Trip from Key West, FL to Clearwater, FL

Drive Time

8h 59m

Distance

425.4 mi

685 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$71

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Key West, FL

Arian Fernandez

Clearwater, FL

Arian Fernandez

Trip Overview

Traveling from Key West to Clearwater covers 425.4 miles and requires approximately 8 hours and 59 minutes of total drive time. Given the length of the journey, we highly recommend planning this as a two-day trip rather than attempting it in a single day. You will navigate a mix of local roads and major arteries like the Overseas Highway and Alligator Alley. Budgeting roughly $71 for fuel is a safe estimate for your vehicle's needs. This route transitions you from the unique island atmosphere of the Florida Keys through the heart of the state toward the Gulf Coast. Taking two days allows you to handle the transitions comfortably without feeling rushed by the clock.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

212.7 miles from Key West, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 58m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a diverse experience behind the wheel, as this route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive with only 12% highway share. You begin your journey navigating the iconic New Seven Mile Bridge and the Overseas Highway, which demand your full attention. The pace shifts significantly once you reach Alligator Alley, where you encounter the longest stretch of the trip at 203.5 miles. This transition from technical, local road driving to a long, sustained highway stretch defines the character of the route. Prepare for a stark contrast between the winding coastal sections and the more direct, high-speed segments that span the interior of Florida.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Alligator Alley is the longest continuous segment at about 203.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 425.4 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 125.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 383.6 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

125.9 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in

Take the exit toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North

161.1 mi into trip | ~3h 58m in

Take the exit toward US 27: Okeechobee Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 35 Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road

383.6 mi into trip | ~8h 1m in | I 275

Take the exit onto I 275 toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 228 Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg

409.1 mi into trip | ~8h 32m in

Take the exit toward 54th Avenue North Westbound

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 26B Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound

420 mi into trip | ~8h 48m in

Take the exit toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay

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. Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay

Towns Along This Route

Between Key West, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North, Fort Lauderdale and Naples.

Miami

125.9 mi in | ~3h 16m

Orlando

125.9 mi in | ~3h 16m

Florida's Turnpike North

125.9 mi in | ~3h 16m

Fort Lauderdale

179.1 mi in | ~4h 21m

Naples

179.1 mi in | ~4h 21m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Alligator Alley	203.5 mi	3h 38m
New Seven Mile Bridge	68.1 mi	1h 46m
Overseas Highway	36.1 mi	56m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike	34.8 mi	41m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge	19.5 mi	22m
Dixie Highway	19.4 mi	26m
Okeechobee Road	17.6 mi	22m
US Highway 19 North	9.1 mi	12m

Longest stretch: Alligator Alley — 203.5 mi, about 3h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on George Street

367 ft · 21 sec · George Street

At end of road, turn left onto Flagler Avenue

2.1 mi · 5 min · Flagler Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto FL A1A

0.3 mi · 40 sec · South Roosevelt Boulevard

Turn right onto US 1

36 mi · 56 min · Overseas Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 1

68 mi · 1 hr 46 min · New Seven Mile Bridge

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 1

19 mi · 26 min · Dixie Highway

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

13 mi · 15 min · Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

3.6 mi · 4 min · Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

2.5 mi · 3 min · Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

16 mi · 17 min · Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Exit 35 Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road Use the right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road

Merge onto US 27

18 mi · 22 min · Okeechobee Road

Use the right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward I 75 North: Naples

Merge onto I 75

203 mi · 3 hr 38 min · Alligator Alley

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto I 275

5.7 mi · 7 min · I 275

Exit 228 Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 19 sec

Merge onto I 275; US 19

19 mi · 22 min · Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 26B Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North

0.9 mi · 1 min · 54th Avenue North

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 19

0.6 mi · 1 min · 34th Street North

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 19

9.1 mi · 12 min · US Highway 19 North

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec

Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road

0.4 mi · 53 sec · US 19 Northbound Frontage Road

Continue on Northbound Frontage Road

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Northbound Frontage Road

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Use the left lane.

Continue on FL 60

2.7 mi · 5 min · Gulf to Bay Boulevard

Use the none 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 keep your energy levels steady, plan for at least two intentional stops along the way to break up the nearly nine-hour travel time. Since the trip involves significant local road sections, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day traffic congestion. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 203.5-mile stretch on Alligator Alley, as services can be spaced out compared to the more populated sections of your drive. If you decide to split the trip, look for accommodations near the midpoint to ensure your second day remains manageable. Always factor in extra time for the turn-heavy local segments, as these areas often move slower than the interstate portions of your journey.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 212.7 miles from Key West, FL, or about 4h 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.5 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 94 miles or 2h 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 212.7 miles or 4h 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 212.7 miles or 4h 58m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 7h 42m

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 Key West, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Key West, FL

Aim for roughly 213 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into Clearwater, FL

Aim for roughly 213 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 94 miles from Key West, FL.

This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Alligator Alley for about 203.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 212.7 mi from Key West, FL · 4h 58m into the drive

Mid-route town

Overnight candidate

Country Club, FL

213 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Country Club, FL

Overnight Options

Night 1

Country Club, FL

213 mi · about 4.5h in

A practical overnight split lands near Country Club, FL after about 213 miles or 4.5 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Miami, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 94 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bonita Springs, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 212.7 miles from Key West, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Alligator Alley if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 203.5 miles.

Overnight split

Hotel stop

For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 213 miles or 4.5 hours on the road.

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.

On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Clearwater, FL with some flexibility left in the schedule.

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

$71.06 one way

$142.12 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 149 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$76.97	$153.95
premium	$4.90	$82.00	$164.00
diesel	$5.64	$94.51	$189.02

Estimated Tolls: $3.45

Homestead Extension (34.8 mi) $2.09

Sunshine Skyway Bridge (19.5 mi) $1.36

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

$71

Tolls

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$205–$315

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 148.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	127.6	1	$44.67	$20.42
Efficient EV	106.4	1	$37.22	$17.02
EV Truck/SUV	170.2	2	$59.56	$27.23

Gas CO2

149 kg

EV CO2

50 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 2 days ago

Origin

Key West, FL

Afternoon in Key West on Sunday

Local time

3:24 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clearwater, FL

Afternoon in Clearwater on Sunday

Local time

3:24 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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

8h 59m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Key West, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 425.4 miles and takes about 8h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Alligator Alley, New Seven Mile Bridge, Overseas Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 213 miles on day one.

The midpoint is about 212.7 miles from Key West, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $71.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Key West, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North, Fort Lauderdale and Naples.

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Trip from Key West, FL to Clearwater, FL

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

Overnight Options

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Clearwater, FL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Key West, FL

Clearwater, FL

Same local time

6 degrees cooler at arrival

8h 59m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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