Clearwater, FL to Fountainebleau, FL is 279.7 miles and takes about 5h 17m via I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, taking you from one part of the state to another primarily on major interstate highways. Given its predominantly highway profile and manageable duration, it's a straightforward trip suitable for a single day. You'll appreciate the directness if you're looking for an efficient way to cover this distance without extensive planning.
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
139.8 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
219.8 mi
3h 55m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
13.4 mi
15m
Express Lanes
13.3 mi
14m
I 275
11.2 mi
14m
US Highway 19 North
10.1 mi
14m
Drew Street
4.2 mi
8m
Palmetto Expressway
1.9 mi
2m
54th Avenue North
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 219.8 mi, about 3h 55m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 124 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,635 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,399
Quietest
2 AM
~217 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Fountainebleau, 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
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
3.3 mi·3 min·I 75
Toward MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
7.2 mi·7 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·28 sec
Toward Express LanesUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto Express Lanes
13 mi·14 min·Express Lanes
21
Take the exit
383 ft·9 sec
Toward SR 836 Toll: NorthWest 25th Street, West Flagler StreetUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto SR 826
1.9 mi·2 min·Palmetto Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward SR 969, SR 973: Northwest 72nd Avenue, Northwest 87th AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Galloway Road
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Galloway Road
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Galloway RoadUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Turn straight onto SR 973
0.6 mi·1 min·Northwest 87th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn right onto Park Boulevard
0.2 mi·33 sec·Park Boulevard
29
Turn right onto Fontainebleau Boulevard
0.6 mi·2 min·Fontainebleau Boulevard
Use the right lane.
30
Continue on Fontainebleau Boulevard
488 ft·25 sec·Fontainebleau Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31
Arrive at destination
Fontainebleau Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Clearwater to avoid potential traffic, especially around urban areas. With a total duration under 6 hours and only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. The fuel cost is estimated at $43, so plan accordingly before you leave. Pay attention to the transition from I 75 to Express Lanes as you get closer to Fountainebleau, as this can be a point of navigation adjustment.
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 139.8 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.8 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 62 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.8 miles or 2h 42m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fountainebleau, 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 279.7 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 219.8 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 250.6 and 277.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
250.6 mi into trip|~4h 40m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami
7
274.8 mi into trip|~5h 7m in
Take the exit toward SR 836 Toll: NorthWest 25th Street, West Flagler Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SR 836 Toll: NorthWest 25th Street, West...
7
276.8 mi into trip|~5h 10m in
Take the exit toward SR 969, SR 973: Northwest 72nd Avenue, Northwest 87th Avenue
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 SR 969, SR 973: Northwest 72nd Avenue, N...
7
277.4 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Galloway Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Gal...
8
277.6 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Galloway Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward SR 973 South: Northwest 87th Avenue, Gal...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.97 one way
$89.94 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$49.06
$98.12
premium
$4.78
$52.66
$105.32
diesel
$6.28
$69.11
$138.22
Estimated Tolls: $0.94
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(13.4 mi)$0.94
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.9
1
$29.37
$13.43
Efficient EV
69.9
0
$24.47
$11.19
EV Truck/SUV
111.9
1
$39.16
$17.90
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Clearwater, FL
Morning
in Clearwater on Thursday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 12 to 16 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Fountainebleau, FL
Morning
in Fountainebleau on Thursday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 14 to 20 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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 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 17m 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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 38.6
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 279.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 87% highway, meaning you'll spend the vast majority of your time on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 219.8 miles, primarily on I 75. Expect a consistent highway experience with numerous exits and merges as you navigate this distance. The final portion of your drive will transition from interstate cruising to surface roads as you approach your destination.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 219.8 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 250.6 miles in near I 75.
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 28 significant decision points across 279.7 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 250.6 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 274.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
52 ft4 ft
Total Climb
44 ft
Total Descent
70 ft
Highest Point
52 ft
~20 mi in
Elevation Range
47 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 Fountainebleau, FL, road signs point toward Miami and Express Lanes.
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 17m. Total distance: 279.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 219.8 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.94 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 Fountainebleau, 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 250.6 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 274.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fountainebleau, FL before the return drive.
