How far is Clearwater, FL from Sarasota, FL?
The driving distance from Clearwater, FL to Sarasota, FL is about 55.5 miles (89.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.5 miles (74.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 20m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Pinellas County, Florida
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clearwater and Sarasota.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clearwater and Sarasota.
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1
Start on North Fort Harrison Avenue
840 ft · 27 sec · North Fort Harrison Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Drew Street
4.2 mi · 8 min · Drew Street
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3
Take the ramp slight right
60 m · 5 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Southbound Frontage Road
108 m · 9 sec · Southbound Frontage Road
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5
Take the exit straight toward US 19 South
1276 ft · 31 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto US Highway 19 North
5.7 mi · 8 min · US Highway 19 North
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7
Keep slight left to continue on US Highway 19 North
4.4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 19 North
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8
Continue on 34th Street North
2973 ft · 1 min · 34th Street North
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9
Turn left onto 54th Avenue North
1.4 km · 2 min · 54th Avenue North
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10
Take the ramp slight right toward I 275 South
1286 ft · 31 sec
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11
Merge slight left
10.1 mi · 12 min
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12
Keep slight left
1406 ft · 17 sec
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13
Merge slight right onto Sunshine Skyway Bridge
9.7 mi · 11 min · Sunshine Skyway Bridge
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 19 South: Palmetto, Bradenton
3.1 mi · 4 min
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15
Continue on Tamiami Trail
3 mi · 5 min · Tamiami Trail
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16
Continue on Hernando DeSoto Bridge
2226 ft · 38 sec · Hernando DeSoto Bridge
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17
Continue on 1st Street West
1.5 km · 2 min · 1st Street West
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18
Keep slight left to continue on 1st Street West
11.5 mi · 19 min · 1st Street West
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19
Turn left onto Main Street
35 m · 3 sec · Main Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clearwater and Sarasota.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
1st Street West
Keep slight left to continue on 1st Street West
11.5 mi · 00h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Clearwater and Partly Sunny near Sarasota.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clearwater to Sarasota?
The road trip is about 55.5 miles (89.3 km) and usually takes 01h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tierra Verde is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.8 miles from Clearwater and 27.7 miles from Sarasota.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.5 miles (74.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.13 one way or $16.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Clearwater and Partly Sunny near Sarasota.
Stop Ideas Near Tierra Verde
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Pinellas Park
City Of Treasure Island
Kyle Hall for City Council
City Hall Parking - City of Treasure Island
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tierra Verde.
St Petersburg-Pinellas Park-Clearwater, Florida
Bradenton, Florida
Union Station
Sarasota, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clearwater and Sarasota. Straight-line distance: 46.51 mi (74.85 km).
#1 Clearwater
The second most populous city in Pinellas County, Florida.
| Population | 116,552 |
| Coordinates | 27.9658500, -82.8001000 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sarasota
The most populous city in Sarasota County, Florida.
| Population | 58,859 |
| Coordinates | 27.3364300, -82.5306500 |
| Altitude | 7 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sarasota (-82.53065, 27.33643)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $8.13 | $16.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $9.01 | $18.02 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $9.60 | $19.19 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $8.53 | $17.05 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Florida · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.