Clearwater Beach is about 20 miles or 34 km from Tampa International Airport (TPA), and the drive usually takes about half an hour in normal traffic conditions.
Clearwater Beach is a popular tourist attraction on Florida’s west coast. It is located along the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and extensive attractions and leisure pursuits.
Several modes of transportation are available to get you from Tampa Airport to Clearwater Beach. Whether you prioritize convenience, price, or flexibility, there are multiple ways to get to your destination.
Below we’ll outline the distance, best routes, rush hours, and convenient transportation options for a hassle-free travel experience.
Tampa Airport to Clearwater Distance and Travel Time
The furthest distance between Tampa and Clearwater is from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Although the distance between Tampa Airport and Clearwater isn’t far, how long it takes you to get there depends on your route and time of day. Here’s a breakdown:
- Distance: About 20 miles (34 kilometers)
- Time It Takes To Reach: Approximately 30 minutes in usual traffic conditions
Rush Hour vs. Off-Peak Hours
- Rush hour (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.): You may want to add a few minutes when you travel, especially on the Causeway or closer to downtown Tampa, given the traffic.
- Off-Peak Hours: Traveling during late mornings or early afternoons can lead to much quicker and less stressful travel.
Best Routes From Tampa To Clearwater
The quickest route from Tampa International Airport to Clearwater is along East State Road 60 West. It is a 19-mile journey that will take about 32 minutes during average traffic conditions.
Another option is to take I-275 South from TPA to Clearwater. This route usually takes 45 minutes and involves driving 25 miles. It may not be the most direct choice, but it can be useful if there’s traffic or an accident on East State Road 60.
Getting from Tampa Airport to Clearwater Beach: Transportation Options
You have three options for getting from Tampa Airport to Clearwater Beach, which is 34 kilometers away: taxi, private airport, and bus.
To make your trip even more comfortable and seamless, a Tampa Airport transfer service will pick you and your loved ones up from TPA Airport’s Arrivals Hall and transport you right to Clearwater Beach.
Here’s a rundown of the best-selling options:
1. Taxi
Taxis are among the best ways to get from Tampa Airport to Clearwater Beach. A taxi from TPA to Clearwater costs around $70 (€62) in regular traffic and takes around 30 minutes. Various Tampa Airport taxi companies operate 24/7 and provide door-to-door service.
Furthermore, during busy rush hours and peak tourist seasons, finding an available cab becomes increasingly difficult, and the wait period can disturb your travel plans.
Taxis are widely available at the airport but are more expensive than shuttle services. Expect to pay more than $50 for a ride to Clearwater, including incentives. Before beginning your journey, always clarify the fare with the driver to avoid surprises.
2. Bus
The least convenient way to go from Tampa Airport to Clearwater Beach is via bus, as you will need to change buses at least twice to get to your destination.
You must make several transfers to catch the bus from TPA Airport to Clearwater Beach. Catching bus No. 300 westbound from Tampa Airport is the fastest and most direct route. It costs $3 to $9 and takes about three hours.
After taking the bus from Tampa Airport to downtown St. Petersburg’s Grand Central Station, you will need to make another transfer. The Line 300 bus runs every 20-30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on weekends.
From St. Petersburg’s Grand Central Station, take Bus Route 66 to Clearwater Beach. The bus is the most economical way to get to Clearwater Beach from Tampa Airport.
3. Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Lyft are both widely available at Tampa Airport. The drive over to Clearwater is usually around 35−35−50, depending on the time of day and demand. This is an excellent option if you do not want to drive yourself.
- Uber
- Pickup: Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup areas at TPA.
- Cost: Approximately $35–$50 depending on traffic and vehicle type.
- Travel Time: Around 30–40 minutes via East State Road 60 W.
- Lyft
- Pickup: Available at the same rideshare zones as Uber at Tampa Airport.
- Cost: Roughly $30–$45, varying by demand and car option.
- Travel Time: Similar to Uber, it takes about 30–40 minutes.
4. Airport Shuttle Services
Numerous shuttle services provide convenient and dependable transportation from Tampa Airport to Clearwater. These services offer an effortless way to travel, enabling you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic or parking.
They offer an appropriate balance between affordability and convenience, making them a desirable option. Here are some noteworthy providers:
- Blue Van Shuttle Express: Blue Van Shuttle Express is a recognized service that provides direct trips from TPA to Clearwater. Known for its reliability, this option typically charges around $13.50 for a one-way trip. The selection contains a variety of vehicle types, including vans and minivans, to ensure comfortable travel for passengers.
- Private Shuttle Services: You might reserve a private shuttle if you want a more customized experience. These services offer personalized travel, frequently with roomy seats and easy itineraries. Depending on the supplier and type of vehicle, private shuttle costs often fall between $40 and $100.
Airport Shuttle is a great option if you’re traveling with a group or lots of luggage—no getting on and off and waiting for public transportation.
5. Car Rental
Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers on-site and off-site rental car services for Clearwater Beach. A full range of car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, can be found at the rental car center on airport property and are reachable by free shuttle from the main terminal. The quickest way to Clearwater is E State Road 60 W, which takes around 30-35 minutes over 19 miles.
6. Public Transportation
A limited public transport option between Tampa Airport and Clearwater involves taking various PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) and HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit). But this option can take 1.5 to 2 hours and may involve transfers, so it’s best for penny pinchers with time to spare.
With TPA Airport nearby, Clearwater is an easy and convenient travel destination. Explore the different alternatives and choose the one that best meets your interests and travel requirements, whether you’re traveling alone or with others. Although you are visiting Clearwater for the beautiful beaches, downtown, or family-friendly attractions, knowing the distance and travel methods might make your travels much easier.
FAQs
The shortest distance between Clearwater Beach and Tampa Airport is around 20 miles, which takes a minimum of 40 minutes to reach the destination.
Each bus ride costs $2.25. However, you will need to take three different buses to go to Clearwater Beach from Tampa Airport, so the total cost of your trip will be $6.75.
Taxi is the fastest way to get to Clearwater from Tampa Airport. Travelers can book their taxis in advance to get more benefits from efficient travel.
Passengers need to take Bus No. 300 from the airport, which departs outside the Tampa Airport car rental facility to accommodate passengers.
Ride-sharing services, including Uber and Lyft, are the best way to get to Clearwater Beach from TPA. It balances cost, convenience, and speed for most travelers for a smooth journey.
Tampa International Airport has a variety of ground transportation choices, including public transportation, bus services, rental automobiles, shared rides, and taxis from multiple suppliers to reach Clearwater.
Whether you’re departing from Tampa International Airport or relaxing on the beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the TPA shuttle service provides a smooth connection between these popular Florida destinations.
The cost to take an Uber or Lyft may vary and depend on the vehicle. On average, it costs approximately $35–$50 from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach.
The bus is the most cost-effective way to go to Clearwater. Shared transportation choices are more affordable when you will be traveling with other passengers.
