Quick Summary
- You can drive between Miami and Fort Lauderdale toll free by using I 95 general lanes or US 1 and avoiding express lanes and the turnpike.
- The quickest routes often include tolled expressways, but you can choose when to pay by adjusting navigation settings and watching road signs.
- In a rental car, even one or two electronic tolls can trigger daily service fees, so it is important to understand how your agreement handles toll charges.
Miami to Fort Lauderdale in a rental car
The hop from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is only around 25 to 30 miles, yet the mix of turnpikes, express lanes and coastal roads can make it confusing to work out whether tolls are unavoidable. From downtown or Miami International Airport you will usually head north towards Interstate 95, then either stay on it or switch to alternative routes.
With Hola Car Rentals you collect a well maintained vehicle in Miami and can then choose whether to prioritise speed or savings. The key decision is simply which road you follow.
Toll free options between the cities
Interstate 95 is toll free in the normal lanes between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The only charged parts are the clearly signed I 95 Express lanes, which run in the median. If you stay out of those leftmost lanes, you can drive the full distance without paying road tolls.
Coastal US 1 and A1A are also free to use. They are slower, with traffic lights and local traffic, but they offer a more scenic alternative if you are not racing to catch a flight.
The easiest way to stick to these choices is to tell your navigation app to avoid tolls. In most apps this is a simple toggle in the route options and will keep you off Florida Turnpike sections and tolled expressways.
Where tolls tend to appear
Tolls on faster routes mainly come from Florida Turnpike segments, from I 95 Express and from I 595 Express near the airports. These corridors are fully electronic and do not accept cash. Cameras or gantries record your number plate and bill the vehicle owner, which for a rental car means the charge passes through your rental agreement.
In heavy traffic these lanes can save time, but the price usually rises with congestion. If your booking includes a daily toll package, even one short express lane trip can trigger that daily fee as well as the toll itself.
Choosing when to pay for speed
A simple strategy is to drive toll free most of the time, but allow yourself the option of a paid express section when it genuinely matters, such as when you are running late for a flight at Fort Lauderdale. Watch the overhead signs as you approach each express entrance and make a quick judgement about whether the saving is worth the fee.
When you book your car rental through Hola Car Rentals, the booking flow shows how each partner brand handles tolls. Some, including allied names such as Alamo, Enterprise and National, only charge their daily toll fee on days you actually incur a toll, while others sell optional unlimited packages. Knowing which you have makes decisions much easier.
Drivers who prefer to avoid tolls completely can still reach Broward County comfortably on I 95 general lanes. Those who like a quieter drive may instead choose US 1 for part of the journey, then head back inland towards downtown Fort Lauderdale.
For a broader Florida itinerary, Hola Car Rentals also offers flexible pick up and drop off points such as the Fort Lauderdale city locations, Fort Lauderdale Airport counters and the wider Florida driving hub in Miami.
FAQs
Can I drive from Miami to Fort Lauderdale with no tolls at all?
Yes. If you avoid the clearly signed express lanes and do not use the turnpike, you can travel entirely on I 95 general lanes or on US 1 without paying tolls.
Do navigation apps always keep me away from tolls?
Not by default. You need to switch on the avoid tolls option in the settings for each route. After that the app will normally steer you clear of paid expressways, although you should still watch the road signs.
What happens if I accidentally use an express lane in a rental car?
The toll is billed to the rental company and then to you under the toll terms in your agreement, often with an added convenience fee. That can make a single mistaken trip surprisingly expensive.
Is it worth buying a daily toll package for this drive?
For most travellers who only drive between Miami and Fort Lauderdale once or twice, a daily unlimited package is not good value. It becomes more attractive if you plan to use express lanes or turnpikes regularly during a longer Florida itinerary.
By planning your route and understanding toll rules before you set off, you can enjoy the flexibility of Hola Car Rentals while keeping both travel time and toll costs under control.
