely road trip, there are a variety of routes to choose from. Keep in mind the driving times we've outlined here and be prepared for unexpected traffic or road closures along the way. Whatever route you choose, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable journey!