West Little River to Clearwater is 276.7 miles and takes about 5h 14m via I 75 and US Highway 19 North, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, covering ground from one side of the state to the other. Given that it's a mostly highway drive with a clear endpoint, it’s a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. Plan for a full day behind the wheel, especially if you decide to make a brief stop along the way.
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
138.3 miles from West Little River, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
226.9 mi
4h 3m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
19.5 mi
22m
US Highway 19 North
9.1 mi
12m
I 275
5.7 mi
7m
Gratigny Parkway
5.1 mi
6m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
2.7 mi
5m
Court Street
1.5 mi
3m
Northwest 32nd Avenue
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 226.9 mi, about 4h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Little River, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Northwest 91st Street
334 ft·20 sec·Northwest 91st Street
2
Turn left onto Northwest 23rd Avenue
0.3 mi·43 sec·Northwest 23rd Avenue
3
Turn left onto Northwest 95th Street
0.4 mi·43 sec·Northwest 95th Street
4
Turn right onto SR 9
0.5 mi·59 sec·Northwest 27th Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto SR 932
0.5 mi·1 min·Northwest 103rd Street
Use the left lane.
6
Turn right onto Northwest 32nd Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Northwest 32nd Avenue
7
Turn left onto SR 924
0.3 mi·35 sec·Northwest 119th Street
8
Continue on SR 924
5.1 mi·6 min·Gratigny Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 75
16 mi·17 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
211 mi·3 hr 45 min·I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, NaplesUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
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.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
13
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi·22 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26BToward 54th Avenue North WestboundUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi·1 min·54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi·1 min·34th Street North
17
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi·12 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·53 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
20
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Northbound Frontage Road
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on FL 60
2.7 mi·5 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
23
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi·3 min·Court Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
25
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider leaving West Little River early in the morning. This allows you to cover the substantial 226.9-mile stretch on I 75 before midday traffic builds. With the fuel cost estimated at $44, it's a good idea to top off your tank before you depart. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility, but be mindful of the transition from I 75 to US Highway 19 North, as this is where the road character changes and more local traffic will be present.
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 138.3 miles from West Little River, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 226.9 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 61 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.3 miles or 2h 32m 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 7m
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 West Little River, 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 West Little River, FL
This is one driving day of about 276.7 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from West Little River, 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 226.9 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 271.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|SR 9 / Northwest 27th Avenue
Turn right onto SR 9 / Northwest 27th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
8
24.1 mi into trip|~30m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
7
235 mi into trip|~4h 16m 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
260.5 mi into trip|~4h 46m 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
271.3 mi into trip|~5h 2m 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
$44.04 one way
$88.09 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$47.91
$95.82
premium
$4.72
$51.45
$102.90
diesel
$5.61
$61.09
$122.18
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
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83
1
$29.05
$13.28
Efficient EV
69.2
0
$24.21
$11.07
EV Truck/SUV
110.7
1
$38.74
$17.71
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
West Little River, FL
Morning
in West Little River on Tuesday
Local time
6:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Morning
in Clearwater on Tuesday
Local time
6:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
8 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
5h 14m 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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 238.5
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?
This drive is 89% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 226.9 miles on I 75. You'll transition from highway cruising to surface roads, specifically US Highway 19 North, as you approach your destination. Expect frequent exits and changes in speed limits as you get closer to populated areas.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 226.9 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 0.7 miles in near SR 9 / Northwest 27th Avenue.
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 15 significant decision points across 276.7 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 0.7 miles (SR 9 / Northwest 27th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235 miles (I 275): 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 West Little River, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, 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 14m. Total distance: 276.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 226.9 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 0.7 miles (SR 9 / Northwest 27th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 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.
