Traffic to Key Largo?

We%26#39;re staying in Ft Lauderdale and plan to drive to Key Largo to go snorkeling for the day. We could go on a Thur, Fri or Sat. The snorkel boat leaves at noon and gets back at 5:15. Which of the days would be better to avoid traffic? What time should we leave Ft Lauderdale in the morning?

Thanks!

Traffic to Key Largo?

We have driven from Miami to Key West and my advice is have an early start and use the Turnpike as much as possible it is far less congested than the other non toll roads.

Traffic to Key Largo?

I suggest Thursday as your best bet- but it is best to have a day that is not windy for the clearest water. Not only should traffic be better , but crowds in general will be lower than the weekend days. It should be about a 2 hr drive, 1 hr Lauderdale to Florida City and then another hour or less down to Key Largo. But, it might be best to give yourself a little extra time to avoid ';missing the boat.'; The Florida Turnpike is the only good way to go ( the toll%26#39;s well worth it) all the way to Florida City. After that it%26#39;s all US 1, which is two lanes for some of the way, annd a divided highway in places. The only time we%26#39;ve had problems is when there%26#39;s been a big accident or a boat falling off a trailer etc. That is very seldom. We always make sure we have bottled water on hand.

Yes on the above....Both traffic and time,

IMO the best way to attempt this is to leave from A1A S toward 17th Street Causeway (if you are starting S of Sunrise Blvd) and turn L onto US Route One South toward Ft Laderdale airport. (THERE WILL BE A LOT LESS TRAFFIC on A1A....but when you reach toward RT 1, it will be heavy)

Just before the airport, you will see the ENTRANCE to Interstate 595 West on your right. (A lot of tanker truck leaving from Port Everglades may be aiming for that, as well.) STAY IN R Lane after light.

USUALLY in the AM, traffic in this direction ( I 595 W ) will be light.

Stay on I 595 W until you see the exit for the Fl Turnpike. If anyone says Interstate 95 to S end....poke em in the eye...and listen to someone else :)

Exit 595 W where it says Fl Turnpike (The 595 ride will be only a few minutes...watch for I 95 first, then turnpike next.)

Once in exit for turnpike, make sure you follow signage for Fr Turnpike South (toll). Then, watch for more signage that says Fl Turnpike HOMESTEAD EXTENSION....and get on that extension.

You will stay on the Turnpike to its end at exit # one. If military, there is a big PX (BX) at Homestead....was an AFB until Andrew won the war, but now a reserve base...takes too long, visit on way back

I think it will be about 58 miles (70 MPH limit some areas) from the entrance of the Turnpike at 595 to its Southern end.

At the Southern end, you will be in Florida City, and Keys Gate. Big Outlet mall here, as well as a Wall MArt and a very cheap Murphy Gas....and a Golden Corral buffett .

Note signage.....Key West is 135 miles from the exit 1 on the turnpike, but Key Largo is a few miles S on US Route one (yes, the same that goes by Boston)

Re not to take I 95? It ends in the middle of downtown Miami on Rt one....it will take way too long.

I hope someone reads this %26amp; checks info for correct. I think it is OK.

Traffic on Turnpike S will be heavier than on 595....but I think it will be moving OK.

IMO.....Thursday might be best. Might have less tourists %26amp; locals heading for the weekend holiday in Miami or the Keys.

I would play it safe and leave about 8:30 AM.......I%26#39;ve been stuck going to the Cleveland Clinic and it sometimes can take longer than you think...and if you arrive early, check out Largo %26amp; the stuff in the area.

Wow thanks for taking the time to write up these detailed directions! Will avoid I-95 and use the Turnpike as you suggested.

We are doing the same thing you did--staying in Ft. Lauderdale but considering going down to Key Largo to snorkel one day. Two questions:

1) Was the snorkeling worth the long drive?

2) Which snorkel trip did you book and were you happy with it? If not, was there one you found after the fact that appeared better?

Thanks!

The snorkeling is fantastic. Some of the best you%26#39;ll ever see. The other places I have been include Hawii and Puerto Rico. Pennekamp trumps them both. I saw sea turtles, nurse sharks (scary but harmless!), and as many as 25 species of tropical fish with distinct colors and shapes. Definetly worth the trip!