Origin
Deltona, FL
Evening in Deltona on Monday
Local time
5:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Deltona, FL to Clearwater, FL
Drive Time
2h 49m
Distance
135.2 mi
218 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 38m
★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 57m
12 PM
2h 55m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Deltona, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Clearwater, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Deltona to Clearwater covers approximately 135.2 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 49 minutes. Because this is a straightforward trek, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip, though you should budget about $23 for fuel to complete the journey. You will primarily navigate via I-4, FL 60, and I-275 to transition from the inland Deltona area toward the coast. While the trip is simple enough to handle in one go, planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the time behind the wheel. Given the distance and duration, you won't need an overnight stay, allowing you to maximize your time once you arrive at your destination.
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
67.6 miles from Deltona, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a heavy emphasis on highway travel, as 91% of this route is comprised of fast-paced roads. The most significant portion of your journey involves a 108.7-mile stretch on I-4, which defines the bulk of the driving experience. This is a highway-focused drive, meaning you will spend the majority of your time maintaining consistent speeds rather than navigating technical local turns. As you transition from the interstate onto FL 60 and I-275, the character of the road shifts slightly to accommodate the density of the Clearwater area. It is a functional, direct path designed for efficiency rather than leisurely scenic cruising.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 108.7 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 28 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 135.2 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 28 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
28 mi into trip
|
~36m 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
112.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m 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
117.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m 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
118.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m 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
119 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m 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 Along This Route
On the drive from Deltona, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
Saint Petersburg
112.2 mi in
|
~2h 12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 4 | 108.7 mi | 2h 4m |
| FL 60 | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| I 275 | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Gulf to Bay Boulevard | 4.7 mi | 9m |
| Court Street | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Veterans Expressway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Saxon Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Normandy Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 108.7 mi, about 2h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deltona, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on East Normandy Boulevard
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Normandy Boulevard
2
Turn left onto CR 4146
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Saxon Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
5
Merge onto I 4
15 mi
·
17 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
9
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
10
Merge onto I 4
83 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 275
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 39
Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto FL 60
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
Memorial Highway
Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
15
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.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 2A
Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on FL 60
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
FL 60
Toward FL 60: Clearwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on FL 60
4.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Court Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
21
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth arrival in Clearwater, aim to avoid peak traffic hours when navigating the major interstate sections. Since the route requires a minimum of one stop, use that flexibility to stretch your legs after the long 108.7-mile stretch on I-4. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $23 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current traffic conditions. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of being able to depart at your convenience without needing an extensive itinerary. A smart tip for this specific drive is to anticipate congestion during the transition onto I-275 and plan your pace accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.6 miles from Deltona, FL, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.7 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.6 miles or 1h 22m 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 11m
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 Deltona, 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 Deltona, FL
This is one driving day of about 135.2 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Deltona, 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 108.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.6 mi from Deltona, FL · 1h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 67.6 miles from Deltona, 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 108.7 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
$22.58 one way
$45.17 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $24.46 | $48.93 |
| premium | $4.90 | $26.06 | $52.12 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.04 | $60.07 |
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: 47.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.6 | 0 | $14.20 | $6.49 |
| Efficient EV | 33.8 | 0 | $11.83 | $5.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.1 | 0 | $18.93 | $8.65 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Evening in Clearwater on Monday
Local time
5:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 9 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 5:08AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 13 at 3:09AM EDT until April 14 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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
22 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
2h 49m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Deltona, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 135.2 miles and takes about 2h 49m 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 67.6 miles from Deltona, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.58 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.
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 15 significant decision points across 135.2 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 28 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Deltona, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.
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