Planning the Perfect Orlando to Clearwater Day Trip in 2024: What to Know Before You Go
LOOKING INTO VISITING CLEARWATER FROM ORLANDO?
You’ve come to the right place! We have spent months living in Florida, and Clearwater is one of our favorite destinations in the state. We have spent lots of time in both Orlando and Clearwater.
With so much to see and do, any day trip from Orlando to Clearwater offers visitors an unparalleled Florida experience and beautiful beaches. In this blog, we’ll discuss the essential things to consider when planning the perfect Orlando to Clearwater day trip, including the top attractions, must-sees, and must-dos.
So come on, get ready to enjoy a perfect day of Florida fun, and start planning your dream day trip from Orlando to Clearwater, a beautiful barrier island!
How Far is it From Orlando to Clearwater?
The driving distance from Orlando to Clearwater Beach is approximately 106 miles, and the approximate travel time is 1 hour and 50 minutes.
How Do I Get from Orlando to Clearwater Without a Car?
Orlando to Clearwater Bus
One option is to take a bus as a mode of transportation from Orlando to Clearwater. Greyhound and Megabus are two companies that offer regular bus services between these two cities. You can check their schedules and book tickets online or by phone.
The Orlando to Clearwater shuttle trip will take about three hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. Ticket prices vary based on the date and time you are traveling, but this is the cheapest way to get to Clearwater.
Another option is to book a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft. You can use a smartphone app to request a ride and track the progress of your driver.
Rent a Car
If you don’t have your own car but would like the freedom and convenience of driving yourself, you can rent a car in Orlando and drive to Clearwater. There are several rental car companies located at the Orlando International Airport and in other parts of the city.
Having your own car is the best way to explore Clearwater if you don’t mind driving because you can explore at your own pace.
Use the Train
Taking the train to Clearwater from Orlando is a great way to travel, but it may take a little longer than other travel options. The closest Amtrak station is the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Station, which is about 13 miles southeast of Clearwater.
If you choose the direct Amtrak Orlando to Clearwater train, the whole journey will take about two hours and 40 minutes. When you get there, you can choose to take a taxi, car service, or bus ride to get to your final destination.
Orlando to Clearwater Flights
It is not possible to fly directly from Orlando to Clearwater, as there are no commercial airports in Clearwater. The closest airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located about 40 minutes away by car.
If you want to fly from Orlando to Clearwater, you will need to book a flight to Tampa and then take ground transportation to Clearwater.
Private Transfer
If you want to avoid dealing with public transportation or renting a car, you can consider taking a private transfer from Orlando to Clearwater. Private transfer services offer door-to-door transportation in a private vehicle, typically a sedan or minivan.
The following is a private transfer service to Clearwater from Orlando offered by Viator and offers pick-up from a professional driver.
The private transfer from Orlando to Clearwater includes the following:
- Meet and greet service
- Private one-way transfer
- Tips and gratuities
- One standard suitcase (additional cost for extra)
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
▶ BOOK Private Transfer to Clearwater
Orlando to Clearwater Tours
Are you the type of traveler who loves taking the reins and carefully crafting the perfect vacation itinerary? Or are you the type that dreams of a guided experience where you can just sit back and let someone else run the show?
If you identify with the latter, a tour from Orlando to Clearwater may be the perfect way for you to travel! We’ve highlighted some of the best ways to visit Clearwater from Orlando on a tour.
Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | Check Rates & Availability
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach getaway from Orlando, this full-day organized tour to Clearwater Beach will be a perfect choice. You and your loved ones will be picked up in the morning and transported to one of Florida’s loveliest beaches. Here, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the white-sand beaches and relax in the sun.
Afterward, the tour takes you out to sea on a replica pirate ship, where the whole family can enjoy kid-friendly games and activities. Plus, you’ll get to soak up some gorgeous views along the way and even stop for drinks. To top it off, this tour includes round-trip van transport from Orlando, so you don’t have to worry about travel arrangements.
With this tour, you can treat your loved ones to a stress-free, memorable escape to one of Florida’s top-rated beaches with stunning white sand. This is one of the best things to do in Clearwater with kids. If this tour doesn’t sound like the right fit, never fear! There are many other sunset cruises in Clearwater to consider.
The Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure includes:
✔ Beach time
✔ Lunch at a local beachside restaurant
✔ Private cruise
✔ One free beverage
✔ Round-trip transportation from International Drive, Disney, and Kissimmee areas
✔ Licensed tour guide
▶ BOOK Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure
Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 12 Hours | Check Rates & Availability
Spend the day in paradise with a trip to Clearwater Beach from Orlando on this day-long excursion. Kick back in the sand and soak up some sun at one of the most breathtaking beaches in Florida. The Clearwater Beach water temp is fairly warm throughout the year, especially during the summer months.
If you’re feeling adventurous, upgrade your day to include an exhilarating ride aboard the Sea Screamer ferry cruise or deep-sea fishing trip.
Thrill-seekers will love tearing around the gulf on this lightning-fast speedboat. Pickup and drop-off from centralized locations in Orlando are included in this tour, meaning you can make the most of every minute of this adventure.
This Clearwater Beach Experience includes:
✔ Lunch (if chosen)
✔ Optional activity (if chosen)
✔ Pickup and drop-off from centralized pickup locations in Orlando
✔ Local taxes
✔ Soda/Pop
✔ Gratuities
▶ BOOK Clearwater Beach Day Trip
Things to See When Driving from Orlando to Clearwater
As you journey from the heart of Florida to Clearwater, you’ll find plenty to explore along the way. This day trip will take you through beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and some of Florida’s hidden gems awaiting discovery.
You’ll get the chance to cruise down rural highways, taking in the vibrant green pastures, towering pines, and rolling hills of the Florida heartland. As you drive, you can enjoy the bright sunshine and picturesque stretches of white beaches near Orlando.
Make sure to stop and take some time to soak in the beauty of Florida’s parks, such as the Tampa Downs Eco Park. Admire the exotic birds, rare plants, and gorgeous foliage, or take a dip in the refreshing river.
In addition, you should schedule a break to sample some of the southern-style culinary wonders for which the Sunshine State is so well-known. Enjoy a classic southern-style BBQ, or dig into a traditional seafood chowder.
But the day trip doesn’t stop there. Make sure you add some hidden gems to your list, such as the majestic Weeki Wachee Springs and the serene Wakulla Springs. Or, explore the surrounding nature reserves, such as the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve in Brandon, and the Upper Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve in Land O’Lakes.
Finally, as you reach Clearwater, you’ll be impressed with the stunning views of the coast. As the first rays of the orange dusk hit the sandy beaches and turquoise water, you’ll be entranced by the ethereal beauty of the Florida coast.
These amazing sights from Clearwater, Florida, to Orlando, Florida, provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.
Orlando to Clearwater Day Trip Itinerary
Need a little help planning a memorable day trip to Clearwater from Orlando? Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your Orlando to Clearwater drive.
8:00 am – Start driving from Orlando to Clearwater
9:30 am – Stop for breakfast at a local diner
10:30 am – Arrive at Clearwater Beach
11:00 am – Take a stroll on the beach to get an up-close look at the Gulf of Mexico
12:00pm – Take a dolphin-watching tour from the marina
1:00 pm – Have lunch at an outdoor cafe
2:00 pm – Go shopping in downtown Clearwater
3:00 pm – Take a guided kayak tour of Clearwater Bay
4:00 pm – Relax on the beach for a few hours
6:00 pm – Head back from Clearwater to Orlando
8:00 pm – Arrive in Orlando
Things to Do in Clearwater
Relax at Clearwater Beach
With its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Clearwater Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Florida sun. Be sure to stop by the iconic pier, which is really fun to visit any time of day.
If you happen to be traveling with a pet, be sure to swing by North Clearwater Beach. This limited stretch of beach is one of the top dog friendly beaches in Florida and a stop here is sure to make your pup’s day!
Another fun beach is Honeymoon Island State Park, one of our favorite gulf coast beaches.
Explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This popular attraction is home to rescued marine animals like Winter the Dolphin. Learn about these amazing creatures and the efforts to protect them at the Clearwater Aquarium.
Explore the Gulf of Mexico
Take a scenic boat tour or rent a kayak and explore the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re interested, you can also book a deep-sea fishing trip.
Discover One of the Many Parks
Clearwater has a number of parks, and nature preserves to explore, including Caladesi Island State Park and Brooker Creek Preserve. A visit to one of these parks is an excellent way to tour Clearwater.
FAQ: Orlando to Clearwater
The distance from Orlando to the nearest beach depends on which beach you visit. If you want to surf, go to Cocoa Beach, about an hour’s drive from Orlando.
If you’re looking for soft sand and beautiful clear water, head to Clearwater Beach, about a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando.
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, with a drive time of about an hour.
It depends on your personal preferences. Clearwater Beach is known for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, while Cocoa Beach is known for its surfing and rocket launches.
The average cost of this trip would likely be around $120. Run the numbers on your own, as this is an estimate, and the price will vary based on the time of travel and the specific Uber ride you choose.
Conclusion: Orlando to Clearwater
All in all, planning road trips from Orlando to Clearwater (or even a trip from Fort Myers to Clearwater) is an amazing way to experience the best of both worlds— great scenery, exhilarating attractions, and beautiful natural spaces along the way.
Don’t let the planning scare you—as you can see, there are plenty of great activities, routes, and stops if you start early and do enough research. Whether you are planning a day trip from Clearwater, FL to Orlando, FL, or vice versa, the journey will be filled with plenty of unforgettable moments and experiences.
So why not embark on your own trip and start creating new memories and experiences? It’s time to hit the road and start your perfect Orlando to Clearwater day trip!
