Clearwater Beach
Beach voted #1 in the US by TripAdvisor multiple times. Sugar-white sand, crystal-clear water and the Pier 60 Sunset Festival every evening — musicians, artists and a spectacular sunset over the Gulf.
~130 km
~1h30
Orlando to Tampa by Car
The perfect getaway: white-sand beaches, theme parks and culture just 1h30 from Orlando
Distance
~130 km
81 miles via I-4
Travel time
~1h30
via I-4 West direct
Tolls
Zero
I-4 has no tolls
Recommended vehicle
Any
All categories work
Your Route from Orlando to Tampa
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Departing Orlando
Take I-4 West toward Tampa. Simple road, no tolls and well-signed. The highway cuts through the center of Florida in a straight line to Tampa.
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Lakeland (~45 min from Orlando)
Optional stop along the way. Worth visiting Florida Southern College, home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world — stunning architecture and free to walk the campus.
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Tampa Downtown (~1h15)
Arriving in Tampa, explore the Riverwalk — a 4.5 km walkway along the Hillsborough River. The Tampa Museum of Art and Amalie Arena are on the way. Ybor City is just 10 minutes from here.
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Clearwater Beach (~1h45 from Orlando)
From the city, take the Courtney Campbell Causeway or SR-60 to Clearwater Beach — another 30 minutes. Beach voted #1 in the US by TripAdvisor multiple times. Sugar-white sand, emerald-blue water and the famous Pier 60 Sunset Festival every evening at sunset.
What to Do in Tampa and Clearwater
From paradise beaches to theme parks and culture, the Tampa area has options for everyone
Busch Gardens Tampa
Adventure theme park with an integrated African zoo. Thrilling roller coasters like SheiKra (90-degree free fall) and Iron Gwazi (hybrid wood, one of the fastest in the world). The perfect complement after Disney and Universal.
St. Petersburg
The city of murals. The Salvador Dali Museum holds the largest collection of the artist's works outside of Spain — impressive. Plus street art neighborhoods, a vibrant craft beer scene and the St. Pete Pier with restaurants and views.
Ybor City
Historic neighborhood in the heart of Tampa, founded by Cuban and Spanish immigrants in the 19th century. Cigar factories, European colonial architecture and the famous Columbia Restaurant (1905, Florida's oldest restaurant). Lively at night.
Caladesi Island
Pristine island accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island (20 min). Wild beach, nature trails, calm shallow waters — perfect for snorkeling and children. Voted multiple times among Florida's best beaches.
Practical Tips for the Trip
The Road
I-4 West is direct and toll-free from Orlando to Tampa. Watch out for traffic during rush hours (7-9am and 4-6pm). Outside those times, traffic is smooth.
Clearwater Parking
Public garage at the beach costs $3-5 per hour. On weekends, arrive before 10am to secure a spot. On weekdays, access is much easier.
Best Day to Go
Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) — the beach is much less crowded. If going on a weekend, leave Orlando early (8-9am) to arrive before the crowds.
Busch Gardens
Buy tickets online in advance — saves money at the gate. Parking costs $30 (worth sharing in a group). Weekdays are always less busy.
Tampa + Clearwater in 1 Day
Perfectly doable: morning at the Riverwalk and Ybor City (Tampa), lunch there and afternoon at Clearwater Beach for the Pier 60 sunset. A complete and unforgettable day.
Uber vs. Your Own Car
If only going to Clearwater, you can park in Tampa and Uber (~$25 each way). But with your own car you have full freedom to explore St. Pete, Caladesi and Ybor City at your own pace.
Recommended Vehicle
SUV 5 Seats
RAV4 or similar — 2023-2026 Fleet
5 Passengers
3 Bags
Unlimited Miles
SunPass Included
From
$54.90 / day
Short 1h30 drive — any vehicle in the fleet works fine. The SUV 5 is the best value: comfortable, fuel-efficient and enough space for beach gear and luggage.
Traveling with kids? Minivan 8 from $64.90/day — extra space and 3 free car seats.
How to drive from Orlando to Tampa?
From Orlando to Tampa, take I-4 West heading westward. The distance is approximately 130 km (81 miles) and the trip takes about 1h30 without heavy traffic. The best part: I-4 has no tolls between Orlando and Tampa, so the trip cost is basically just fuel.
Arriving in Tampa, to get to Clearwater Beach follow the Courtney Campbell Causeway (SR-60) — another 30 minutes over the bay bridge, with beautiful views. St. Petersburg is on the other side of the bay, also about 30 minutes from Tampa.
With BIZ Rent Car, your trip includes unlimited mileage and SunPass included — in case you use other toll roads in the area. 24h support if you need help on the road.
Plan Your Tampa Getaway
Car ready, SunPass included and unlimited mileage. Chat with us on WhatsApp and build your perfect itinerary.
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