Origin
Lake Clarke Shores, FL
Late night in Lake Clarke Shores on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Clarke Shores, FL to St. Petersburg, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 31m
Distance
203.4 mi
327 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 19m
★
6 AM
4h 32m
8 AM
4h 59m
10 AM
4h 41m
12 PM
4h 39m
3 PM
4h 43m
5 PM
4h 57m
8 PM
4h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Clarke Shores, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
St. Petersburg, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Planning a trip from Lake Clarke Shores, FL to St. Petersburg, FL? This 203.4-mile journey will take you approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day drive. You'll primarily be on FL 70 and Southwest Warfield Boulevard. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or transit. The drive offers a mixed landscape, and you can expect to cover a significant portion, 65.3 miles, on FL 70 without interruption. This route is perfect for those looking to cover ground efficiently within the state 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
101.7 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FL 70 | 65.3 mi | 1h 26m |
| Southwest Warfield Boulevard | 33.1 mi | 44m |
| SR 70 | 32.9 mi | 45m |
| Bee Line Highway | 20.1 mi | 26m |
| Sunshine Skyway Bridge | 14.3 mi | 16m |
| I 75 | 9.9 mi | 10m |
| I 95 | 8.7 mi | 10m |
| East Hickory Street | 8.4 mi | 12m |
Longest stretch:
FL 70
— 65.3 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Clarke Shores, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.
1
Start on West Lake Drive
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Lake Drive
2
Turn right onto FL 882
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Forest Hill Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto I 95
8.7 mi
·
10 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 76
Toward FL 708: Blue Heron Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Turn straight onto FL 708
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Blue Heron Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on FL 710
20 mi
·
26 min
·
Bee Line Highway
8
Continue on FL 710
33 mi
·
44 min
·
Southwest Warfield Boulevard
9
Merge onto FL 70
65 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
FL 70
10
Turn straight onto FL 70
8.4 mi
·
12 min
·
East Hickory Street
11
Continue on SR 70
33 mi
·
45 min
·
SR 70
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 75
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
Use the right lane.
14
Merge onto I 75
9.9 mi
·
10 min
·
I 75
15
Take the exit onto I 275
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
I 275
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
17
Merge onto I 275; US 19
14 mi
·
16 min
·
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 20
Toward 31st Street South
Use the slight left lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
161 ft
·
9 sec
Toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
20
Turn left onto 31st Street South
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
31st Street South
21
Turn left onto 5th Avenue South
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
5th Avenue South
22
Turn right onto US 19
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
34th Street South
23
Arrive at destination
US 19
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 31-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lake Clarke Shores to maximize your day in St. Petersburg. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a significant break is over 65 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $32 suggests that refueling once should be sufficient, but it's always wise to check your tank before heading out. This drive is straightforward, so focus on enjoying the transition across Florida.
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 101.7 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.3 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 45 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.7 miles or 2h 17m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near St. Petersburg, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake Clarke Shores, 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 Lake Clarke Shores, FL
This is one driving day of about 203.4 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, 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 FL 70 for about 65.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 101.7 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before FL 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 202.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
10.1 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward FL 708: Blue Heron Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 76
Toward FL 708: Blue Heron Boulevard
7
171.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
7
181.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 4m 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
7
202.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 28m in
Take the exit toward 31st Street South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 20
Toward 31st Street South
7
202.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Winery, Treasure Island, Tropicana Field
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.38 one way
$64.75 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $35.22 | $70.44 |
| premium | $4.72 | $37.82 | $75.64 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $44.91 | $89.82 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(14.3 mi)
$1.00
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61 | 0 | $21.36 | $9.76 |
| Efficient EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.80 | $8.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.4 | 1 | $28.48 | $13.02 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
St. Petersburg, FL
Late night in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
NW 5 to 8 mph
0% chance
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
18 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 31m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed driving experience, with about 60% of it on highways. You won't be stuck on a monotonous interstate for the entire trip; instead, expect a blend of faster road segments and potentially more local driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 65.3 miles on FL 70, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. As you progress, the character of the roads will shift, providing some variety without being overly demanding. It's a drive that balances efficiency with a touch of local road exploration.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65.3 mi on FL 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 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 17 significant decision points across 203.4 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 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 171.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 181.8 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 203.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 65.3 miles on FL 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.00 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 St. Petersburg, 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 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 171.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 181.8 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at St. Petersburg, 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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