Origin
Clearwater, FL
Morning in Clearwater on Friday
Local time
8:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clearwater, FL to Bartow, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 30m
Distance
67.9 mi
109 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 24m
★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 44m
10 AM
1h 35m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clearwater, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Bartow, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Clearwater, FL to Bartow, FL is 67.9 miles and takes about 1h 30m via I 4 and Polk Parkway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Florida, connecting two distinct regions of the state. Expect a highway-focused journey that's straightforward and efficient for getting from point A to point B. It's a relatively short trip, making it ideal for a single-day excursion with plenty of time to spare upon arrival in Bartow.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 67.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 62% of the journey taking place on faster roads like I 4 and Polk Parkway. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 25.8 miles on I 4, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip. While primarily on major thoroughfares, the inclusion of Courtney Campbell Causeway adds a different, though still relatively swift, road experience. Overall, anticipate a driving experience characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 4 is the longest continuous segment at about 25.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and Polk Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.9 miles (FL 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4.9 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
15.9 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
FL 60
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 60 toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International Airport, Spruce Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International...
8
16.6 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
FL 60 / Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60 / Memorial Highway toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
8
49.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
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 27
Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
8
59.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
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 10
Toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clearwater, FL and Bartow, FL, road signs point toward St. Petersburg and Winter Haven.
St. Petersburg
16.6 mi in
|
~26m
|
via FL 60
Winter Haven
49.6 mi in
|
~1h 5m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 4 | 25.8 mi | 28m |
| Polk Parkway | 9.4 mi | 10m |
| Courtney Campbell Causeway | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| Bartow Road | 6.9 mi | 9m |
| I 275 | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| Drew Street | 4.2 mi | 8m |
| Gulf to Bay Boulevard | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| FL 60 | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 25.8 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clearwater, FL and Bartow, FL.
1
Start on North Fort Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Fort Harrison Avenue
2
Turn right onto Drew Street
4.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Drew Street
3
Take the ramp
198 ft
·
5 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto Southbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
Southbound Frontage Road
5
Continue on this road
376 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
6
Take the exit
233 ft
·
6 sec
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto FL 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on FL 60
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Courtney Campbell Causeway
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on FL 60
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
FL 60
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto FL 60
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
FL 60
Toward FL 60 East, FL 616: Tampa International Airport, Spruce Street
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60: Tampa, St. Petersburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 275 North: Tampa
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 275
5.2 mi
·
7 min
·
I 275
Toward I 275: Tampa
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 45B
Toward I 4 East: Orlando
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 4
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 27
Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter Haven
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on FL 570 Toll
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Polk Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 10
Toward US 98: Lakeland, Bartow
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn right onto US 98
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Bartow Road
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 98
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Avenue
21
Turn left onto Main Street
51 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart any time of day and still have ample time to settle in Bartow. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, topping up your tank before you leave Clearwater is a sensible approach, as there are no specific stop recommendations detailed for this route. Keep an eye on traffic, especially on I 4, as it can experience congestion during peak hours.
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 34 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.8 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 15 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34 miles or 48m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bartow, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clearwater, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Clearwater, FL
This is one driving day of about 67.9 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Clearwater, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 4 for about 25.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 34 mi from Clearwater, FL · 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 34 miles from Clearwater, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Bartow, FL
The final approach into Bartow, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.81 one way
$21.62 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $11.76 | $23.51 |
| premium | $4.72 | $12.63 | $25.25 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.99 | $29.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.4 | 0 | $7.13 | $3.26 |
| Efficient EV | 17 | 0 | $5.94 | $2.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.2 | 0 | $9.51 | $4.35 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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.
Destination
Bartow, FL
Morning in Bartow on Friday
Local time
8:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
5 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
1h 30m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clearwater, FL to Bartow, FL covers 67.9 miles and takes about 1h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 4, Polk Parkway, Courtney Campbell Causeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 34 miles from Clearwater, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.81 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.9 miles (FL 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.6 miles (FL 60 / Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Clearwater, FL and Bartow, FL, road signs point toward St. Petersburg and Winter Haven.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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