Lauderhill to Clearwater is 262.1 miles and takes about 5h 1m via I 75 and US Highway 19 North, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two points in the same state. Given its mostly highway profile and single-day recommendation, this route is a straightforward drive. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, making it a practical option for a quick trip.
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
131 miles from Lauderhill, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.2 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
US Highway 19 North
9.1 mi
12m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
West Broward Boulevard
3.5 mi
6m
Port Everglades Expressway
3.3 mi
3m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
2.7 mi
5m
Court Street
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.2 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,831 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,554
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
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 Lauderhill, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Northwest 12th Street
237 ft·8 sec·Northwest 12th Street
2
Turn right onto Northwest 47th Avenue
0.3 mi·47 sec·Northwest 47th Avenue
3
Turn right onto SR 838
1.4 mi·2 min·West Sunrise Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left onto Northwest 65th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Northwest 65th Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on Northwest 5th Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·Northwest 5th Street
6
Turn left onto Northwest 70th Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Northwest 70th Avenue
7
Turn right onto SR 842
3.5 mi·6 min·West Broward Boulevard
Use the left lane.
8
Turn left onto Hiatus Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Hiatus Road
9
Turn right onto SR 84
0.4 mi·42 sec·SR 84
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 595 WestUse the left lane.
11
Merge onto I 595
3.3 mi·3 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 75
209 mi·3 hr 44 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
15
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi·22 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26BToward 54th Avenue North WestboundUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
19
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi·12 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·53 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
22
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Northbound Frontage Road
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on FL 60
2.7 mi·5 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
25
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi·3 min·Court Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
27
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach Clearwater before evening. Since it's designed as a single-day trip, you can be flexible with your departure time. There's only one recommended stop, so plan for a brief break. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading onto the longer stretches of I 75, and consider filling up before you leave Lauderhill to ensure your $41 budget covers the trip comfortably.
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 131 miles from Lauderhill, FL, or about 2h 27m 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 58 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131 miles or 2h 27m 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 57m
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 Lauderhill, 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 Lauderhill, FL
This is one driving day of about 262.1 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Lauderhill, 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 256.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|SR 838 / West Sunrise Boulevard
Turn right onto SR 838 / West Sunrise Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
1.8 mi into trip|~3m in|Northwest 65th Avenue
Turn left onto Northwest 65th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
220.3 mi into trip|~4h 3m 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
245.8 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Take the exit toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 26B
Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
7
256.7 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
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.
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.14 one way
$84.28 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.44
$45.84
$91.67
premium
$4.78
$49.30
$98.61
diesel
$6.18
$63.76
$127.52
Estimated Tolls: $1.36
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)$1.36
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.6
0
$27.52
$12.58
Efficient EV
65.5
0
$22.93
$10.48
EV Truck/SUV
104.8
1
$36.69
$16.77
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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
Lauderhill, FL
Late night
in Lauderhill on Tuesday
Local time
5:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 15 to 18 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Late night
in Clearwater on Tuesday
Local time
5:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 12 to 16 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 1m 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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 225.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 87% of the 262.1 miles on major roads like I 75. You'll experience a significant stretch of 209.2 miles on I 75 before transitioning to US Highway 19 North. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits as you cover the majority of this distance on high-speed interstates.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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?
7/10
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 0.3 miles in near SR 838 / West Sunrise Boulevard.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 262.1 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 0.3 miles (SR 838 / West Sunrise Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (Northwest 65th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 220.3 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
46 ft6 ft
Total Climb
86 ft
Total Descent
61 ft
Highest Point
46 ft
~243.3 mi in
Elevation Range
41 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 Lauderhill, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward 54Th Avenue North Westbound 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 5h 1m. Total distance: 262.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 1m 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 209.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.36 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.
Yes — we found about 15 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (SR 838 / West Sunrise Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (Northwest 65th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 220.3 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 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.
