Aventura, FL to Clearwater, FL is 273.8 miles and takes about 5h 12m via I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Florida, moving from the southeastern part of the state to the western coast. With an 89% highway share, expect a straightforward drive focused on covering ground efficiently. This is a good option for a single-day trip if you're looking to get to Clearwater from the Miami area without too much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
136.9 miles from Aventura, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
Port Everglades Expressway
11.8 mi
13m
US Highway 19 North
9.1 mi
12m
I 95
7.3 mi
8m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
2.7 mi
5m
Ives Dairy Road
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,826 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,424
Quietest
2 AM
~185 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aventura, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on West Country Club Drive
0.3 mi·49 sec·West Country Club Drive
2
Turn slight left onto Northeast 199th Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Northeast 199th Street
3
Turn right onto Northeast 29th Place
0.2 mi·26 sec·Northeast 29th Place
4
Turn slight left onto Ives Dairy Road
1.6 mi·2 min·Ives Dairy Road
Toward NE 203 St, Ives Dairy Rd
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: West Palm BeachUse the straight / right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 95
7.3 mi·8 min·I 95
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 24Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 595
1.7 mi·2 min·Port Everglades Expressway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi·11 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 275
5.7 mi·7 min·I 275
Exit 228Toward I 275 North: Saint PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
14
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi·22 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26BToward 54th Avenue North WestboundUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
18
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi·12 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·53 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
21
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Northbound Frontage Road
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on FL 60
2.7 mi·5 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
24
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi·3 min·Court Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
Consider departing Aventura in the morning to maximize daylight, especially since this is a 5h 12m drive. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 200 miles on I 75, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before entering that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Clearwater, as the last part of the drive might involve more local traffic and exits. This single-day trip allows for a relaxed start or an early arrival.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 136.9 miles from Aventura, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 60 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.9 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clearwater, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Aventura, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Aventura, FL
This is one driving day of about 273.8 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Aventura, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 209.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 10 and 268.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 24
Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-...
7
10.2 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
7
232.1 mi into trip|~4h 14m in|I 275
Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
7
257.6 mi into trip|~4h 44m in
Take the exit toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 26B
Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
7
268.4 mi into trip|~5h 1m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.45 one way
$82.89 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$45.48
$90.96
premium
$4.55
$49.05
$98.09
diesel
$4.80
$51.70
$103.40
Estimated Tolls: $1.36
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)$1.36
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.1
1
$28.75
$13.14
Efficient EV
68.5
0
$23.96
$10.95
EV Truck/SUV
109.5
1
$38.33
$17.52
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Aventura, FL
Late night
in Aventura on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Cloudy
S 7 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:14AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Late night
in Clearwater on Sunday
Local time
4:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 3 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:14AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 12m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 89% of the 273.8 miles on major roads like I 75 and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. You'll experience a long stretch of 209.2 miles on I 75, where you can maintain consistent speeds. The transition to surface roads will likely occur near your destination in Clearwater, offering a change of pace after the extended highway cruising.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 209.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 273.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.1 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
40 ft4 ft
Total Climb
51 ft
Total Descent
25 ft
Highest Point
40 ft
~234.7 mi in
Elevation Range
36 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Aventura, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward 54Th Avenue North Westbound along the way.
Clearwater is a city in Pinellas County, a region in Florida.
Perhaps most easily recognized as the headquarters city of the Church of Scientology, Clearwater also has miles of beautiful beaches and close proximity to other cities in the Tampa Bay area.
Top landmarks
•Belleview-Biltmore Hotel — hotel in Clearwater, United States of America
•Donald Roebling Estate — historic residential estate in Clearwater, within Pinellas County, FL
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 12m. Total distance: 273.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 209.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.36 in tolls one way, starting with Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 15 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Clearwater, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.1 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clearwater, FL before the return drive.
