Driving Time between Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia and Clearwater, Florida

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The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Athens-Clarke County, GA to Clearwater, FL

Are you planning a road trip from Athens-Clarke County, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida? Whether you're headed to the beach, visiting family, or just want to explore a new place, driving can be a great option. But how long will it take you to get there? In this post, we'll cover the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and estimated travel times based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Athens-Clarke County to Clearwater takes you down I-75 South, then I-4 West. This route is 434 miles and takes about 7 hours to drive without stopping. However, if you hit rush hour traffic in Atlanta or Tampa, it could take closer to 8 or even 9 hours.

The Scenic Route

If you have some extra time and want to see some beautiful scenery, consider taking US-27 South. This route takes you through the Okefenokee Swamp, past Lake Okeechobee, and through the heart of Florida citrus country. While it's not the fastest way to get to Clearwater, it's definitely the most scenic. This route is 530 miles and takes about 9 hours to drive without stopping. However, if you take some time to stop and see the sights along the way, it could take much longer.

The Slowest Route

If you want to avoid the highways and take the most scenic route possible, consider taking US-441 South. This route takes you through small towns, past farms, and through the heart of Florida's horse country. While this route is only 462 miles, it takes about 11 hours to drive without stops.

Estimated Drive Times

Of course, these estimated drive times are just that - estimates. Your actual travel time may vary depending on traffic patterns, weather conditions, and how often you stop to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat. In general, however, you can expect the following travel times:

  • Fastest Route: 7-9 hours
  • Scenic Route: 9+ hours
  • Slowest Route: 11+ hours

Conclusion

No matter which route you take from Athens-Clarke County to Clearwater, you're in for a great road trip. From the highway to the back roads, there's plenty of beautiful scenery to see along the way. Just make sure to budget enough time for your journey and be prepared for some unexpected delays. Happy travels!