Trip from DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

Distance

143.3 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 49m ★

6 AM

3h 0m

8 AM

3h 23m

10 AM

3h 8m

12 PM

3h 6m

3 PM

3h 9m

5 PM

3h 22m

8 PM

2h 53m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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DeLand, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, United States

Clearwater, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 143.3-mile drive from DeLand to Clearwater, Florida, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing I-4, FL-60, and I-275, this trip is heavily highway-focused, with 91% of the journey on interstates. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it's an economical option for a quick transition between two points within Florida. You'll find this route straightforward, making it a practical choice for a straightforward journey without the need for an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

71.7 miles from DeLand, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 4	112.2 mi	2h 8m
FL 60	9.3 mi	12m
I 275	4.8 mi	6m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard	4.7 mi	9m
FL 472	2.7 mi	3m
South Woodland Boulevard	2.4 mi	4m
Court Street	1.5 mi	3m
South Alabama Avenue	1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 4 — 112.2 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between DeLand, FL and Clearwater, FL.

Start on FL 44

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East New York Avenue

Turn right onto South Alabama Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Alabama Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto East Beresford Avenue

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Beresford Avenue

Turn left onto US 17; US 92

0.1 mi · 13 sec · South Woodland Boulevard

Enter roundabout onto US 17; US 92

157 ft · 2 sec · South Woodland Boulevard

Continue on US 17; US 92

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Woodland Boulevard

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Continue on FL 472

2.7 mi · 3 min · FL 472

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward I 4 West Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 4

19 mi · 21 min · I 4

Use the right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 4

10 mi · 13 min · I 4

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Exit 84B Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard Use the slight right lane.

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 1 min · this road

Toward I 4 West: Tampa

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · this road

Toward I 4 West: Tampa

Merge onto I 4

83 mi · 1 hr 34 min · I 4

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 40 sec

Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 275

4.8 mi · 6 min · I 275

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Exit 39 Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto FL 60

0.4 mi · 35 sec · Memorial Highway

Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater

Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll

0.9 mi · 1 min · Veterans Expressway

Toward FL 589 Toll Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Exit 2A Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on FL 60

9.3 mi · 12 min · FL 60

Toward FL 60: Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on FL 60

4.7 mi · 9 min · Gulf to Bay Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Continue on FL 60

1.5 mi · 3 min · Court Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · South Ft Harrison Avenue

Use the right lane.

Arrive at destination

North Fort Harrison Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour drive, departing in the morning will allow you to maximize your time at your destination in Clearwater. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a quick fuel and stretch break or push through if needed. The longest stretch of 112.2 miles on I-4 means planning your fuel stops in advance is wise; ensure you have enough gas before entering this longer segment. Given the relatively short duration, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but factor in potential traffic, especially as you approach the Tampa Bay area.

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 71.7 miles from DeLand, FL, or about 1h 28m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.2 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 32 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.7 miles or 1h 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 2h 20m

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 DeLand, 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 DeLand, FL

This is one driving day of about 143.3 miles and 3h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from DeLand, 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 4 for about 112.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Polk County, Florida, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lakeland, FL

72 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Lockhart, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Haines City, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.7 miles from DeLand, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Celebration

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kissimmee, Florida

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 61.4

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14072719145

Visit website

Southie Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clearwater, Florida

1.8 mi

Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clearwater, Florida

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DeLand, Florida

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+13866246057

Visit website

Foxtail Coffee Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orlando, Florida

0.4 mi

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tampa, Florida

0.6 mi

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Celebration

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 61.4

Kissimmee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14072719145

Visit website

Southie Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.3

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17276213888

Visit website

Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 143.3

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18132237999

Visit website

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.9

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+18138125025

Visit website

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Downtown

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+14077762900

Visit website

The Coffee Mill

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 143.3

Largo, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17272238595

Visit website

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14077045878

Visit website

XO Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 51.2

Kissimmee, Florida

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+14075075607

Visit website

Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

DeLand, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+13866246057

Visit website

Foxtail Coffee Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 51.2

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14073900219

Visit website

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 122.9

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

KOS COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.7

Maitland, Florida

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+14079516717

Visit website

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 143.3

Clearwater, Florida

+19549249779

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 143.3

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 92.2

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+18637327000

Visit website

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 36.1 and 127.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

36.1 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 84B Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard

120.3 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport...

125.5 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater

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 39 Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport,...

126.2 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in | FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway toward FL 589 Toll

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward FL 589 Toll

127.2 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Take the exit toward FL 60 West: Clearwater

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 2A Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.81 one way

$45.62 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$24.81	$49.62
premium	$4.72	$26.65	$53.29
diesel	$5.61	$31.64	$63.28

Estimated Tolls: $0.07

Veterans Expressway (0.9 mi) $0.07

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

$23

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	43	$15.05	$6.88
Efficient EV	35.8	$12.54	$5.73
EV Truck/SUV	57.3	$20.06	$9.17

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

DeLand, FL

Late night in DeLand on Sunday

Local time

3:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clearwater, FL

Late night in Clearwater on Sunday

Local time

3:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°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

8 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

3h on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 91% of the drive taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 112.2 miles, primarily on I-4, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the majority of the journey involves high-speed travel, you'll encounter transitions as you move between I-4, FL-60, and I-275. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficiency over varied scenery.

91% 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: 112.2 mi on I 4.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 143.3 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 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Saint Petersburg

120.3 mi in | ~2h 23m

About the Cities

Starting in DeLand, FL

Full guide →

DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County, Florida. It has a population of about 33,000 people (2018).

Arriving in Clearwater, FL

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h. Total distance: 143.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 112.2 miles on I 4. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.07 in tolls one way, starting with Veterans Expressway. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Clearwater, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from DeLand, FL or browse trips ending in Clearwater, FL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

Trip from DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Celebration

Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Celebration

Southie Coffee

Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events

Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro

CFS Coffee For The Soul, Downtown

The Coffee Mill

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

XO Coffee Shop

Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co

Foxtail Coffee Co.

The Lab Coffee - West Tampa

KOS COFFEE

Elevation Coffee Heights

The Lab Coffee - Heights

Yummies Coffee

DI Coffee Bar

Blink Charging Station

Ionna Charging Station

bp pulse Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Dinosaur World

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Cracker Country

Discovery Cove

Perry Harvey Sr. Park

Magic Carpet Glide

The Florida Aquarium

Bonnet Springs Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

DeLand, FL

Clearwater, FL

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

3h on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in DeLand, FL

Arriving in Clearwater, FL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Clearwater, FL

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