Fort Lauderdale to Miami Distance
Driving Distance
~28 miles (45 km) via I-95 South, the fastest and most direct route.
Drive Time
~36 minutes with no traffic. Rush hour on I-95 can push this to over an hour.
Straight-Line Distance
~24 miles (39 km) as the crow flies — close to the driving distance since the route is fairly direct.
Time Zone
Fort Lauderdale and Miami are both in the Eastern Time Zone, so there is no time difference.
How to Calculate the Distance Between Fort Lauderdale and Miami
The 28-mile figure above is measured city center to city center. If you're starting from a specific neighborhood or airport, the exact distance will vary slightly:
Type Fort Lauderdale, or a specific address, in the "From" field.
Type Miami, or a specific spot, in the "To" field.
See the exact driving distance, straight-line distance, and map for your route.
Driving vs. Tri-Rail: Which Should You Choose?
For this short South Florida hop, driving is fastest outside rush hour, but the Tri-Rail commuter train is a popular traffic-free alternative:
Driving
- ~28 miles (45 km) via I-95
- ~36 minutes with no traffic
- Rush hour can significantly extend travel time
Tri-Rail
- Commuter rail connects both downtowns
- Avoids I-95 traffic entirely
- Good option for commuters and event-goers
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Miami from Fort Lauderdale?
Miami is about 28 miles (45 km) from Fort Lauderdale by road, a drive of roughly 36 minutes. The straight-line distance is about 24 miles (39 km).
How far is Fort Lauderdale from Miami?
The distance is the same in either direction: approximately 28 miles (45 km) by road.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?
It takes about 36 minutes to drive non-stop via I-95. During rush hour, this can easily stretch to an hour or more.
What is the best way to travel from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?
Driving via I-95 is fastest outside rush hour. For a traffic-free alternative, the Tri-Rail commuter train connects both cities directly.
Is there a time difference between Fort Lauderdale and Miami?
No. Both cities are in the Eastern Time Zone, so clocks are the same in both locations year-round.
Planning Your Fort Lauderdale to Miami Trip
Choosing Where to Stay
Many visitors stay in Fort Lauderdale for lower prices and quieter beaches, then drive into Miami for dining and nightlife.
Avoiding Rush Hour
I-95 between the two cities gets heavy during morning and evening commutes — plan around peak hours when possible.
Commuting Options
Tri-Rail and Brightline both offer alternatives to driving for regular commuters between the two cities.
Airport Transfers
This distance is commonly used to estimate transfer time between Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood and Miami International airports.
Other Popular US City Distances
Heading further up the coast? Check the Miami to Tampa distance guide for a longer Florida road trip.