Origin
The Crossings, FL
Morning in The Crossings on Monday
Local time
10:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from The Crossings, FL to Clearwater, FL
Drive Time
5h 24m
Distance
281.6 mi
453 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 11m
★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 51m
10 AM
5h 34m
12 PM
5h 31m
3 PM
5h 35m
5 PM
5h 50m
8 PM
5h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
The Crossings, FL
Arian Fernandez
Clearwater, FL
Arian Fernandez
Trip Overview
The drive from The Crossings, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 281.6 miles and takes about 5h 24m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Alligator Alley, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Okeechobee Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 203.5 miles on Alligator Alley. At current regular gas prices, budget about $47.04 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
140.8 miles from The Crossings, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a 5h 24m drive with frequent turns across 281.6 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 30 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 2 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 281.6 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 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.9 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando
7
17.4 mi into trip
|
~22m 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
7
239.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m 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
7
265.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m 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
7
276.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 12m 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 The Crossings, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Fort Lauderdale, Naples and 54Th Avenue North Westbound.
Fort Lauderdale
35.4 mi in
|
~45m
Naples
35.4 mi in
|
~45m
54Th Avenue North Westbound
265.4 mi in
|
~4h 56m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Alley | 203.5 mi | 3h 38m |
| Sunshine Skyway Bridge | 19.5 mi | 22m |
| Okeechobee Road | 17.6 mi | 22m |
| Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike | 15 mi | 17m |
| 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 |
Longest stretch:
Alligator Alley
— 203.5 mi, about 3h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between The Crossings, FL and Clearwater, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 104th Terrace
466 ft
·
22 sec
·
Southwest 104th Terrace
2
Turn right onto Southwest 105th Terrace
267 ft
·
13 sec
·
Southwest 105th Terrace
3
Turn right onto Southwest 128th Avenue
451 ft
·
21 sec
·
Southwest 128th Avenue
4
Turn right onto Southwest 104th Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Southwest 104th Street
5
Turn left onto Southwest 127th Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest 127th Avenue
6
Turn right onto SR 94
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Southwest 88th Street
7
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 35
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
12
Merge onto US 27
18 mi
·
22 min
·
Okeechobee Road
Use the right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 North: Naples
15
Merge onto I 75
203 mi
·
3 hr 38 min
·
Alligator Alley
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
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.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
18
Merge onto I 275; US 19
19 mi
·
22 min
·
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 26B
Toward 54th Avenue North Westbound
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto 54th Avenue North
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
54th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto US 19
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
34th Street North
22
Continue on US 19
9.1 mi
·
12 min
·
US Highway 19 North
Use the left lane.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
25
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Northbound Frontage Road
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on FL 60
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Gulf to Bay Boulevard
28
Continue on FL 60
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Court Street
Use the straight lane.
29
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Ft Harrison Avenue
Use the right lane.
30
Arrive at destination
North Fort Harrison Avenue
Trip Plan
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 140.8 miles from The Crossings, FL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.5 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.8 miles or 2h 40m 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 16m
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 The Crossings, 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 The Crossings, FL
This is one driving day of about 281.6 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from The Crossings, 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 Alligator Alley for about 203.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 140.8 mi from The Crossings, FL · 2h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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 140.8 miles from The Crossings, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Alligator Alley if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 203.5 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
$47.04 one way
$94.08 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $50.95 | $101.91 |
| premium | $4.90 | $54.28 | $108.56 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $62.56 | $125.12 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.26
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(19.5 mi)
$1.36
Homestead Extension
(15 mi)
$0.90
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
$47
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.5 | 1 | $29.57 | $13.52 |
| Efficient EV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.64 | $11.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 112.6 | 1 | $39.42 | $18.02 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Clearwater, FL
Morning in Clearwater on Monday
Local time
10:29 AM
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
14 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
5h 24m 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 The Crossings, FL to Clearwater, FL covers 281.6 miles and takes about 5h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Alligator Alley, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Okeechobee Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 140.8 miles from The Crossings, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.04 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 281.6 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 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.9 miles (I 275): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between The Crossings, FL and Clearwater, FL, road signs point toward Fort Lauderdale, Naples and 54Th Avenue North Westbound.
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