Fly & Drive guide
Fly into PIE, drive to Clearwater
Your route
PIE
St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport
Clearwater
About 20 min · 11 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to PIE
Compare fares into St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at PIE
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Clearwater. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Clearwater
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Clearwater
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Clearwater
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
State Park Capacity and Ferry Reservations
State Parks like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island have strict daily capacity limits and may close once reached. The ferry to Caladesi Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis but has set return times that require monitoring. Official park websites should be checked for the latest vessel schedules and island access updates.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, October – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Clearwater?
St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from PIE to Clearwater?
Roughly 20 min (about 11 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Clearwater?
State Parks like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island have strict daily capacity limits and may close once reached. The ferry to Caladesi Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis but has set return times that require monitoring. Official park websites should be checked for the latest vessel schedules and island access updates.