OT: Driving to Ft. Myers form O-town...

[AquaKnight]

Most likely headed to Ft. Myers this weekend. Looking on google maps, and was wondering what you guys recommend? I-4 to 1-75 then down? Or I-4 to US-27a nd take that down to SR-80 or I-4 to US-27 to US-17 to I-75? Maps says the latter two are 30 miles shorter, but 20 minutes longer.

I have taken 441 up from my home in Ft. Lauderdale up to Orlando before, and that was a mission, but I was able to do 60mph no problem (and was getting past by 18 wheelers). I was carrying a bed headboard in my Mom's truck. I suspect in my Caddy, will be able to go at least 70mph. And if the scenery is better then the highway why not? It just seem the extra bit to take I-4 to Tampa for I-75 is so out of the way...

Which ways would you guys go?

 

[JUICE!]

I like to try to take the scenic route.....makes for an easier trip(for me) especially when you're talking just a few minutes......that plus, my truck is rated at miles per gallon, not minutes per gallon :-D

 

[Famous]

When I went down there to pick up my tank I took I-4 to US-27a and it seemed like it took forever so I took I-75 to I-4 back. I personally liked the trip home better. The scenic route seemed like it went through the middle of nowhere with traffic lights. Maybe I'm just impatient but I'd rather be moving!

 

[AquaKnight]

Where did you take US-27 over to Ft. Myers? SR-80 or US-19? I wonder if maybe US-19 would be a compromise to taking US-27 all the way to SR-80 since there's still a bit of I-75 you take?

 

[Famous]

I took it to SR-80 then all the way over on SR-80 into town.

 

[AquaKnight]

Hmmm, if I take US-19, the longest I'd spend on any road is 48 miles, both US-27 and I-75 are that on that route. I think all the different roads will be enough to speed the time by?? The distance on US-27 from I-4 to SR-80 is 98 miles :eek1:

 

[lusenut2]

I would take I-4 to CR 557 south to US17 south all the way down to 75 for the last few miles. If you took 27 all the way down its way out of the way. Your still going to hit lights on US-17. So the quickest route is going to I-4 to 75. Nothing is going to be faster then 75 - 80 mph the whole way

 

[AquaKnight]

Hmm, taking CR557/US-17 is about 10 miles less then US-27. Though looking on Maps, US-27 seems a less populated then US-17. Or is that not the case, about the same amount of lights?

I was thinking about US-27 to SR-64 to US-17 to I-75, does any better?

 

[chrisstie]

I used to live in Englewood just north of ft myers and the quickest\easiest route is I4 to 75 down. At least, everyone I know from back home always goes that route and its what I took to visit when I'd go down

 

[jdhuyvetter]

I live in Fort Myers and am heading to Orlando this Thursday. It all depends on traffic and time of day.

If you think you are going to hit the I-4/I-75 interchange anytime between 430 and 530, go the other way.

Ditto if you think you will be on the south side of Sarasota at the same time. I-75 south always slows to a crawl south of Fruitville Road in the afternoon. Usually picks back up around Venice.

 

[AquaKnight]

Well, it would be very early Saturday or Sunday and coming back later in the day, so I don't think traffic will be an issue. Headed to Lovers Key. Shouldn't that bad on the highway I guess.

 

[Mrs Smith]

I've driven both and they were actually about the same. I'd go I-4/75 personally.

 

[sytanek]

I have done the trip many many times, since I went to college in Ft Myers. I would always get off I4 at Lake Alfred and Take 17 to Punta Gorda then jump on 75. Took me 2 hours 45 minutes when i went on a saturday last year for a wedding.