So, you’ve just touched down at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. You’re likely squinting against that aggressive South Florida sun, maybe still feeling the hum of the plane in your ears, and now you’ve got to figure out the 110-mile trek across the state to Naples.
Honestly? It's a weird drive.
Most people assume it’s just a quick hop, but once you hit the Everglades, the landscape changes completely. You go from the urban sprawl of Broward County into a vast, grassy sea where the only neighbors are gators and the occasional panther. If you’re trying to navigate from FLL to Naples FL, you’ve basically got four ways to do it, and picking the wrong one can turn a 90-minute cruise into a three-hour headache.
The Alligator Alley Reality Check
If you’re driving yourself, you’re taking I-75. Locals call it "The Alley." It is one of the straightest, most hypnotic stretches of asphalt in America.
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It’s about 80 miles of fence and swamp. There are no gas stations once you really get into the heart of it, except for the Miccosukee Service Plaza at Mile Marker 49. Pro tip: Check your gas gauge before you leave the airport area. Running out of fuel in the middle of a protected wildlife preserve is a vibe nobody wants.
The toll for a standard two-axle car is currently around $3.25. Don't worry about digging for quarters; it's all electronic now. If you’re in a rental, make sure you understand their SunPass policy. Some companies charge a "convenience fee" every single day of your rental just because you used one toll. Sometimes it’s cheaper to just pay the "toll-by-plate" bill later if the rental agency allows it, but usually, they’ve got you over a barrel on that one.
Is the Bus Actually Worth It?
Surprisingly, yeah. If you don't want to deal with the mental fatigue of staring at a flat horizon for two hours, the bus is a solid play.
RedCoach is the "fancy" option here. They run from FLL directly to Naples about three or four times a day. You get big reclining seats and actual legroom. Prices fluctuate wildly based on how early you book, ranging from $22 to over $100 for a last-minute first-class seat.
Then there’s FlixBus and Greyhound. They usually board at the Long-Haul Buses Zone between Terminals 1 and 2. It’s cheaper—sometimes as low as $27—but it’s a bit more "no-frills."
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- RedCoach: Fastest, usually around 1h 35m.
- FlixBus: Can take up to 2h 50m depending on the specific route and stops.
- The Drive: Usually 1h 50m if traffic in Fort Lauderdale isn't a nightmare.
The "Private Car" Sticker Shock
If you’ve got the budget and want to feel like a VIP, companies like RideNaples or Twelve Transfers will pick you up right at the curb.
Expect to pay. A lot.
A private sedan from FLL to Naples usually starts around $150 to $180, but that's for the "budget" private options. If you want a black car or a luxury SUV, you’re looking at $375 and up. It sounds steep, but if you’re traveling with a group of four or five people, splitting a $200 private van is actually cheaper than four individual bus tickets and way less stress than renting a car.
The Secret Scenic Route (US-41)
If you aren't in a rush, don't take I-75. Take US-41, also known as the Tamiami Trail.
It’s the "Old Florida" way. You’ll drive through Big Cypress National Preserve. You’ll see airboat tours every five miles. You’ll see actual alligators sunning themselves on the banks of the canal just a few feet from your car door.
It adds about 45 minutes to an hour to your trip because the speed limits are lower and it's a two-lane road. But if you want to actually see the Everglades instead of just passing them at 80 mph, this is the way. Stop at Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe in Ochopee if you want some authentic swamp food. It’s a dive, but it’s the real deal.
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Weather and Timing: The "January Effect"
Since it's early 2026, we're in the heart of "Season." This means Naples is packed.
The weather is gorgeous—highs in the 70s, low humidity—but the traffic on the Naples side can be brutal. When you exit I-75 onto Pine Ridge Road or Golden Gate Parkway, expect a crawl.
Also, watch out for the afternoon rain if you're traveling in the summer months. On Alligator Alley, those storms turn visibility to zero in seconds. If you see everyone putting their hazards on and slowing to 30 mph, just follow suit. Don't try to be a hero; the hydroplaning risk on that road is no joke.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your rental car's SunPass settings. Ask specifically about the "daily administrative fee" for tolls.
- Download an offline map. Cell service can be spotty in the middle of the Everglades.
- Book your bus 48 hours out. If you're using RedCoach or FlixBus, the price jumps significantly if you wait until you're standing at the terminal.
- Fuel up in Dania Beach or Hollywood. Do not wait until you hit the Everglades border; prices at the last-chance stations are always 40 cents higher.