Spanning 272.2 miles across Florida, this drive between Clearwater and Palm Springs typically takes about 5 hours and 8 minutes. Because the route is primarily highway-focused, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $45 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the Sunshine Skyway Bridge adds a notable element to the start of your journey. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this straightforward path connects two distinct Florida regions efficiently.
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
136.1 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
223.2 mi
3h 59m
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
Express Lanes
3 mi
3m
West 68th Street
1 mi
2m
54th Avenue North
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 223.2 mi, about 3h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clearwater, FL and Palm Springs, 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
3.0 mi·3 min·Express Lanes
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·31 sec
Toward Northwest 138th StreetUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 75
3.4 mi·3 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward SR 826 SouthUse the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto SR 826
0.4 mi·29 sec·Palmetto Expressway
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward Northwest 122nd StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn left onto West 68th Street
1.0 mi·2 min·West 68th Street
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto West 12th Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·West 12th Avenue
28
Turn left onto West 56th Place
0.5 mi·1 min·West 56th Place
Use the left lane.
29
Turn right onto West 8th Avenue
0.2 mi·27 sec·West 8th Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
West 8th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, a single, well-timed stop is all you really need to keep your energy up. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion common on these major Florida interstates. Since the majority of your travel occurs on I-75, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longest 223.2-mile segment to ensure you aren't forced to stop at crowded stations. The simplicity of this drive allows for great flexibility, so adjust your pace based on real-time traffic reports. If you find yourself needing a break, look for rest areas along the I-75 corridor that can accommodate your quick stop.
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 136.1 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 223.2 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 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.1 miles or 2h 38m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palm Springs, 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 272.2 miles and 5h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 223.2 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.4 and 268.4 — 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.
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
6
253.9 mi into trip|~4h 44m in|I 75
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
268.4 mi into trip|~5h in
Take the exit toward SR 826 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1B
Toward SR 826 South
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.33 one way
$86.65 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$47.13
$94.26
premium
$4.72
$50.61
$101.23
diesel
$5.61
$60.10
$120.20
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
$43
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.7
1
$28.58
$13.07
Efficient EV
68.1
0
$23.82
$10.89
EV Truck/SUV
108.9
1
$38.11
$17.42
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Clearwater, FL
Night
in Clearwater on Saturday
Local time
10:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Palm Springs, FL
Night
in Palm Springs on Saturday
Local time
10:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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 8m 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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 37.5
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 272.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience, as 90% of this journey takes place on highways. Your route relies heavily on I-75, I-275, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to keep you moving toward your destination. You will face a significant, long-haul stretch of 223.2 miles on I-75, which defines the bulk of your time behind the wheel. While the interstate grind is consistent, the transition between these major arteries keeps the drive feeling direct and purposeful. Prepare for a steady, focused pace that prioritizes arrival time over winding, scenic detours.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 223.2 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 10.4 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 27 significant decision points across 272.2 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 250.6 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Clearwater, FL to Palm Springs, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Miami 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 8m. Total distance: 272.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 223.2 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Palm Springs, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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 250.6 miles (I 75): 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Palm Springs, FL before the return drive.
