Embark on a 291-mile journey from Key Biscayne, FL, to Clearwater, FL, that will take approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 88% of the drive on major roads like I-95 and I-75, including the notable Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Given its manageable duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day of travel. Expect a fuel cost of around $46 for this drive. You'll be staying within the state of Florida for the entirety of your trip, moving from the southeastern coast to the Gulf coast.
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
145.5 miles from Key Biscayne, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
I 95
11.4 mi
14m
Florida's Turnpike
10.5 mi
12m
Port Everglades Expressway
9.1 mi
10m
US Highway 19 North
9.1 mi
12m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Rickenbacker Causeway
5.6 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Key Biscayne, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Crandon Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Crandon Boulevard
2
Continue on Rickenbacker Causeway
5.6 mi·9 min·Rickenbacker Causeway
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward US 1 South, I 95 North: Coral Gables, Downtown, Airport
4
Merge onto I 95; US 1
3.6 mi·5 min·I 95; US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
7.8 mi·9 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike TollUse the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike
8
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
10 mi·12 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 54Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 595 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 595
9.1 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 275
5.7 mi·7 min·I 275
Exit 228Toward I 275 North: Saint PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
16
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi·22 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26BToward 54th Avenue North WestboundUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
20
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi·12 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·53 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
23
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Northbound Frontage Road
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on FL 60
2.7 mi·5 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
26
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi·3 min·Court Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
28
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 37-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Key Biscayne to avoid potential traffic, especially as you begin on I-95. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; however, planning a break around the halfway point, perhaps before or after the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, can help break up the 209.2-mile stretch on I-75. The estimated fuel cost is $46, so ensure your tank is full before you leave and be mindful of fuel availability along the interstate. This route is straightforward, making it a manageable one-day trip for most travelers.
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 145.5 miles from Key Biscayne, FL, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.2 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 64 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.5 miles or 2h 48m 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 28m
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 Key Biscayne, 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 Key Biscayne, FL
This is one driving day of about 291 miles and 5h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Key Biscayne, 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 209.2 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.1 and 249.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
18.1 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 12A
Toward SR 826 West: Florida's Turnpike Toll
8
29.8 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
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 54
Toward I 595, SR 84, US 441
8
30.3 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward SR 84 West, I 595 West
7
30.9 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
7
249.3 mi into trip|~4h 39m in|I 275
Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.32 one way
$92.64 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$50.39
$100.77
premium
$4.72
$54.11
$108.22
diesel
$5.61
$64.25
$128.50
Estimated Tolls: $2.09
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)$1.36
Florida's Turnpike
(10.5 mi)$0.73
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
$46
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.3
1
$30.55
$13.97
Efficient EV
72.8
0
$25.46
$11.64
EV Truck/SUV
116.4
1
$40.74
$18.62
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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 Jun 21, 2022
Origin
Key Biscayne, FL
Late night
in Key Biscayne on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Late night
in Clearwater on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 37m 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...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 260.9
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 88% of the 291 miles on major interstates. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-75, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 209.2 miles. While the majority of the route involves consistent highway speeds, keep an eye out for the transition onto and off of the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge, offering a unique segment within this interstate-heavy profile. The road mainly offers a steady pace for covering distance efficiently.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 209.2 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 18.1 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 20 significant decision points across 291 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 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Key Biscayne, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike and 54Th Avenue North Westbound.
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 37m. Total distance: 291 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 209.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.09 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 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clearwater, FL before the return drive.
