Origin
DeLand, FL
Morning in DeLand on Wednesday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
3h
Distance
143.3 mi
231 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 49m
★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
DeLand, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Clearwater, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 143.3-mile drive from DeLand to Clearwater, Florida, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing I-4, FL-60, and I-275, this trip is heavily highway-focused, with 91% of the journey on interstates. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it's an economical option for a quick transition between two points within Florida. You'll find this route straightforward, making it a practical choice for a straightforward journey without the need for an overnight stop.
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
71.7 miles from DeLand, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 91% of the drive taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 112.2 miles, primarily on I-4, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the majority of the journey involves high-speed travel, you'll encounter transitions as you move between I-4, FL-60, and I-275. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficiency over varied scenery.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 112.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and FL 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 143.3 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 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
36.1 mi into trip
|
~46m in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
120.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m 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
125.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m 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
126.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m 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
7
127.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
Take the exit toward FL 60 West: Clearwater
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2A
Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater
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 DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
Saint Petersburg
120.3 mi in
|
~2h 23m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 4 | 112.2 mi | 2h 8m |
| FL 60 | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| I 275 | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Gulf to Bay Boulevard | 4.7 mi | 9m |
| FL 472 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| South Woodland Boulevard | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Court Street | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| South Alabama Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 112.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between DeLand, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on FL 44
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East New York Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Alabama Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Alabama Avenue
3
At end of road, turn right onto East Beresford Avenue
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
East Beresford Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 17; US 92
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
South Woodland Boulevard
5
Enter roundabout onto US 17; US 92
157 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Woodland Boulevard
6
Continue on US 17; US 92
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
South Woodland Boulevard
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
8
Continue on FL 472
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
FL 472
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 4 West
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 4
19 mi
·
21 min
·
I 4
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
14
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
15
Merge onto I 4
83 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 275
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 39
Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto FL 60
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
20
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Veterans Expressway
Toward FL 589 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 2A
Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on FL 60
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
FL 60
Toward FL 60: Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on FL 60
4.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Court Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour drive, departing in the morning will allow you to maximize your time at your destination in Clearwater. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a quick fuel and stretch break or push through if needed. The longest stretch of 112.2 miles on I-4 means planning your fuel stops in advance is wise; ensure you have enough gas before entering this longer segment. Given the relatively short duration, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but factor in potential traffic, especially as you approach the Tampa Bay area.
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 71.7 miles from DeLand, FL, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.2 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.7 miles or 1h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 20m
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 DeLand, 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 DeLand, FL
This is one driving day of about 143.3 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from DeLand, 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 4 for about 112.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.7 mi from DeLand, FL · 1h 28m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.7 miles from DeLand, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.2 miles.
Arriving in Clearwater, FL
The final approach into Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, FL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.81 one way
$45.62 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $24.81 | $49.62 |
| premium | $4.72 | $26.65 | $53.29 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.64 | $63.28 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
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
$23
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43 | 0 | $15.05 | $6.88 |
| Efficient EV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.54 | $5.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.3 | 0 | $20.06 | $9.17 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Clearwater, FL
Morning in Clearwater on Wednesday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°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
3h 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 DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 143.3 miles and takes about 3h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 4, FL 60, I 275. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.7 miles from DeLand, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.81 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 143.3 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 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from DeLand, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
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