Clearwater, FL to West Palm Beach, FL is 226.6 miles and takes about 4h 39m via Florida's Turnpike and FL 60, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from one coast to the other. It's a straightforward drive that's mostly on the highway, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cross the state without 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
113.3 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
76.7 mi
1h 22m
FL 60
63.2 mi
1h 21m
I 4
25.8 mi
28m
I 95
16 mi
18m
Polk Parkway
9.4 mi
10m
Courtney Campbell Causeway
8.2 mi
10m
Bartow Road
6.9 mi
9m
I 275
5.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 76.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 62 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~6,207 veh/hr typical
· worst 7,532
Quietest
2 AM
~374 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.6×
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 West Palm Beach, 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
0.4 mi·49 sec·Southbound Frontage Road
5
Continue on this road
376 ft·7 sec·this road
6
Take the exit
233 ft·6 sec
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto FL 60
1.9 mi·3 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on FL 60
8.2 mi·10 min·Courtney Campbell Causeway
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on FL 60
0.8 mi·1 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 60
0.7 mi·59 sec·FL 60
Toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International Airport, Spruce StreetUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60
1.4 mi·2 min·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 275 North: TampaUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 275
5.2 mi·7 min·I 275
Toward I 275: TampaUse the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·42 sec
Exit 45BToward I 4 East: OrlandoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 4
26 mi·28 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 27Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on FL 570 Toll
9.4 mi·10 min·Polk Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 10Toward US 98: Lakeland, BartowUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn right onto US 98
6.9 mi·9 min·Bartow Road
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
21
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
23
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
77 mi·1 hr 22 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 116Toward FL 706: JupiterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto FL 706
499 ft·19 sec·Indiantown Road
32
Take the ramp
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: West Palm Beach
33
Merge onto I 95
16 mi·18 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 70Toward FL 704: Okeechobee Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn left onto FL 704
0.9 mi·1 min·Okeechobee Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
36
Turn slight left
0.1 mi·24 sec
37
Turn left onto South Tamarind Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·South Tamarind Avenue
Use the left lane.
38
Turn right onto Banyan Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Banyan Boulevard
39
Turn left onto North Dixie Highway
343 ft·9 sec·North Dixie Highway
40
Arrive at destination
North Dixie Highway
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 39m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning is ideal to ensure you have ample daylight. You'll likely only need one stop for fuel and rest, with the longest stretch between exits being 76.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The relatively short distance means you have flexibility; consider leaving a bit later if you prefer to avoid early morning traffic out of Clearwater. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the longest stretch to avoid any unexpected delays.
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 113.3 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.7 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 50 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.3 miles or 2h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Palm Beach, 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 226.6 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 76.7 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.9 and 129.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
15.9 mi into trip|~25m in|FL 60
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 60 toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International Airport, Spruce Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International...
8
16.6 mi into trip|~26m in|FL 60 / Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60 / Memorial Highway toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
8
49.6 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
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 27
Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
8
59.4 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
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 10
Toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
8
129.8 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.43 one way
$72.87 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$39.74
$79.49
premium
$4.78
$42.66
$85.32
diesel
$6.28
$55.99
$111.98
Estimated Tolls: $5.37
Florida's Turnpike
(76.7 mi)$5.37
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
$36
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68
0
$23.79
$10.88
Efficient EV
56.7
0
$19.83
$9.06
EV Truck/SUV
90.6
1
$31.72
$14.50
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
7:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 12 to 16 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
West Palm Beach, FL
Morning
in West Palm Beach on Thursday
Local time
7:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 22 to 29 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
82°F
Eagle Lake, FL
113 mi in
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
4h 39m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to spend most of your time on major roadways, with 87% of the drive on highways. You'll encounter a long stretch of 76.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike before needing to navigate any surface roads. The route features a high highway share, so be prepared for typical interstate conditions with frequent exits and merges, especially as you approach urban areas.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.7 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.9 miles in near FL 60.
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 26 significant decision points across 226.6 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 15.9 miles (FL 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.6 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
129 ft1 ft
Total Climb
148 ft
Total Descent
165 ft
Highest Point
129 ft
~48.6 mi in
Elevation Range
128 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 West Palm Beach, FL, road signs point toward St. Petersburg, Winter Haven, Bartow and Florida's Turnpike South: Miami.
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 4h 39m. Total distance: 226.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m 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 76.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.37 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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 West Palm Beach, 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 15.9 miles (FL 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at West Palm Beach, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
