How Far Is Clearwater Beach From Atlanta? A Practical Guide For Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming of white sand, clear Gulf water, and sunsets over the ocean, Clearwater Beach in Florida is one of the closest, most popular options. Understanding how far Clearwater Beach is from Atlanta—and the best ways to get there—helps you plan a realistic weekend escape or a longer beach vacation.

Distance From Atlanta to Clearwater Beach

The distance and travel time depend on whether you’re driving or flying.

Driving Distance

From Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or Midtown) to Clearwater Beach, Florida:

• Approximate driving distance:470–500 miles
• Typical drive time:7 to 8 hours in normal traffic
• Route: Most Atlantans take I‑75 South almost all the way to the Tampa Bay area, then cut over west toward Clearwater and the beach.

The exact mileage will change slightly depending on where you start in the Atlanta area (for example, Buckhead vs. Hartsfield‑Jackson vs. Marietta).

Flying Distance

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Tampa Bay area:

• Flight distance (ATL to TPA): about 400–420 miles
• Nonstop flight time: around 1 to 1.5 hours in the air
• Drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: about 20–25 miles, usually 35–60 minutes depending on traffic over the causeways.

You can also fly into St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which is typically even closer to the beach, though ATL–PIE options may be less frequent than ATL–TPA.

Quick Comparison: Drive vs. Fly From Atlanta

Best Driving Routes From Atlanta to Clearwater Beach

Most people starting in the Atlanta metro follow this basic pattern:

1. Straight Shot Down I‑75 South

This is the simplest, most common route:

1. Get on I‑75 South from wherever you are in Atlanta (Downtown Connector, I‑285, or local surface streets).
2. Continue on I‑75 South through Macon, Tifton, and into Florida.
3. Near the Tampa Bay area, follow signage to merge onto I‑275 South toward Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg.
4. Follow directions toward Clearwater, then use the Causeway (such as Memorial Causeway) to reach Clearwater Beach.

Why Atlantans like this route:

• Very straightforward—mostly one interstate.
• Plenty of gas stations, rest areas, and food options.
• Easy for drivers who don’t want a lot of turns or navigation.

2. Using I‑285 and Alternative On-Ramps

If you’re starting outside the city center:

• From North Atlanta / Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna): Take I‑75 South directly or use I‑285 East or West to connect.
• From East Atlanta / Decatur / Stone Mountain: Usually I‑285 South to I‑75 South is most efficient.
• From South Atlanta / College Park / East Point: You may join I‑75 South more quickly via local connectors without needing much of I‑285.

Traffic patterns around the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285 can shift by time of day, so Atlanta drivers often check conditions first.

Typical Drive Time For Atlantans

While navigation apps might show a 7‑hour estimate, realistic planning from Atlanta usually looks like:

• Nonstop, light traffic: about 7 hours
• With gas, food, and bathroom breaks:7.5 to 8 hours
• Heavy traffic around Atlanta or Tampa Bay: can push closer to 8–9 hours

When to Leave Atlanta

To make the drive smoother:

• Early morning departure (5–7 a.m.)
  • Often avoids the worst of Atlanta rush hour.
  • Gets you into the Tampa/Clearwater area by early afternoon.
• Late evening departure
  • Can help dodge daytime traffic, but you’ll be driving long stretches in the dark and arriving late.

From core areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, budget extra time for getting onto I‑75, especially on weekdays.

Flying From Atlanta to Clearwater Beach

If you’d rather skip a full day in the car, flying from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the primary option.

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information: (800) 897‑1910 (general airport info line)

Flight Options From Atlanta

Most Atlantans heading to Clearwater Beach fly into:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

  • About 20–25 miles from Clearwater Beach.
  • Well-connected by major airlines from ATL with frequent nonstop flights.

• St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

  • Even closer to Clearwater Beach.
  • May have fewer or more seasonal flight options from Atlanta.

Typical door-to-door timing:

1. Drive/ride to ATL from your Atlanta location: 20–60 minutes or more, depending on where you live.
2. Airport time (parking, check-in, security, boarding): 1.5–2 hours is common.
3. Flight time ATL → TPA or PIE: about 1–1.5 hours.
4. Ground transportation to Clearwater Beach: roughly 35–60 minutes from TPA; often slightly less from PIE.

All together, you’re usually looking at 3.5–5 hours total from when you leave your home or hotel in Atlanta to when you step onto the sand, assuming reasonable connections.

Ground Transportation Once You Land

From Tampa International Airport or St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, Atlantans typically:

• Rent a car to have flexibility in Clearwater and around Tampa Bay.
• Use rideshare or taxis to get directly to Clearwater Beach hotels or rentals.
• Sometimes use shuttle or car services that serve the beach area.

Because Clearwater Beach can get busy and parking can be tight, many visitors prefer leaving their car parked and walking or using local trolleys once they’ve arrived.

Is Clearwater Beach a Realistic Weekend Trip From Atlanta?

For Atlanta residents or visitors staying in the city, Clearwater Beach is just far enough to require planning, but close enough to be doable.

Driving for a Weekend

A Friday–Sunday or long weekend trip by car can work if you:

• Leave Atlanta early on your departure day.
• Aim to arrive at Clearwater Beach by afternoon or early evening.
• Return either:
  • Early in the morning to avoid traffic, or
  • Later in the evening, giving yourself a full last day on the beach.

If you’re starting from farther north in the metro area (for example, Alpharetta, Roswell, or Woodstock), add extra time to get through or around the city.

Flying for a Short Stay

Flying from ATL makes even a 2–3 day trip feasible:

• You can work a half-day in Atlanta, catch an afternoon flight, and still watch the sunset in Clearwater if connections are smooth.
• This is often the least exhausting option for families with young kids or adults who dislike long drives.

Packing and Planning Tips Specific to Atlanta Travelers

Because you’re starting from a large urban hub, a few Atlanta-specific factors are worth keeping in mind:

• Traffic timing:
  • Try to avoid starting or ending your trip during peak I‑285 and Downtown Connector rush hours (roughly weekday mornings and late afternoons).
• Airport access:
  • If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the Airport area, MARTA trains can take you directly to the Domestic Terminal at ATL, reducing parking and traffic worries.
• Parking decisions:
  • Budget for ATL parking if you’re leaving a car at the airport. Many Atlantans choose long-term economy lots or off-site parking to reduce costs.

How Clearwater Beach Compares to Other Beaches From Atlanta

To put the distance in context for someone based in Atlanta:

• Florida Panhandle beaches (Panama City Beach, Destin):
  • Often 4.5–6 hours by car—shorter than Clearwater but different Gulf coastline.
• Georgia coast (Tybee Island, Savannah area):
  • Roughly 4–5 hours from Atlanta.
• Clearwater Beach:
  • 7–8 hours by car, or a short flight plus a drive.
  • Known for wide white-sand beaches and calm Gulf water.

Clearwater Beach is not the closest beach to Atlanta, but it is among the most popular Gulf Coast destinations reachable in a day’s travel.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Clearwater Beach: about 470–500 miles, usually 7–8 hours by car.
• Flying distance (ATL to Tampa Bay): about 400–420 miles, with a 1–1.5 hour flight plus a 35–60 minute drive to the beach.
• It’s a reasonable weekend or long-weekend destination from Atlanta, especially if you plan your departure times to avoid heavy traffic.
• Starting from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport gives you the most flexibility with flight schedules and airlines.

With a bit of timing and route planning from Atlanta, Clearwater Beach is close enough to turn a simple idea—“let’s go to the beach”—into a realistic getaway.