Port Saint Lucie to Clearwater is 183.5 miles and takes about 3h 52m via FL 60 and I 4, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that keeps you within Florida for the entire journey. You'll transition from state roads to major interstates, making for an efficient trip. Given the relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a same-day excursion, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. Expect a drive that prioritizes getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
91.8 miles from Port Saint Lucie, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
FL 60
70.9 mi
1h 31m
Florida's Turnpike
49.6 mi
53m
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
Southeast Airoso Boulevard
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
FL 60
— 70.9 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Port Saint Lucie, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Southwest Carter Avenue
215 ft·11 sec·Southwest Carter Avenue
2
Turn right onto CR 615
1.6 mi·2 min·Southeast Airoso Boulevard
3
Turn right onto FL 716
0.8 mi·1 min·Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
4
Turn left onto Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike NorthUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
50 mi·53 min·Florida's Turnpike
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 193Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
9
Keep slight right at fork
245 ft·6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto FL 60
62 mi·1 hr 19 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.6 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on US 98
7.0 mi·9 min·Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
14
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward FL 570 Toll West: Polk Parkway WestUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto FL 570 Toll
9.9 mi·11 min·Polk Parkway
Use the right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward I 4 West: TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 4
26 mi·28 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint PetersburgUse the slight left lane.
19
Merge onto I 275
4.8 mi·6 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 39Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto FL 60
0.4 mi·35 sec·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
22
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.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 2AToward FL 60 West: ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on FL 60
9.3 mi·12 min·FL 60
Toward FL 60: ClearwaterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on FL 60
4.7 mi·9 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
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
With a drive of under 4 hours, this trip offers great flexibility. You can leave anytime in the morning and still arrive with plenty of daylight. The route includes just one recommended stop, allowing you to make good time. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 70.9-mile stretch on FL 60, as services might be more spaced out. The primary roads are well-maintained interstates, so focus on keeping to your schedule and enjoying the direct journey 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 91.8 miles from Port Saint Lucie, FL, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.9 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 40 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.8 miles or 1h 50m 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 5m
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 Saint Lucie, 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 Saint Lucie, FL
This is one driving day of about 183.5 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Port Saint Lucie, 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 60 for about 70.9 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 166.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.1 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight right 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 slight right lane.
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
7
133.8 mi into trip|~2h 45m 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
160.5 mi into trip|~3h 16m 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
165.7 mi into trip|~3h 23m 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
166.4 mi into trip|~3h 24m 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
$29.21 one way
$58.42 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$31.77
$63.55
premium
$4.72
$34.12
$68.24
diesel
$5.61
$40.51
$81.03
Estimated Tolls: $3.54
Florida's Turnpike
(49.6 mi)$3.47
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
$29
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
55.1
0
$19.27
$8.81
Efficient EV
45.9
0
$16.06
$7.34
EV Truck/SUV
73.4
0
$25.69
$11.74
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 Saint Lucie, FL
Morning
in Port Saint Lucie on Sunday
Local time
6:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Morning
in Clearwater on Sunday
Local time
6:23 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
3 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
3h 52m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with an impressive 88% share on major roads. You'll spend most of your time on high-speed routes like FL 60 and I 4. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 70.9 miles on FL 60, offering a solid period of consistent cruising. While the profile suggests mostly highway, be prepared for the typical transitions that occur when moving between state routes and interstates. The character is largely about efficient travel across the state.
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: 70.9 mi on FL 60.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on FL 60 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 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 22 significant decision points across 183.5 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 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.5 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.
On the drive from Port Saint Lucie, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 183.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 52m 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 70.9 miles on FL 60. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.54 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.
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 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Clearwater, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
