How Long Does It Take
To Drive To Florida?
Complete drive times from every major city, plus expert road trip tips to make your journey safe and smooth — or skip the drive entirely.
Drive Times to Florida by City
The time it takes to drive to Florida varies widely depending on where you're starting and where in Florida you're headed. Here are the most common routes, assuming continuous driving with no major stops or delays.
| Starting City | Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | Jacksonville, FL | 5 – 6 hours ~350 miles |
| New York, NY | Miami, FL | 18 – 20 hours ~1,280 miles |
| New Jersey | Ft. Myers, FL | 19 – 21 hours ~1,240 miles |
| Chicago, IL | Orlando, FL | 17 – 19 hours ~1,120 miles |
| Boston, MA | Ft. Myers, FL | 22 – 24 hours ~1,500 miles |
| Philadelphia, PA | Orlando, FL | 15 – 17 hours ~1,020 miles |
| Detroit, MI | Tampa, FL | 16 – 18 hours ~1,100 miles |
| Washington, DC | Miami, FL | 15 – 17 hours ~1,050 miles |
These are estimates based on nonstop driving. In reality, you'll want to budget extra time for rest stops, fuel, meals, traffic, and potential overnight stays — especially for routes over 12 hours.
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Driving Yourself vs. Using a Driveaway Service
For drives under 8 hours, getting behind the wheel yourself usually makes sense. But for longer hauls — especially the 15–24 hour treks from the Northeast and Midwest — a professional car driveaway service can save you days of travel, hotel costs, and wear on your body.
| Drive Yourself | Driveaway Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Your time | 2 – 3 days on the road | Fly down in 2 – 3 hours |
| Hotels | 1 – 2 nights ($150 – $300) | None needed |
| Fatigue risk | High on 15+ hr routes | Professional driver handles it |
| Your car | You drive it yourself | Delivered to your door |
| Best for | Short trips, road trip lovers | Snowbirds, relocations, long routes |
14 Expert Tips for Driving to Florida
If you're making the drive yourself, these tips from our professional long-distance drivers will help you arrive safely and in good spirits.
Plan Your Route in Advance
Map out your entire route using GPS or an atlas before you leave. Know where your fuel stops, rest areas, and overnight options are. Check road conditions and weather forecasts for every state you'll pass through, and stay in touch with someone at your destination so they always know where you are.
Get a Full Night's Sleep Before You Leave
Fatigue on the open road is dangerous. If you're leaving early, go to bed earlier than usual the night before. Avoid alcohol or any intoxicants the day before departure.
Share the Driving
If possible, bring a co-driver so you can trade off. No single driver should be behind the wheel for more than 10 hours in one day. Rotate every 2–3 hours to keep both drivers fresh.
Budget Plenty of Travel Time
You're in travel mode — don't rush. Allow plenty of time for the drive itself, plus stops for rest, food, fuel, and the unexpected. A relaxed pace makes for a safer, more enjoyable trip.
Use Cruise Control Sparingly
Cruise control is great for straight stretches of highway, but over-relying on it can lead to reduced alertness. Use it in short intervals and stay actively engaged with the road.
Plan Fun Pitstops
Break up the drive with worthwhile stops along the way — historical sites, local restaurants, scenic overlooks, or quirky roadside attractions. Building in a few fun detours keeps everyone's energy up and makes the journey part of the experience.
Eat Light, Stay Hydrated
Heavy meals and fast food will leave you sluggish and uncomfortable. Stick to light snacks and small, healthy portions. Drink plenty of water throughout the drive.
Let in Fresh Air
Even with air conditioning running, crack the windows periodically. Fresh air helps keep you alert and makes the cabin feel less stale on a long ride.
Stop Every 2 Hours or 150 Miles
This is the golden rule for long-distance driving. Pull over to stretch, use the restroom, grab a snack, or simply walk around for a few minutes. Regular breaks prevent fatigue from sneaking up on you.
Dress for Comfort
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Bring a small pillow if your lower back tends to ache. Apply sunscreen before you leave and reapply every two hours — even through tinted windows, long sun exposure on your driving arm and face can cause sunburn.
Pack for Every Climate
You may start in cold northern states and end in Florida heat. Pack warm layers, blankets, and hand warmers for the first leg, plus sunscreen, hats, and extra water for the southern stretch. Make sure your vehicle's battery and coolant system are both in good working order.
Watch Your Fuel Gauge
In rural stretches, gas stations can be 100+ miles apart. Always know where your next fuel stop is and don't let the tank drop below a quarter.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe
No texting, no phone calls in hand, no eating behind the wheel. Obey the speed limit, keep everyone buckled up, and be courteous to other drivers. Long-distance driving requires sustained concentration — treat it with respect.
Know When to Let a Pro Handle It
If the drive is over 15 hours, you're traveling alone, or you'd simply rather spend those days relaxing instead of driving — a professional driveaway service might be the smarter move. Your car gets delivered door-to-door while you fly down in a few hours.
Pre-Trip Checklists
Before any long drive to Florida, make sure your vehicle and emergency supplies are ready to go.
🔧 Vehicle Maintenance
- Tire tread and pressure
- All fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, transmission)
- Windshield wipers and fluid
- Brake pads
- Spare tire and jack
- Emergency roadside kit
- Battery health
🏥 Emergency Road Kit
- Pain reliever and antacid
- Allergy relief medicine
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Motion sickness medicine
- Adhesive bandages and antibiotic cream
- Wet wipes and resealable bags
- Emergency sanitary products
- Gum for elevation changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New York to Florida?
Driving from New York City to Miami takes approximately 18–20 hours of nonstop driving, covering about 1,280 miles. Most people split this into a 2-day trip with an overnight stop in the Carolinas. To Orlando or Jacksonville, the drive is shorter at roughly 15–17 hours or 12–14 hours respectively.
How long does it take to drive from New Jersey to Florida?
From central New Jersey to Ft. Myers, the drive is about 19–21 hours. To Jacksonville or northern Florida, you're looking at around 13–15 hours. Most NJ drivers take I-95 South and break the trip into two days.
What is the best route to drive to Florida?
The most common route from the Northeast is I-95 South through the mid-Atlantic states and along the coast. From the Midwest, I-75 South through Georgia is the most popular path. Both routes are well-traveled with plenty of fuel, food, and lodging options along the way.
What is a driveaway service?
A driveaway service is a professional car transport option where a licensed, insured driver physically drives your car from your home to your destination — door to door. Unlike auto shipping (where your car goes on a truck), your car is driven on the road with personal care. It's especially popular with snowbirds heading to Florida for the winter.
How much does it cost to have someone drive your car to Florida?
The cost depends on your starting location, destination within Florida, and the time of year. Request a free quote to get an exact price for your specific route. Many customers find that after factoring in hotels, gas, food, tolls, and the value of 2–3 days of their time, a driveaway service is surprisingly comparable in cost.
Is a driveaway service the same as auto transport or car shipping?
No. Auto transport or car shipping puts your vehicle on a truck or trailer. A driveaway service means a professional driver gets behind the wheel and physically drives your car to Florida. You get door-to-door pickup and delivery, personal updates along the way, and your car arrives ready to drive — not sitting on a flatbed.
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