Clearwater, FL to Cutler Bay, FL is 288.7 miles and takes about 5h 32m via I 75 and Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Florida, primarily utilizing major highways for a straightforward trip. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so expect a consistent pace. Given the relatively short duration, it's a manageable same-day drive, though planning for potential traffic, especially closer to the Miami area, is wise.
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
144.3 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
203.8 mi
3h 38m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
22.3 mi
26m
US 27
17.9 mi
22m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
13.4 mi
15m
I 275
11.2 mi
14m
US Highway 19 North
10.1 mi
14m
Drew Street
4.2 mi
8m
Caribbean Boulevard
1.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 203.8 mi, about 3h 38m
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 Clearwater, FL and Cutler Bay, FL.
1
Start on North Fort Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·27 sec·North Fort Harrison Avenue
2
Turn right onto Drew Street
4.2 mi·8 min·Drew Street
3
Take the ramp
198 ft·5 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto Southbound Frontage Road
355 ft·8 sec·Southbound Frontage Road
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 19 South
6
Merge onto US 19
5.7 mi·7 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 19
4.4 mi·6 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
9
Turn left onto 54th Avenue North
0.8 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 275 SouthUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 275
10 mi·11 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·17 sec
13
Merge onto I 275; US 19
13 mi·15 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 275
1.1 mi·2 min·I 275
Toward I 75 South: Naples
15
Merge onto I 75
28 mi·30 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
176 mi·3 hr 8 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 27: Miami, South Bay
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward US 27 South: Miami
19
Merge onto US 27
9.2 mi·11 min·US 27
Use the right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 27
8.6 mi·11 min·US 27
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead, Key West
22
Merge onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
22 mi·26 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 12Toward Caribbean Boulevard, Southwest 211th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
180 ft·6 sec
Toward Caribbean Boulevard, Southwest 211th Street
25
Turn left onto Caribbean Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·Caribbean Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Enter roundabout onto Caribbean Boulevard
73 ft·2 sec·Caribbean Boulevard
27
Continue on Caribbean Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Caribbean Boulevard
28
Turn right onto Southwest 200th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 200th Street
29
Turn right onto Franjo Road
0.2 mi·39 sec·Franjo Road
30
Turn right onto Old Cutler Road
0.1 mi·18 sec·Old Cutler Road
31
Turn right
76 ft·8 sec
32
Turn right
116 ft·8 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Clearwater to bypass potential congestion on I 75. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, you'll want to ensure your tank is full before you leave or at a convenient point along I 75. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is over 200 miles, so plan for a brief stop around the halfway mark. Given the route's efficiency, you likely won't need to split this into an overnight trip, but flexibility is key; be prepared for slower speeds as you get closer to Cutler Bay.
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 144.3 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.8 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 64 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.3 miles or 2h 47m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cutler Bay, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, FL
This is one driving day of about 288.7 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Clearwater, 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 203.8 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.4 and 286.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
10.4 mi into trip|~17m in|US 19 / US Highway 19 North
Keep slight left at fork onto US 19 / US Highway 19 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
69.3 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
255 mi into trip|~4h 47m in|US 27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 27
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
286.1 mi into trip|~5h 25m in
Take the exit toward Caribbean Boulevard, Southwest 211th Street
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 12
Toward Caribbean Boulevard, Southwest 211th Str...
7
286.4 mi into trip|~5h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Caribbean Boulevard, Southwest 211th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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
$44
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.6
1
$30.31
$13.86
Efficient EV
72.2
0
$25.26
$11.55
EV Truck/SUV
115.5
1
$40.42
$18.48
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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
Clearwater, FL
Morning
in Clearwater on Sunday
Local time
11:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 5 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 8:13PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:07PM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Cutler Bay, FL
Morning
in Cutler Bay on Sunday
Local time
11:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Cloudy
S 6 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 8:13PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:07PM EDT until July 17 at 9:00PM 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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 32m 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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 39.8
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 288.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is largely highway driving, with 92% of the 288.7 miles on major routes like I 75 and the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long stretch of 203.8 miles on I 75, indicating a significant period of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads, where you'll encounter more local traffic and potentially a higher density of exits, will occur later in the drive as you approach your destination.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 203.8 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.4 miles in near US 19 / US Highway 19 North.
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 29 significant decision points across 288.7 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 10.4 miles (US 19 / US Highway 19 North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 69.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 255 miles (US 27): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
64 ft8 ft
Total Climb
75 ft
Total Descent
97 ft
Highest Point
64 ft
~20.6 mi in
Elevation Range
57 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clearwater, FL and Cutler Bay, FL, road signs point toward Bay, Florida's Turnpike South: Homestead and Key West.
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 32m. Total distance: 288.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 203.8 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.28 in tolls one way, starting with Homestead Extension. 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 16 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 Cutler Bay, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.4 miles (US 19 / US Highway 19 North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 69.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 255 miles (US 27): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial and Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cutler Bay, FL before the return drive.
