The drive from Clearwater, FL to Deerfield Beach, FL covers 253.6 miles and takes about 5h 9m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, I 95 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 76.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $40.37 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
126.8 miles from Clearwater, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 253.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 9m highway drive covering 253.6 miles, with most of the trip on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. The longest continuous stretch is about 76.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Florida's Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 76.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.9 miles in near FL 60.
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 26 significant decision points across 253.6 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 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; at 49.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
8
129.8 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
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 Deerfield Beach, FL, road signs point toward St. Petersburg, Winter Haven, Bartow and Florida's Turnpike South: Miami.
St. Petersburg
16.6 mi in|~26m|via FL 60
Winter Haven
49.6 mi in|~1h 5m
Bartow
59.4 mi in|~1h 17m
Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
129.8 mi in|~2h 50m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Florida's Turnpike
76.7 mi
1h 22m
FL 60
63.2 mi
1h 21m
I 95
43.8 mi
50m
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
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 76.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clearwater, FL and Deerfield Beach, 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 StreetUse 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. PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 275 North: TampaUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 275
5.2 mi·7 min·I 275
Toward I 275: TampaUse the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·42 sec
Exit 45BToward I 4 East: OrlandoUse 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 27Toward FL 570 Toll East: Lakeland, Winter HavenUse 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 10Toward US 98: Lakeland, BartowUse 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
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
21
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
23
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on FL 60
4.3 mi·5 min·FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on FL 60
46 mi·59 min·FL 60
Use the left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
77 mi·1 hr 22 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 116Toward FL 706: JupiterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto FL 706
499 ft·19 sec·Indiantown Road
32
Take the ramp
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: West Palm Beach
33
Merge onto I 95
37 mi·42 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95
6.3 mi·7 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 42Toward SR 810: Hillsboro BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
36
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward SR 810 East: Deerfield BeachUse the slight left lane.
37
Turn straight onto SR 810
0.9 mi·1 min·West Hillsboro Boulevard
Use the left lane.
38
Continue on SR 810
0.1 mi·24 sec·East Hillsboro Boulevard
Use the left lane.
39
Turn left onto Southeast 2nd Avenue
26 ft·0 sec·Southeast 2nd Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
Arrive at destination
Southeast 2nd Avenue
Trip Plan
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 126.8 miles from Clearwater, FL, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.7 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 56 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.8 miles or 2h 46m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Deerfield Beach, 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.
+
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 Clearwater, FL
This is one driving day of about 253.6 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Clearwater, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 76.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 126.8 mi from Clearwater, FL
· 2h 46m into the drive
The midpoint is around 126.8 miles from Clearwater, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.7 miles.
Arriving in Deerfield Beach, FL
The final approach into Deerfield Beach, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Deerfield Beach, FL.
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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.37 one way
$80.73 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$43.91
$87.82
premium
$4.72
$47.16
$94.31
diesel
$5.61
$55.99
$111.98
Estimated Tolls: $5.37
Florida's Turnpike
(76.7 mi)$5.37
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
$40
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
25 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Circuit électrique Charging Station
Largo, Florida
Other
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Largo, Florida
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Ionna Charging Station
Largo, Florida
Other
1 DCFC
E.C.O. Charging Station
Largo, Florida
Other
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Clearwater, Florida
Blink
1 DCFC
bp pulse Charging Station
Clearwater, Florida
Other
1 DCFC
Shell Recharge Charging Station
Largo, Florida
Shell Recharge
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Clearwater, Florida
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Other: 12
Blink: 5
ChargePoint: 3
EV Connect: 2
Shell Recharge: 1
Tesla Destination: 1
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.1
0
$26.63
$12.17
Efficient EV
63.4
0
$22.19
$10.14
EV Truck/SUV
101.4
1
$35.50
$16.23
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Clearwater, FL
Late night
in Clearwater on Saturday
Local time
1:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Deerfield Beach, FL
Late night
in Deerfield Beach on Saturday
Local time
1:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Partly Cloudy
E 6 to 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
127 mi in
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
7 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 9m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clearwater, FL to Deerfield Beach, FL covers 253.6 miles and takes about 5h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, I 95. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 126.8 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 $40.37 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 253.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 49.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Clearwater, FL and Deerfield Beach, FL, road signs point toward St. Petersburg, Winter Haven, Bartow and Florida's Turnpike South: Miami.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
