Trip from Edgewater, FL to Clearwater, FL

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

163.4 mi

263 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 13m ★

6 AM

3h 25m

8 AM

3h 49m

10 AM

3h 33m

12 PM

3h 31m

3 PM

3h 34m

5 PM

3h 48m

8 PM

3h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Edgewater, FL

Arian Fernandez

Clearwater, FL

Arian Fernandez

Trip Overview

Spanning 163.4 miles across Central Florida, this trip from Edgewater to Clearwater is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes. You will primarily utilize a combination of State Road 44, I-4, and FL-60 to navigate from the Atlantic coast to the Gulf side. With a total fuel cost estimated at $27, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion. Because the drive is relatively short, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. While the route is highway-focused, it serves as an efficient connector between two distinct coastal environments. Planning for one stop along the way is a smart way to break up the drive and keep your energy levels steady.

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

81.7 miles from Edgewater, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a drive defined by its efficiency, as 81% of your journey takes place on high-speed highways. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel will be spent on a 116.6-mile stretch along I-4, which serves as the backbone of this cross-state transit. While the initial leg involves navigating local roads like State Road 44, the character of the drive shifts quickly once you merge onto the main interstate. You should prepare for a consistent, highway-focused pace that favors speed over scenic variety. By the time you transition onto FL-60, the environment begins to shift toward the urban and coastal landscape of the Clearwater area.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 25 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 116.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and State Road 44. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 56.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 163.4 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 56.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

56.1 mi into trip | ~1h 11m 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

140.4 mi into trip | ~2h 48m 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...

145.5 mi into trip | ~2h 55m 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,...

146.2 mi into trip | ~2h 56m 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

147.2 mi into trip | ~2h 58m 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 Edgewater, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

Saint Petersburg

140.4 mi in | ~2h 48m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 4	116.6 mi	2h 13m
State Road 44	11.5 mi	14m
FL 60	9.3 mi	12m
East New York Avenue	6.7 mi	8m
I 275	4.8 mi	6m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard	4.7 mi	9m
Court Street	1.5 mi	3m
South Dixie Freeway	1.5 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 4 — 116.6 mi, about 2h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Edgewater, FL and Clearwater, FL.

Start on this road

19 ft · 1 sec · this road

Continue on East Ocean Avenue

0.2 mi · 47 sec · East Ocean Avenue

Turn right onto US 1

1.3 mi · 2 min · Ridgewood Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 1

1.5 mi · 3 min · South Dixie Freeway

Use the left / none lanes.

Turn left onto FL 44 Business

1.1 mi · 2 min · Canal Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on FL 44

11 mi · 14 min · State Road 44

Use the none lane.

Continue on FL 44

6.7 mi · 8 min · East New York Avenue

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 4 West: Sanford Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 4

23 mi · 25 min · I 4

Use the none / straight / right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 4

10 mi · 13 min · I 4

Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Exit 84B Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard Use the slight right lane.

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 1 min · this road

Toward I 4 West: Tampa Use the none lane.

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · this road

Toward I 4 West: Tampa

Merge onto I 4

83 mi · 1 hr 34 min · I 4

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 40 sec

Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 275

4.8 mi · 6 min · I 275

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Exit 39 Toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto FL 60

0.4 mi · 35 sec · Memorial Highway

Toward FL 60, FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater

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.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Exit 2A Toward FL 60 West: Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on FL 60

9.3 mi · 12 min · FL 60

Toward FL 60: Clearwater Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on FL 60

4.7 mi · 9 min · Gulf to Bay Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Continue on FL 60

1.5 mi · 3 min · Court Street

Use the straight / none lanes.

Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · South Ft Harrison Avenue

Use the right lane.

Arrive at destination

North Fort Harrison Avenue

Trip Plan

To ensure a smooth trip, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns often found on I-4. Since you only need one stop to cover the 163.4-mile distance comfortably, try to time your break after you finish the longest 116.6-mile stretch on the interstate. Keep your fuel budget of $27 in mind, and consider topping off your tank before you hit the main highway segments to avoid higher prices at busy rest stops. Because this is a compact, one-day drive, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your departure time based on real-time traffic conditions. Staying alert during the long interstate portion is your best strategy for a stress-free arrival in Clearwater.

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 81.7 miles from Edgewater, FL, or about 1h 41m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.6 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 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 81.7 miles or 1h 41m 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 41m

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 Edgewater, 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 Edgewater, FL

This is one driving day of about 163.4 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Edgewater, 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 116.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 81.7 mi from Edgewater, FL · 1h 41m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lakeland, FL

82 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

Orlando, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Orlando, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.7 miles from Edgewater, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.6 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

$27.30 one way

$54.59 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$29.57	$59.13
premium	$4.90	$31.50	$62.99
diesel	$5.64	$36.30	$72.60

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

$27

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49	$17.16	$7.84
Efficient EV	40.9	$14.30	$6.54
EV Truck/SUV	65.4	$22.88	$10.46

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Edgewater, FL

Evening in Edgewater on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clearwater, FL

Evening in Clearwater on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

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

6 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 24m 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 Edgewater, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 163.4 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 4, State Road 44, FL 60. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 81.7 miles from Edgewater, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.30 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.

On the drive from Edgewater, FL to Clearwater, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Saint Petersburg along the way.

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Trip from Edgewater, FL to Clearwater, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Clearwater, FL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Edgewater, FL

Clearwater, FL

Same local time

6 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 24m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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