Trip from Port Charlotte, 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

2h 9m

Distance

101.5 mi

163 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min

4 AM

2h 0m ★

6 AM

2h 9m

8 AM

2h 27m

10 AM

2h 16m

12 PM

2h 14m

3 PM

2h 17m

5 PM

2h 27m

8 PM

2h 4m

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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Port Charlotte, FL

Jose Valverde

county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, United States

Clearwater, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 101.5-mile drive from Port Charlotte to Clearwater, Florida, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, it's an economical option for exploring the Florida coast. The route primarily utilizes I-75 and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, offering a straightforward highway-focused experience. Given the relatively short distance and duration, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You'll experience a consistent drive primarily on major roads, making for a predictable journey between these two Florida locales.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

50.8 miles from Port Charlotte, FL

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

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	48.2 mi	51m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge	19.5 mi	22m
US Highway 19 North	9.1 mi	12m
I 275	5.7 mi	7m
Toledo Blade Boulevard	5.7 mi	8m
Tamiami Trail	5.4 mi	9m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard	2.7 mi	5m
Court Street	1.5 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 48.2 mi, about 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on US 41

5.4 mi · 9 min · Tamiami Trail

Turn right onto Toledo Blade Boulevard

5.7 mi · 8 min · Toledo Blade Boulevard

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec

Toward I 75 North: Tampa

Merge onto I 75

48 mi · 51 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 19 sec

Merge onto I 275; US 19

19 mi · 22 min · Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 26B Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North

0.9 mi · 1 min · 54th Avenue North

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 19

0.6 mi · 1 min · 34th Street North

Continue on US 19

9.1 mi · 12 min · US Highway 19 North

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec

Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road

0.4 mi · 53 sec · US 19 Northbound Frontage Road

Continue on Northbound Frontage Road

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Northbound Frontage Road

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Use the left lane.

Continue on FL 60

2.7 mi · 5 min · Gulf to Bay Boulevard

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 straightforward 2-hour, 9-minute drive, flexibility is key. Leaving Port Charlotte in the morning, perhaps before peak traffic, will allow for a smooth start. Since the total distance is just over 100 miles and fuel costs are estimated at a low $16, you won't need to worry about extensive refueling stops. Consider making a brief stop for a stretch or snack midway, perhaps after completing the longest stretch on I-75. A practical tip for this route: be prepared for potential tolls, especially on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and factor that into your planning.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 50.8 miles from Port Charlotte, FL, or about 1h 1m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48.2 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 22 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 50.8 miles or 1h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 39m

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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, FL

This is one driving day of about 101.5 miles and 2h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Port Charlotte, FL.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 48.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

county seat of Manatee County, Florida, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bradenton, FL

51 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.

Popular next leg

Bradenton, FL to Clearwater, FL

43.8 mi · 1h 4m

Pacing Suggestions

Venice, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bradenton, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 50.8 miles from Port Charlotte, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Bandit Coffee Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St. Petersburg, Florida

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.8

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

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

Kafe Tirona

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Largo, Florida

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17274668532

Visit website

The Under Grounds Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St. Petersburg, Florida

1.8 mi

Yummies Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clearwater, Florida

2.6 mi

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

Belleair Coffee Company & Roastery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.5

Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

+17275011010

Visit website

Swell Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Largo, Florida

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17272699197

Visit website

Grove Surf + Coffee | Coffee St. Pete Beach

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.8

St Pete Beach, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17272893634

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 94.3

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 101.5

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 94.3

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

FloridaRAMA

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: 12–3:30 pm

+17272105450

Visit website

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 101.5

Clearwater, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17274411790

Visit website

Big Cat Habitat

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 43.5

Sarasota, Florida

Hours: 12–4 pm

+19413716377

Visit website

Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Port Charlotte, Florida

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19416271074

Visit website

Morean Arts Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17278227872

Visit website

The Dalí Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+17278233767

Visit website

Pier Dolphin Cruises

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17276471538

Visit website

South Straub Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.8

St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17278937441

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.6 and 96.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

11.6 mi into trip | ~19m in | I 75

Merge onto I 75

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

59.8 mi into trip | ~1h 11m 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

85.3 mi into trip | ~1h 41m 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

96.2 mi into trip | ~1h 57m 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

96.9 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Take the exit

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

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.16 one way

$32.31 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$17.57	$35.15
premium	$4.72	$18.87	$37.75
diesel	$5.61	$22.41	$44.82

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

$16

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	30.5	$10.66	$4.87
Efficient EV	25.4	$8.88	$4.06
EV Truck/SUV	40.6	$14.21	$6.50

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (67% 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

Port Charlotte, FL

Morning in Port Charlotte on Sunday

Local time

10:22 AM

EDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clearwater, FL

Morning in Clearwater on Sunday

Local time

10:22 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

14 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

2h 9m 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.

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 ~12 min detour Free near mile 66.5

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 62% of the journey on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 48.2 miles on I-75, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. You'll transition from I-75 to the notable Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a significant feature of this route, before continuing north on US Highway 19. This progression means you'll experience a blend of high-speed interstate travel and slightly more varied highway conditions as you approach Clearwater.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 48.2 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 11.6 miles in near I 75.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 101.5 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 11.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.8 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Port Charlotte, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward 54Th Avenue North Westbound and Gulf To Bay.

54Th Avenue North Westbound

85.3 mi in | ~1h 41m

Gulf To Bay

96.2 mi in | ~1h 57m

About the Cities

Starting in Port Charlotte, FL

Full guide →

Port Charlotte is a city in Southwest Florida roughly 30 miles north of Fort Myers and 40 miles south of Sarasota on the gulf coast of Florida. Nestled in Charlotte Harbor, visitors can take cruises through the harbor, play a round of mini-golf or swim in the harbor.

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 2h 9m. Total distance: 101.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 48.2 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.

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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Clearwater, FL before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

Trip from Port Charlotte, 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

Bandit Coffee Co.

Kafe Tirona

Bandit Coffee Co.

Southie Coffee

Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events

Paradeco Coffee Roasters

The Coffee Mill

Kafe Tirona

The Under Grounds Coffee Co

Yummies Coffee

Bad Mother

Belleair Coffee Company & Roastery

Swell Coffee

Grove Surf + Coffee | Coffee St. Pete Beach

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Ionna Charging Station

bp pulse Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

FloridaRAMA

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Big Cat Habitat

Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park

Morean Arts Center

The Dalí Museum

Pier Dolphin Cruises

South Straub Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Port Charlotte, FL

Clearwater, FL

Same local time

14 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 9m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

De Soto National Memorial

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Port Charlotte, 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?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

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

How this page is built

Explore More

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