Directions from Pensacola

Is 98 the best way to get from Pensacola airport to Miramar Beach? This was suggested on mapquest - said it would take an hour and a half. Just wondering if this route & timeframe is reasonable as I know 98 has tons of traffic lights & would like to avoid if possible.

Thanks!

We have found that Mapquest lies!!!! We have flown into Pensacola before and just take I-10 over. You do miss the Destin bridge experience going this way, but it saves time I believe.

We have found that Mapquest lies!!!! We have flown into Pensacola before and just take I-10 over. You do miss the Destin bridge experience going this way, but it saves time I believe.

Thanks Sueshore! I'm glad I checked. How many lanes does I-10 have? About how long does it take?

I-10 is four lanes, except for the segment of the Escambia Bay Bridge that's still under repair from Ivan, where it's two lanes in one direction, one lane in the other, last I heard. Prevailing rate of speed on the road is usually in the 70-80mph range.

98 used to be quicker, but between suburban sprawl and back-ups by Hurlburt Field and in downtown FWB, it's definitely gotten much slower in recent years.

I-10 is four lanes, except for the segment of the Escambia Bay Bridge that's still under repair from Ivan, where it's two lanes in one direction, one lane in the other, last I heard. Prevailing rate of speed on the road is usually in the 70-80mph range.

98 used to be quicker, but between suburban sprawl and back-ups by Hurlburt Field and in downtown FWB, it's definitely gotten much slower in recent years.

Thanks Beachmouse! Any idea of how long the drive takes using I-10?

Is 98 the best way to get from Pensacola airport to Miramar Beach? This was suggested on mapquest - said it would take an hour and a half. Just wondering if this route & timeframe is reasonable as I know 98 has tons of traffic lights & would like to avoid if possible.

Thanks!

I just came back from the Pensacola airport. An hour and a half is about right. Should not take any longer than that. My experience is that it is probably a little quicker than taking I-10.

From Miramar Beach, you are looking at an hour and a half either way as you would only be taking I-10 to Crestview. Due to the occasional back-up on I-10 at the bridge, the only saving grace for the interstate is that you can take the first exit in Pensacola (Scenic Hwy) and come in to the back side of the airport, instead of going up north 9th from 98.

Thanks everyone for the assistance! I usually fly into Fort Walton but airfare is pricey this time - we can save $200/person by flying into Pensacola. I'm just not looking forward to the extra drive time. Well worth it though to get to the beach!

It's not bad...my brother and his family are coming down from Maryland in October, and the last three times they have been down (and the time we went up to see them last year) the best price was thru Pensacola. Just about an hour further, that's all!

What time of day will you be driving and what time of year?

What time of day will you be driving and what time of year?

Dreadful October. Flight arrives around 9:30 am on a Wed morning & departing leaves at 6:45 pm (also a Wed). My guess is I will most likely hit rush hour traffic on the drive to the airport. I am just hoping that I don't have to make too many mid vacation trips playing airport taxi to arriving/departing friends. 3 hour round trips take a big chunk out of the beach day!

My experience is that it is a gamble either way. Sometimes I-10 gets backed up at the bridge but less than Okaloosa Island does. If there is wreck on either you are screwed. An hour and a half is optomistic under the best conditions, plan on two hours. The advantage to 98 is the scenery and you can stop at Dewey Destin's for lunch but if you go I-10 you can hit H&M HotDog in Defuniak Springs. Both are yummy!!!