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Central Florida is home to the beloved Orlando theme park. However, Clearwater is a hidden treasure along the Gulf Coast for those searching for beaches and surf. You must visit both locations to complete your vacation in Florida. Fortunately, there are a lot of convenient methods to cross the distance of 106 miles between Orlando and Clearwater. The most time- and money-efficient way to get from Orlando to Clearwater is by car; the only option is to take a bus. If you don’t encounter traffic, you may reach Clearwater in under two hours by renting a vehicle and driving on the interstate. Other longer and more costly choices that will still get you where you’re going include taking a train or an aeroplane.
Orlando to Clearwater by Car
Driving from Orlando to Clearwater is the most direct and convenient option. Driving from Orlando to Clearwater will take under two hours if you can get through traffic. And you won’t need to stop for refueling.
Going south on I-275 towards Tampa and St. Petersburg is the quickest way to get there; then, take a left onto FL-60. Heads up, this road requires a toll. Before you book your rental vehicle, find out their toll-road policy. On top of the toll, you could have to pay an additional cost. Buying your pass can save you money.
Avis, Alamo, Dollar, National, and Hertz are well-known rental vehicle agencies. Plenty awaits you as you get off the plane at Orlando International Airport.
Orlando to Clearwater by an Organized Tour
Do you want to avoid spending the night in Clearwater? Book the Clearwater day trip and leave everything to someone else. With a set rate, this 12-hour trip will pick you up and drop you off at various Orlando locations and promise plenty of exciting sightseeing activities. One of the best ways to see both Orlando and Clearwater is on a day excursion.
Prepare for a very early start because they leave at 7 in the morning. Around 7 o’clock, you’ll return to Orlando, just in time for supper—the 1.5-hour bus journey to Clearwater Beach, with its sugar-white beach and emerald-green ocean.
Bring extra cash to rent snorkel gear, beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment. Once there, you won’t be able to avoid these things because of the sparkling waves and beauty of the beach.
Orlando to Clearwater by Bus
Taking a bus from Orlando to Clearwater is the most budget-friendly option, but it won’t take you to Clearwater directly. Greyhound buses leave the Orlando Bus Station on N. John Young Parkway and, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way, may arrive at the PSTA Transit Center in Pinellas Park-St. Petersburg anywhere from three hours and twenty minutes to eight hours later.
Typically, the only bus journey scheduled daily is the morning one. However, there may not be any buses planned for this route at the time of year you’re planning to go. Before you go, check the Greyhound website for further information and make your travel plans based on it.
Orlando to Clearwater by Train
Depending on your route choice, taking the train from Orlando to Clearwater might be a slow and indirect option. Pinellas Park is the nearest Amtrak station, about thirteen miles southeast of Clearwater. The direct Amtrak train ride will take around two hours and fourteen minutes from Orlando to St. Petersburg-Clearwater station. A cabin is a great way to get there in style, even if reserving a hotel room is unnecessary for such a long trip. Every room has a bed, a towel, a private bathroom with a shower, and free meals.
If we’re talking about food, there’s a café on board where you can get something to eat or drink.
It would help if you went to Clearwater after you’ve arrived. It will take just over 20 minutes to get a car service or grab a taxi, making it the quickest and most straightforward alternative. Taking a bus to Clearwater from a nearby curbside stop is another viable option.
FAQs
What is the distance from Orlando to Clearwater?
The driving distance from Orlando to Clearwater is approximately 106 miles, with an approximate rest time of an hour and 50 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
Which beach is nearest to Orlando?
Cocoa Beach is the nearest beach to Orlando, which takes about an hour to drive.
Which is better, Clearwater or Orlando?
It depends on your choice. Cocoa Beach is famous for surfing and rocket launches; white-sand beaches and clean oceans are the hallmarks of Clearwater Beach.
What is the Uber cost from Orlando to Clearwater?
On average, you can spend around $120 on this excursion. This is only an estimate; the actual cost will depend on factors like the time of day you take your Uber and the route you decide to take.