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Are you searching for the best way to get from Orlando to Clearwater?  Whether you’re having an adventure in Orlando at ICON park or exploring Universal Studios, you might be ready for a dip in the water at Clearwater Beach! 

The trip will take you just over 100 miles in about two hours.  It’s perfect for a day trip or a beach vacation along the way!  You can drive or call a ride-sharing service.

You can take a bus or even a plane!  Conveniently, there are a few day tours available that will bring you right to the white-sandy beaches of Clearwater. 

But, with planning and traveling, comes logistics.  So, let’s look at everything you’ll need to know to decide the best way for you to get from Orlando to Clearwater.

How To Get From Orlando To Clearwater

Getting From Orlando To Clearwater By Car

The most convenient way to travel from Orlando to Clearwater will be by car!  Without traffic, the 100-mile trip will take you two hours, on average.

These two cities are within driving distance so this is the quickest and most direct way to get to Clearwater. 

The Gulf Coast Beach is located just 20 miles from Tampa, FL, and historic St Petersburg.  All three cities offer a variety of sights and activities.

With your car, you can freely explore everything these areas have to offer.  St Petersburg has walkable areas, but Clearwater and Tampa are more difficult.

So, having a car is a much better option for getting around these three towns. 

Are There Tolls From Orlando To Clearwater? 

Yes, you will hit toll roads on both routes to Clearwater on I-4 Express.  You can plan ahead with the Florida Interstate toll calculator.

Florida uses the SunPass as their prepaid toll pass. If you don’t have a SunPass, you can use cash or pay-by-plate. Florida will send an invoice to the address associated with your vehicle. 

Most rental car companies will give you the option of paying for your tolls with your credit or debit through your rental agreement so you don’t have to worry about cash and tolls on vacation.

Take A Taxi, Uber, Or Lyft

While this is not the cheapest option, if you’re not a fan of public transportation and don’t want to rent your own car, it is possible to find ridesharing services for your trip. 

It will take the same amount of time as driving: 100 miles, average two hours.  The cost for a trip is roughly $100.

This will depend on time of day, traffic, stops, surges, etc.  You’ll also be charged for any tolls on the way. 

If you prefer the comfort of a private car, this is a great option!  You’ll also find plenty of taxis and ridesharing services in Clearwater, Tampa, and St Petersburg if you want to get out and explore while you’re there. 

Getting From Orlando To Clearwater By Bus

The cheapest way to get from Orlando to Clearwater is by bus. But it’s not as convenient as taking a car for a few reasons. 

Most importantly, you can’t go directly to Clearwater.  The bus will drop you off in Tampa, Florida.

From Tampa, you’ll still need to call a cab or Uber to take you directly to Clearwater. This is about a 20-mile, half-hour drive.  Budget for 25-40 additional dollars for this trip, depending on the time of day.

Second, they offer one non-stop trip in the morning that takes the shortest time.  The other trips throughout the day are direct, but you’ll make a few stops along the way.  If you’re prone to bus sickness, the early, direct bus might be the best option for you! 

The Greyhound Bus offers 5 departure times per day from the Orlando Bus Station.  Depending on the time you leave, the trip will take anywhere between 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Tickets start at just $14. This also includes an under-the-bus bag, making it easy to bring your luggage along.

If you want a more comfortable bus ride, you can purchase an economy extra ticket.  The economy extra tickets are an additional cost of $8-$10 on average. 

Lastly, Greyhound also offers a flexible ticket.  These tickets range from $26-$41 dollars and include two under-the-bus bags, flexible changes, and a refundable fare.

Traveling can be frustrating, so a changeable and refundable ticket may give you some peace of mind if your plans change.

Take A Tour From Orlando To Clearwater

If you want your planning done for you, there are many day trip tours you can take from Orlando to Clearwater! 

This Clearwater Beach Day Trip with Optional Lunch & Transport From Orlando offers convenient pickup from a few locations in the heart of Florida. 

For the price and the convenience of not worrying about transportation or the best spots to visit in Clearwater, a day trip is a great option. 

On the downside, some people may dislike the idea of being stuck with a group and on the tour’s timeline.

Most day trips last 10-12 hours, so you’re at the mercy of the group when it comes to getting home.  With this option, you’ll want to prepare accordingly for a long day!

Getting From Orlando To Clearwater By Plane

While this option does exist, it is the most inconvenient of all.  Taking a plane may sound like a nice option, but I wouldn’t recommend it for this route. 

For now, there are no direct commercial flights from Orlando to Clearwater.  You’ll have to take a flight from the Orlando International Airport that connects in Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola, or Atlanta.

This turns what should be a quick flight to the coast into a 4-hour flight plus getting to and from the airport, security, etc. 

To top it off, these flights land in Tampa, not Clearwater.  So, once you arrive, you’ll still have to catch an Uber or taxi to your final destination! 

Unless you have your own private plane that can get you to Clearwater, I certainly wouldn’t recommend this option! 

Getting From Orlando To Clearwater By Train

Similar to the bus and the plane, there is a train that runs this route, but there are a few stipulations. 

To start, the train goes to Tampa and St Petersburg train stations, as there isn’t a train station in Clearwater. So, remember to plan for the additional Uber or taxi when you arrive. 

Second, there are only 1-2 options per day, so it’s not possible to plan one-day roundtrip transportation by train.  If you plan to visit Clearwater for a few days, then this is a convenient option. 

Lastly, although it is cost-efficient, it’s not time efficient. These train trips vary from 3-5 hours, filling up significantly more travel time than by car, bus, or tour. 

On the bright side, these train tickets are quite affordable, starting at just $11 from Orlando to Tampa and $21 from Orlando to St Petersburg.

Stops Along The Way From Orlando To Clearwater

If you’re traveling by car, there are a variety of attractions to hit along the way from Orlando to Clearwater! 

Before you head out of Orlando, make sure you hit the most popular spots in the magical city. 

• Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom
• Universal, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Icon Park 

Additionally, Tampa is another great place to hit on the way.  There are a few attractions that are easily accessible on the way or during your trip.

The Tampa Riverwalk is the central hub of popular dining, activities, and live music downtown. 

For families, you can visit Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, or Ben T Davis Beach.

FAQ’s 

Is Clearwater Worth Visiting?

Clearwater Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico coast.  This barrier island is worth taking a trip to if you’re near. 

The soft, white sand beaches and calm waters make it a favorite among locals and visitors in the Sunshine State.

It’s also located just 20 miles from Tampa and St Petersburg, which offer even more!

Why Is Clearwater Beach So Popular?

Clearwater Beach is famous for its soft, white sand and clear water.  It’s also known for having some spectacular sunsets off the iconic 1080-foot fishing pier on the Gulf coast.

It’s popular for deep-sea fishing trips, boat tours, snorkeling, and more.

How Far Is Clearwater Beach From Disney? 

Clearwater Beach is 96 miles from Disney.  The car trip will take about two hours, depending on traffic.

How Do I Get From Orlando To Clearwater Without A Car?

The best ways to get from Orlando to Clearwater without a car are by Greyhound Bus or taking a day trip with a tour operator.

There are 5 bus routes per day to choose from.  There are also many tour operators who offer pickup from Orlando in the morning, a variety of activities to choose from during the day, and drop-off back in Orlando in the evening. 

Is There A Shuttle That Takes People From Orlando To Clearwater?

There are a few shuttle services that will take you directly from Orlando to Clearwater.  Shuttle services will cost the same or more than taking a taxi or ride-sharing service. Prices range from $100-$500.

Summary – How To Get From Orlando To Clearwater 

So, what’s the best way to get from Orlando to Clearwater? There are a variety of options to choose from. 

For the quickest and most convenient trip, a car or Uber will be your best option.  If you’re traveling on a budget and willing to make a few compromises, the bus or train will save you money and get you to where you need to be! 

If you like traveling with groups and want a quick day trip with as little planning on your end, choose from one of the many day trips available from reputable Florida tour operators.

The only option I wouldn’t recommend for this trip is a plane.  The time and inconvenience this route requires are not worth the trip. 

So, now that you have all your options, it’s time to start planning your trip!