Fort Lauderdale to Miami Distance
Driving Distance
~28 miles (45 km) by road via I-95, the most direct route between the two downtowns.
Drive Time
~36–44 minutes without stops. South Florida traffic can add 15–20 minutes during rush hour.
Straight-Line Distance
~21 miles (34 km) as the crow flies between the two city centers.
Time Zone
Fort Lauderdale and Miami are both in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) — there is no time difference.
How to Calculate the Distance Between Fort Lauderdale and Miami
The 28-mile figure above is measured between city centers, but your actual trip may be shorter or longer depending on your exact starting point and destination. Check any specific address in seconds:
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Ways to Travel Between Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Because the two cities are so close, most people drive — but there are alternatives depending on traffic and budget:
Driving (I-95 or Florida Turnpike)
- ~28 miles, 36–44 minutes without traffic
- Tolls apply on the Turnpike route
- Fastest option outside of rush hour
Tri-Rail / Brightline
- Tri-Rail commuter trains run between both cities
- Brightline offers a faster premium option
- Avoids I-95 traffic during peak hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Fort Lauderdale from Miami?
Fort Lauderdale is approximately 28 miles (45 km) from Miami by road, with a drive time of around 36 to 44 minutes. The straight-line distance is about 21 miles (34 km).
How long does it take to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?
The drive typically takes 36 to 44 minutes in normal traffic via I-95. During rush hour, it can take an hour or more.
Is there public transportation between Fort Lauderdale and Miami?
Yes. Both Tri-Rail and Brightline connect the two cities by train, offering an alternative to driving on I-95.
Are Fort Lauderdale and Miami in the same time zone?
Yes, both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so there is no time difference between them.
What is the best route from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?
I-95 South is usually the fastest route. The Florida Turnpike is a toll alternative that can be faster when I-95 is congested.
Planning Your Fort Lauderdale to Miami Trip
Day Trips
At under 45 minutes away, Miami is an easy day trip from Fort Lauderdale for shopping, dining, or nightlife.
Airport Transfers
Compare distances to Miami International (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL) when booking flights.
Commuting
Many residents commute daily between the two metro areas — Tri-Rail and Brightline help avoid I-95 traffic.
Cruise & Travel Planning
Both cities have major cruise ports — check drive time when planning port-to-port transfers.
Other Popular Distances
Planning more Florida travel? Check our Orlando to Tampa distance guide for another popular Florida route.