It takes two to three days to drive from NYC to Miami. The distance of 1,300 miles equates to approximately 20 hours of driving, excluding stops. The total cost of driving (including gas, tolls & overnight accommodation) is roughly $300 to $450. This compares favorably to the cost of having your car shipped, which ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 (excluding the cost of a one-way flight to Miami).
We recommend breaking up the drive from NYC to Miami into three days of 6 to 7 hours of driving per day (and two overnight stays). However, you can complete the trip in just two days (one overnight stay) if you’re willing to drive approximately 10 hours each day.
Where Do You Stop on the Way from NYC to Miami?
There are many convenient places to stop overnight on the way from NYC to Miami. Most of the journey is on Interstate 95 (I-95) which is the main north-south highway on the East Coast. You’ll pass through several major cities on the drive to Miami which include:
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Philadelphia, PA
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Wilmington, DE
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Baltimore, MD
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Washington, D.C.
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Richmond, VA
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Fayetteville, NC
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Savannah, GA
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Jacksonville, FL
In addition to major cities, there are also frequent gas/food/rest stops and a plethora of motel/lodging stops along the route.
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To avoid traffic, we advise refraining from stopping in any major city until after the evening rush hour has subsided.
You’ll save time and pay less for overnight accommodation if you stay at motels adjacent to the I-95 instead of trekking into city centers at the end of each day.
Day 1: Drive from NYC to Baltimore, Maryland (overnight)
The first leg of the journey covers 200 miles and takes three to four hours. The route traverses the NJ Turnpike S and the I-95 S. While the journey is largely traffic free once you reach the main highways, expect heavy traffic if you attempt to depart NYC during rush hour.
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If you’re leaving on a weekday, we recommend departing in NYC in the late morning (after 10am). This will minimize traffic as you depart the city and ensure that you arrive in Baltimore before the afternoon rush hour which starts around 3pm.
The driver in our example stayed with family in Baltimore, so there was no cost for lodging.
Day 2: Drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Santee, South Carolina (overnight)
This leg of the journey traverses approximately 530 miles and takes approximately 8.5 driving hours, excluding two or three pit stops.
There is very little traffic along the way, as suggested by the high average speed of 63 mph and average 32.2 mpg.
The driver stayed overnight at a motel in Santee which cost $84 total including fast Wi-Fi and a free continental breakfast. Be sure to inquire about special pricing for AAA members, as many motels such as this one offer a AAA discount.
Day 3: Drive from Sante, South Carolina to Palm Beach, Florida (overnight)
This leg of the journey traverses approximately 500 miles and takes approximately 8 hours, excluding any stops for gas, meals, etc.
Similar to the previous leg from Baltimore, MD to Santee, SC, there is very little traffic on this part of the journey.
The driver in our example achieved an even higher average speed of 64 mph on this part of the trip compared to 63 mph on the previous day.
The driver in our example stayed with family in Palm Beach, so there was no cost for lodging (aside from a bottle of champagne the driver purchased for his family as a token of gratitude).
Day 4: Drive from Palm Beach, Florida to Miami, Florida
The final leg from Palm Beach to Miami traverses approximately 70 miles and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Avoid driving this segment during morning or late afternoon / evening rush hour periods, as there can be heavy traffic as you get closer to Miami. We recommend completing this leg of the journey between 11am and 2pm.
Welcome to Miami!
How Much Are Tolls from NYC to Miami?
Expect to pay between $30 to $50 in tolls while driving from NYC to Miami.
Here is an actual E-ZPass account summary from a recent drive from NYC to Miami:
The tolls on this particular route totaled just $29.54. Here is an overview of the journey:
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Day 1: Drive from NYC to Baltimore, Maryland (overnight)
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Day 2: Drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Santee, South Carolina (overnight)
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Day 3: Drive from Sante, South Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida (overnight)
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Day 4: Drive from Palm Beach, Florida to Miami, Florida
How Much Does It Cost to Drive from NYC to Miami?
The cost of driving from NYC to Miami ranges from $300 to $450, including gas, tolls and overnight accommodation.
Here’s a breakdown of the hypothetical cost of a two day drive from NYC to Miami:
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Gas (1300 miles, average 25 mpg & $3.50/gallon gas): $182
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Tolls: $40
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Hotel Stay (1 night @ $100/night): $100
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Total Cost: $322
Here’s a breakdown of the hypothetical cost of a three day drive from NYC to Miami:
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Gas (1300 miles, average 25 mpg & $3.50/gallon gas): $182
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Tolls: $40
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Hotel Stay (2 night @ $100/night): $200
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Total Cost: $422
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from NYC to Miami?
The cost of shipping a car from NYC to Miami ranges from $1,100 to $1,400. Prices gravitate towards the higher end of this range during winter months (also known as snowbird season), when demand is the highest.
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Driving will save you anywhere from $800 to $1,200 versus the cost of having your car shipped and purchasing a one-way flight to Miami.
Most shipping companies default to an open trailer, and pricing may be higher if you request an enclosed trailer. Auto transport companies also usually limit the amount of luggage and personal property which may be placed in the vehicle.
Most shippers will stipulate that luggage and personal property must be confined in the trunk or back seats only, with no heavy articles, and not to exceed 100 – 150 lbs.
Moreover, shipping companies typically disclaim that they’re not responsible for any personal property left inside the vehicle. Nor is it covered by the transportation company’s insurance.
If you plan on filling your car to the brim with possessions you can’t afford to lose, we recommend driving from NYC to Miami instead of having your car shipped.
