This 211.8-mile journey from Jupiter to Clearwater takes approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes, making it a manageable one-day road trip. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the drive on major roads like Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, and I-4. With a fuel cost estimated at $35, it's an economical option for a Florida excursion. You'll experience a straightforward drive across the state, primarily on high-speed roads, designed for efficient travel. Consider this drive if you're looking for a direct and practical way to get from the Atlantic coast to the Gulf coast of Florida.
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
105.9 miles from Jupiter, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
76.7 mi
1h 22m
FL 60
70.9 mi
1h 31m
I 4
25.7 mi
28m
Polk Parkway
9.9 mi
11m
Bartow Road
7 mi
9m
I 275
4.8 mi
6m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
4.7 mi
9m
West Indiantown Road
3.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 76.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Traffic on I-4
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,480 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~567 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 44 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 Jupiter, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on FL 706
3.9 mi·7 min·West Indiantown Road
Use the left lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Use the right lane.
3
Continue on this road
482 ft·11 sec·this road
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
77 mi·1 hr 22 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 193Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
7
Keep slight right at fork
245 ft·6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto FL 60
62 mi·1 hr 19 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
9
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.6 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
11
Continue on US 98
7.0 mi·9 min·Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward FL 570 Toll West: Polk Parkway WestUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto FL 570 Toll
9.9 mi·11 min·Polk Parkway
Use the right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward I 4 West: TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 4
26 mi·28 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint PetersburgUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 275
4.8 mi·6 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 39Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto FL 60
0.4 mi·35 sec·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
20
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
0.9 mi·1 min·Veterans Expressway
Toward FL 589 TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 2AToward FL 60 West: ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on FL 60
9.3 mi·12 min·FL 60
Toward FL 60: ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on FL 60
4.7 mi·9 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi·3 min·Court Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 23-minute drive, leaving Jupiter in the morning will allow you to reach Clearwater with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $35, you have flexibility in pacing. A key tip for this route is to be aware of potential tolls on Florida's Turnpike, which can add to your overall travel expenses beyond the estimated fuel cost. Given its highway-centric nature, plan for rest breaks at service plazas or exits where amenities are readily available to ensure a comfortable journey.
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 105.9 miles from Jupiter, FL, or about 2h 3m 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 47 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.9 miles or 2h 3m 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 30m
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 Jupiter, 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 Jupiter, FL
This is one driving day of about 211.8 miles and 4h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Jupiter, 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.1 and 194.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
4.1 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
7
162.1 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 4 West: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
8
188.8 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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...
8
194 mi into trip|~3h 54m 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,...
7
194.7 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.06 one way
$64.12 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$35.18
$70.36
premium
$4.55
$37.94
$75.88
diesel
$4.80
$39.99
$79.98
Estimated Tolls: $5.44
Florida's Turnpike
(76.7 mi)$5.37
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
$32
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.5
0
$22.24
$10.17
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.53
$8.47
EV Truck/SUV
84.7
1
$29.65
$13.56
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 20, 2026
Origin
Jupiter, FL
Evening
in Jupiter on Monday
Local time
8:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 17 mph50% chanceLive forecast
High Surf Warning
High Surf Warning issued July 20 at 11:09AM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 11:09AM CDT until July 24 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Evening
in Clearwater on Monday
Local time
8:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Widespread Showers And Thunderstorms
S 16 to 21 mph81% chanceLive forecast
High Surf Warning
High Surf Warning issued July 20 at 11:09AM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 11:09AM CDT until July 24 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
96°F
Eagle Lake, FL
106 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 23m 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 a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 89% of the route utilizing major roadways. The character of the road is largely dictated by Florida's Turnpike, where you'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 76.7 miles. While primarily a fast-paced experience, the transition to FL 60 and then I-4 offers a consistent feel of efficient travel across the state. This isn't a route for leisurely sightseeing, but rather for making good time and covering distance with minimal interruption.
89% 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: 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 4.1 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 211.8 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 4.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
129 ft6 ft
Total Climb
163 ft
Total Descent
140 ft
Highest Point
129 ft
~151.3 mi in
Elevation Range
123 ft
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 Jupiter, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg 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.
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 23m. Total distance: 211.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). 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 $5.44 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.
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 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Clearwater, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
