Is Clearwater closer to Tampa or Orlando

Clearwater Beach and Clearwater FL are both inside of Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay area includes most of Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa FL. Orlando to Clearwater Beach or Orlando to Clearwater FL will take about an hour and a half depending on what part of Orlando you leave from.

Tampa FL

Orlando To Clearwater Beach

If you leave from the Orlando International Airport at 9:00 Am on a Monday you can expect the drive to take you about 2 1/2 hours. The Orlando traffic conditions are horrible compared to Tampa's. If you take public transportation from Orlando to Clearwater Beach you will have a miserable day trip. Don't do that.

Tampa International Airport

Bingo, fly into the Tampa International Airport and you will be making the best of your trip. This is the best airport that I know of and very easy to transit from your plane, to baggage to the highway. And, it is only 30 minutes to drive to Clearwater Beach. Skip public transportation and get some type of Taxi if you prefer to go carless.

Clearwater International Airport

Yes, Clearwater Beach can be reached from the International Airport in Clearwater FL. There just are not as many flights in and out of it. If you are a Clearwater purist then go for it. However the drive time is similar to Clearwater Beach regardless of which of the last two airports I recommended that you use.

Local Attractions Include

Although a Florida vacation doesn't need variety other than beautiful beaches there are several in things to do near Florida's gulf coast. Downtown Clearwater is nice, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, deep sea fishing trip, St Petersburg and possibly St Pete Beach, dolphin watch tour and a few local amusement parks. You will be in the mood and energetic if you choose one of the most direct route I pointed out above. See you soon having a blast doing fun things on Clearwater Beach.