Drive Time
4h 6m
Distance
275.2 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Long day tripSame Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
The drive from Miami Gardens, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 275.2 miles and takes about 4h 6m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Northwest 27th Avenue, South University Drive, Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $44.94 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
137.6 miles from Miami Gardens, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .
Expect a 4h 6m drive with frequent turns across 275.2 miles of local and secondary roads.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest 27th Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| South University Drive | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| SR 823 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| SR 823 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Red Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Miramar Parkway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 75 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Step-by-step road directions between Miami Gardens, FL and Clearwater, FL.
Start on the route
Turn right onto Northwest 27th Avenue
Continue on Northwest 27th Avenue
Continue on South University Drive
Take the ramp left
Continue straight
Merge slight left onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit slight right toward SR 823: Red Road, Northwest 57th Avenue
Keep slight right to continue on SR 823 North: Red Road, Miramar Pembroke Pines
Merge slight left onto Red Road
Turn left onto Miramar Parkway
Take the ramp right toward I 75 North: Naples
Merge slight left
Keep slight left to continue on Alligator Alley, Naples
Take the exit slight right toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Keep slight left
Merge slight right onto Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Take the exit slight right toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
Turn right onto 34th Street North
Continue on US Highway 19 North
Take the exit slight right toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
Take the exit slight left
Continue on Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Continue on Court Street
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
Arrive at your destination
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.
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 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.6 miles or 2h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clearwater, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Miami Gardens, 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 Miami Gardens, FL
This is one driving day of about 275.2 miles and 4h 6m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 137.6 mi from Miami Gardens, FL · 2h 3m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 137.6 miles from Miami Gardens, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$44.94 one way
$89.88 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $49.80 | $99.59 |
| premium | $4.90 | $53.05 | $106.09 |
| diesel | $4.35 | $47.13 | $94.26 |
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals (1 day)
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.3 kg one way.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Late night in Miami Gardens on Saturday
Local time
4:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Clearwater on Saturday
Local time
4:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Forecast unavailable right now
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Explore more options from Miami Gardens, FL or browse trips ending in Clearwater, FL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.
Explore maps for Miami Gardens, FL or Clearwater, FL on MapSof.net.