Trip from Palm Springs, FL to Clearwater, FL

Drive Time

5h 8m

Distance

272.5 mi

439 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 55m ★

6 AM

5h 9m

8 AM

5h 36m

10 AM

5h 18m

12 PM

5h 15m

3 PM

5h 19m

5 PM

5h 34m

8 PM

5h 1m

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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Palm Springs, FL

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

Clearwater, FL

Arian Fernandez

Trip Overview

Driving from Palm Springs to Clearwater covers approximately 272.5 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 8 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $46 for fuel to complete the journey. The route connects the Atlantic side of Florida to the Gulf Coast, transitioning from the Palm Springs area across the peninsula. Given the straightforward nature of the drive, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your own schedule.

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

136.3 miles from Palm Springs, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip dominated by high-speed transit, as 89% of your travel occurs on highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-75, which accounts for a significant 226.6-mile stretch of the journey. The experience is largely an interstate grind designed for efficiency rather than winding backroads. As you approach the final leg, the drive shifts from the inland interstate system onto US Highway 19 North. The character of the road culminates with your transition over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, providing a distinct change in scenery before you reach your destination.

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

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 226.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West 53rd Street.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 272.5 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: near the start (West 53rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.8 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 53rd Street

Turn right onto West 53rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

19.9 mi into trip | ~24m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward Alligator Alley, Naples

230.8 mi into trip | ~4h 10m 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

256.3 mi into trip | ~4h 40m 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

267.1 mi into trip | ~4h 57m 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 Palm Springs, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples and 54Th Avenue North Westbound.

Alligator Alley

19.9 mi in | ~24m | via I 75

Naples

19.9 mi in | ~24m | via I 75

54Th Avenue North Westbound

256.3 mi in | ~4h 40m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	226.6 mi	4h 2m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge	19.5 mi	22m
US Highway 19 North	9.1 mi	12m
I 275	5.7 mi	7m
Gulf to Bay Boulevard	2.7 mi	5m
Court Street	1.5 mi	3m
West 12th Avenue	1 mi	1m
54th Avenue North	0.9 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 226.6 mi, about 4h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on West 8th Avenue

163 ft · 8 sec · West 8th Avenue

Turn right onto West 53rd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 53rd Street

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto West 12th Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 12th Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto West 68th Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · West 68th Street

Use the left lane.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward SR 826 North Use the left lane.

Merge onto SR 826

0.4 mi · 33 sec · Palmetto Expressway

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Toward I 75 North: Naples Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 75

16 mi · 16 min · I 75

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

211 mi · 3 hr 45 min · I 75

Toward Alligator Alley, Naples Use the slight left / straight 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 travel smooth, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on the major interstates. While the trip is designed to be completed in one day, factoring in at least one planned stop will help you stay refreshed for the 5-hour drive. Keep a close eye on your fuel levels during that long 226.6-mile stretch on I-75 to ensure you don't have to hunt for a station in a remote section. Since this route is highly efficient, you have the advantage of arriving in Clearwater with plenty of time to spare for your evening plans. Use your one designated stop as a chance to stretch your legs and reset before tackling the final miles on US Highway 19 North.

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 136.3 miles from Palm Springs, FL, or about 2h 29m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 226.6 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 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.3 miles or 2h 29m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 2m

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 Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, FL

This is one driving day of about 272.5 miles and 5h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Palm Springs, 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 75 for about 226.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 136.3 mi from Palm Springs, FL · 2h 29m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Punta Gorda, FL

136 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

Bonita Springs, FL

Fuel and coffee

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

Cape Coral, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.3 miles from Palm Springs, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 226.6 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

$45.52 one way

$91.04 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$49.31	$98.61
premium	$4.90	$52.53	$105.05
diesel	$5.64	$60.54	$121.08

Estimated Tolls: $1.36

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

$46

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	81.8	1	$28.61	$13.08
Efficient EV	68.1	0	$23.84	$10.90
EV Truck/SUV	109	1	$38.15	$17.44

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 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 21 hours ago

Origin

Palm Springs, FL

Afternoon in Palm Springs on Sunday

Local time

4:01 PM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clearwater, FL

Afternoon in Clearwater on Sunday

Local time

4:01 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

2 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

5h 8m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Palm Springs, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 272.5 miles and takes about 5h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 75, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, US Highway 19 North. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 136.3 miles from Palm Springs, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.52 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Palm Springs, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples and 54Th Avenue North Westbound.

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Return Trip

Clearwater, FL to Palm Springs, FL

Plan the drive back the other way.

272.2 mi 5h 8m

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Trip from Palm Springs, 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

Palm Springs, FL

Clearwater, FL

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 8m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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