Driving Cost from Deerfield Beach, Florida to Port Saint Lucie, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

Cost of a Trip from Deerfield Beach to Port Saint Lucie: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip between Deerfield Beach and Port Saint Lucie, Florida, can be an exhilarating experience. However, understanding the costs involved, especially in terms of fuel consumption and expenses, is crucial for a varied journey along the picturesque coastline of South Florida. This article delves into the most popular routes, calculates the gas prices based on current rates, and provides insight into what travelers can expect in terms of time and expenses.

Overview of the Journey

The distance between Deerfield Beach and Port Saint Lucie is approximately 94 miles if you choose the most direct route. Depending on your selected path, the travel time can vary from around 1 hour and 30 minutes to about 2 hours. The price of gas fluctuates, so to accurately compute your trip cost, it's essential to consider current gas prices in your calculations. As of October 2023, the average gas price in Florida hovers around $3.50 per gallon.

Evaluating Your Vehicle's Fuel Efficiency

Before calculating trip costs, know your vehicle's fuel efficiency (measured in miles per gallon, or MPG). Here's a breakdown of average vehicle MPG figures:

  • Compact car: 30 MPG
  • Midsize car: 25 MPG
  • SUV: 20 MPG
  • Pickup truck: 15 MPG

Using these figures, travelers can establish their expected fuel consumption for the trip.

Routes Overview

Travelers can opt for several routes to reach Port Saint Lucie from Deerfield Beach, and the cost will vary depending on the chosen path. Here are the three most popular options:

1. I-95 North Route

Distance: approximately 94 miles
Estimated Time: around 1 hour and 30 minutes

This route takes you directly up I-95 North, providing the most efficient travel to Port Saint Lucie. It is also the most commonly used path, granting access to a more seamless highway experience without significant obstacles.

Cost Calculation:

  • For a compact car (30 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 94 miles / 30 MPG = 3.13 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.13 gallons * $3.50 = $10.96

  • For a midsize car (25 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 94 miles / 25 MPG = 3.76 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.76 gallons * $3.50 = $13.16

  • For an SUV (20 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 94 miles / 20 MPG = 4.7 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 4.7 gallons * $3.50 = $16.45

  • For a pickup truck (15 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 94 miles / 15 MPG = 6.27 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 6.27 gallons * $3.50 = $21.95

2. Florida's Turnpike

Distance: approximately 92 miles
Estimated Time: around 1 hour and 40 minutes

This option involves taking the Florida Turnpike, a toll road that offers an efficient travel experience. While slightly longer in time, it typically provides a smoother journey without the frequent stops characteristic of city roads.

Cost Calculation:

  • For a compact car (30 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 92 miles / 30 MPG = 3.07 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.07 gallons * $3.50 = $10.74

  • For a midsize car (25 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 92 miles / 25 MPG = 3.68 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.68 gallons * $3.50 = $12.88

  • For an SUV (20 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 92 miles / 20 MPG = 4.6 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 4.6 gallons * $3.50 = $16.10

  • For a pickup truck (15 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 92 miles / 15 MPG = 6.13 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 6.13 gallons * $3.50 = $21.25

3. Alternate Routes via US-441

Distance: approximately 96 miles
Estimated Time: around 2 hours

This scenic route takes you through US-441, winding through towns and natural landscapes. While delightful for those looking to explore the local area, it tends to be more congested and significantly slower.

Cost Calculation:

  • For a compact car (30 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 96 miles / 30 MPG = 3.2 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.2 gallons * $3.50 = $11.20

  • For a midsize car (25 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 96 miles / 25 MPG = 3.84 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 3.84 gallons * $3.50 = $13.44

  • For an SUV (20 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 96 miles / 20 MPG = 4.8 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 4.8 gallons * $3.50 = $16.80

  • For a pickup truck (15 MPG):

    • Total gallons needed: 96 miles / 15 MPG = 6.4 gallons
    • Total fuel cost: 6.4 gallons * $3.50 = $22.40

After evaluating the various routes, I recommend the I-95 North Route as the best choice for this trip. It offers the shortest distance, fastest travel time, and directly connects Deerfield Beach to Port Saint Lucie with minimal hindrances. While tallied fuel costs show slight variances between routes, the extra time spent in traffic on alternative paths can often lead to less enjoyable experiences. The I-95 route provides reliability and straightforward navigation alongside convenient access to amenities.

Conclusion

A trip from Deerfield Beach to Port Saint Lucie can be both enjoyable and cost-effective, depending on the route chosen. Traveling along I-95 typically requires about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around $11 on average for compact cars, escalating to approximately $22 for larger vehicles like pickups. With its clear roads and quick travel, the I-95 route remains the top recommendation for anyone looking to embark on this journey across the scenic heart of South Florida.