Driving from South Miami Heights to Clearwater covers 285.9 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 28 minutes. This route works perfectly as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach the Gulf Coast without needing an overnight stay. You will traverse the state using a combination of the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike and Alligator Alley. Budget approximately $48 for fuel to complete the journey comfortably. Since you are moving from the southern tip of the state toward the central Gulf region, expect a transition from suburban sprawl to the open stretches of the interior before hitting the 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
142.9 miles from South Miami Heights, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Alligator Alley
203.5 mi
3h 38m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
21 mi
24m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
Okeechobee Road
17.6 mi
22m
US Highway 19 North
9.1 mi
12m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
2.7 mi
5m
Court Street
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Alligator Alley
— 203.5 mi, about 3h 38m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,826 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,424
Quietest
2 AM
~185 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 South Miami Heights, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 184th Street
0.4 mi·44 sec·Southwest 184th Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the ramp
156 ft·12 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, OrlandoUse the left lane.
3
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
4
Merge onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
3.0 mi·3 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
2.5 mi·3 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
16 mi·17 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 35Toward US 27: Okeechobee RoadUse the right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
9
Merge onto US 27
18 mi·22 min·Okeechobee Road
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: Naples
12
Merge onto I 75
203 mi·3 hr 38 min·Alligator Alley
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
Aim to leave early to avoid peak traffic, especially when navigating the initial turn-heavy local sections near South Miami Heights. Since the itinerary includes only one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs after the longest 203.5-mile stretch. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the crossing of Alligator Alley, as services can be spaced out compared to urban corridors. The flexibility of this one-day trip is a major advantage, allowing you to adjust your departure based on your personal pace. Always double-check your route for any tolls on the Turnpike and Skyway to ensure your travel budget remains on track.
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 142.9 miles from South Miami Heights, FL, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.5 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 63 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.9 miles or 2h 41m 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 19m
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 South Miami Heights, 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 South Miami Heights, FL
This is one driving day of about 285.9 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from South Miami Heights, 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 Alligator Alley for about 203.5 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 280.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.4 mi into trip|~0m in
Turn left toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
7
21.6 mi into trip|~26m in
Take the exit toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 35
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
7
244.2 mi into trip|~4h 29m 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
269.7 mi into trip|~5h 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
280.5 mi into trip|~5h 16m 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
$43.28 one way
$86.56 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$47.49
$94.98
premium
$4.55
$51.21
$102.43
diesel
$4.80
$53.98
$107.97
Estimated Tolls: $2.62
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)$1.36
Homestead Extension
(21 mi)$1.26
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
$43
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.02
$13.72
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.03
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
South Miami Heights, FL
Late night
in South Miami Heights on Monday
Local time
4:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:54PM EDT until July 17 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Late night
in Clearwater on Monday
Local time
4:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 5 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:54PM EDT until July 17 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
1 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 28m 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 246.4
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?
Expect a mix of driving conditions that shifts from turn-heavy local roads to high-speed interstate travel. With only 13% of the route on highways, you will spend a significant portion of your time navigating local infrastructure before settling into longer stretches. The drive features a substantial 203.5-mile segment on Alligator Alley, which serves as the primary artery for your journey. This transition from technical, winding local roads to the straight-line focus of the turnpike creates a varied experience behind the wheel. Prepare for a transition that eventually rewards you with the iconic crossing of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as you near your final destination.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 203.5 mi on Alligator Alley.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 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 21 significant decision points across 285.9 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 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 244.2 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
76 ft9 ft
Total Climb
83 ft
Total Descent
62 ft
Highest Point
76 ft
~265.5 mi in
Elevation Range
67 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Miami Heights, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Fort Lauderdale, Naples 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 28m. Total distance: 285.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 203.5 miles on Alligator Alley. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.62 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 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 244.2 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 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.
