How far is Lakeland, FL from Clearwater, FL?
Fastest route
The distance from Lakeland, Florida, to Clearwater, Florida, is approximately 57.4 miles (92.3 kilometers). The fastest route, taking into account traffic conditions, is via I-4 W. Below are directions to reach Clearwater from Lakeland.
Directions
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🚗 Get on I-4 W from Bartow Rd and Kathleen Rd:
- Head east on E Walnut St toward S Lake Ave.
- Turn left onto S Lake Ave.
- Turn right onto E Main St.
- Continue straight onto Bartow Rd/George Jenkins Blvd.
- Continue to follow George Jenkins Blvd.
- Turn right onto Kathleen Rd.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left to merge onto I-4 W toward Tampa.
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🛣 Continue on I-4 W to Tampa. Take exit 2A from FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W:
- Drive on I-4 W until you reach Tampa.
- Take exit 2A from FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W.
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🚙 Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 39 to merge onto FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W toward Clearwater/Tampa Airport:
- Merge onto FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W.
- Take exit 39 to merge onto FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W toward Clearwater/Tampa Airport.
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🚗 Take exit 2A for FL-60 W toward Clearwater:
- Follow the signs for FL-60 W to Clearwater.
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🛣 Follow FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W to N Fort Harrison Ave in Clearwater:
- Continue on FL-60 W/E State Rd 60 W.
- Pass by Taco Bell (on the right in 13.2 mi).
- Turn right onto S Ft Harrison Ave.
- Continue onto N Fort Harrison Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🕐 Plan for around 1 hour and 3 minutes of travel time, but always consider potential traffic delays.
- 🚗 Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🗺️ Use a GPS navigation app or device to stay on the correct route.
- ☕ Take a break during the trip to stay refreshed and alert.
- 📱 Inform someone about your travel plans and estimated arrival time for safety purposes.
FAQs
Q: How long is the distance from Lakeland to Clearwater? A: The distance is approximately 57.4 miles (92.3 kilometers).
Q: What is the fastest route to Clearwater from Lakeland? A: The fastest route is via I-4 W.
Q: How much time should I allocate for the journey? A: Plan for around 1 hour and 3 minutes of travel time, but be mindful of potential traffic conditions.
Q: Are there any particular road exits I should take? A: Yes, take exit 2A for FL-60 W toward Clearwater.
Q: What are some tips for a smooth trip? A: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, use navigation tools, take breaks, and inform someone about your travel plans.
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 02m.
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.
City in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lakeland and Clearwater.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakeland and Clearwater.
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1
Start on East Walnut Street
129 m · 19 sec · East Walnut Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Lake Morton Drive
1039 ft · 31 sec · Lake Morton Drive
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3
Turn right onto South Massachusetts Avenue
72 m · 14 sec · South Massachusetts Avenue
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4
Turn left onto East Lime Street
1877 ft · 56 sec · East Lime Street
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5
Turn right onto Sikes Boulevard
2528 ft · 58 sec · Sikes Boulevard
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6
Continue on Kathleen Road
2.4 mi · 5 min · Kathleen Road
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7
Turn left
2373 ft · 60 sec
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8
Merge slight left
29.9 mi · 33 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
2249 ft · 41 sec
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10
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 7 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward FL 60 West: Tampa International Airport, Clearwater
1665 ft · 41 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Memorial Highway
2060 ft · 35 sec · Memorial Highway
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Veterans Expressway
1.5 km · 1 min · Veterans Expressway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward FL 60 West: Clearwater
2031 ft · 50 sec
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15
Continue on FL 60: Clearwater
9.3 mi · 12 min
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16
Continue on Gulf to Bay Boulevard
4.7 mi · 9 min · Gulf to Bay Boulevard
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17
Continue on Court Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Court Street
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18
Turn right onto South Ft Harrison Avenue
1297 ft · 40 sec · South Ft Harrison Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Fort Harrison Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lakeland and Clearwater.
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.
Kathleen Road
Merge slight left
29.9 mi · 00h 33m
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 then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lakeland and Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Clearwater.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lakeland to Clearwater?
The road trip is about 57.7 miles (92.8 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Temple Terrace is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.5 miles from Lakeland and 29.1 miles from Clearwater.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52.1 miles (83.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 4:24 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.42 one way or $16.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms around Lakeland and Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Clearwater.
Stop Ideas Near Temple Terrace
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Temple Terrace.
Union Station
St Petersburg-Pinellas Park-Clearwater, Florida
Dade City, Florida
Lakeland
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lakeland and Clearwater. Straight-line distance: 52.12 mi (83.88 km).
#1 Lakeland
The most populous city in Polk County, Florida.
| Population | 115,283 |
| Coordinates | 28.0394700, -81.9498000 |
| Altitude | 60 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clearwater
The second most populous city in Pinellas County, Florida.
| Population | 116,552 |
| Coordinates | 27.9658500, -82.8001000 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Fort Harrison Avenue (-82.799962, 27.965851)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 93 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $8.42 | $16.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $9.33 | $18.66 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $9.94 | $19.88 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $8.83 | $17.66 |
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 · May 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.