Chicago, IL, USA to Clearwater, FL, USA from $44: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Chicago to Clearwater: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$44 by busBest price

1617 kmDistance

4h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Clearwater with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Chicago to Clearwater

Traveling from Chicago's vibrant urban skyline to Clearwater's sandy beaches offers a striking contrast between the bustling city life and the serene coastal atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Clearwater

Clearwater offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and activities.

Downtown Clearwater

• Vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

• Home to local shops and cultural events.

Clearwater Beach

• Stunning sandy beaches and clear waters.

• Plenty of water sports and sunbathing opportunities.

Island Estates

• Scenic waterfront views and luxury homes.

• Quiet, residential atmosphere with local boutiques.

Best Times To Visit Clearwater's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your Clearwater experience.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Visit during weekdays in the morning for smaller crowds and personalized interactions.

Caladesi Island State Park

Go early in the day or on weekdays to enjoy peaceful nature trails.

Pier 60

Evening visits during sunset create a magical atmosphere with fewer tourists.

Clearwater Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Clearwater enjoys a warm, sunny climate, with mild winters and hot summers; spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. The weather can influence outdoor activities, making late fall and early spring the best times for travelers seeking comfortable conditions.

Dining Recommendation in Clearwater

Consider savoring the fresh Gulf Coast seafood at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, where the laid-back beachfront atmosphere contrasts with Chicago's urban dining scene. The signature dish, a delicious grouper sandwich, highlights local flavors and ingredients that give you a taste of the Florida coast.

Chicago - Clearwater operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Clearwater, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$2313-2314

Train from Chicago Union Station to Rockville Amtrak

Average Duration

16h 36m

Estimated price

$23130-2310

Train from Washington Union Station to Tampa

Average Duration

21h 51m

Estimated price

$449-231310

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Chicago Train Station to Nashville Bus Station

Average Duration

9h 50m

Estimated price

$2514-3562

Bus from Nashville Bus Station to Tallahassee Bus Station

Average Duration

11h 25m

Estimated price

$862-3562

Bus from Tallahassee Bus Station to St Petersburg

Average Duration

5h 30m

Estimated price

$8617-2314

Website

http://palmlandlines.com

Bus from Chicago IL to West Palm Beach FL

Average Duration

27h 20m

Estimated price

$2314-1648

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from West Palm Beach Bus Station to Tampa Bus Station

Average Duration

5h 35m

Estimated price

$2315-444

Plane Show flights

Website

http://southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

2h 32m

Estimated price

$3566-3567

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ)

Average Duration

2h 36m

Estimated price

$1646-3563

Website

http://allegiantair.com

Plane from South Bend (SBN) to St. Petersburg (PIE)

Average Duration

2h 31m

Estimated price

$3562-2311

Website

http://united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

2h 48m

Estimated price

$3564-446

Website

http://aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

2h 43m

Estimated price

$3564-3563

Website

http://delta.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

4h 21m

Estimated price

$441-443

Website

http://spirit.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$449-2310

Website

http://flyfrontier.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Tampa (TPA)

Average Duration

2h 49m

Estimated price

$449-2312

Chicago to Clearwater: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Clearwater offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from Chicago to Clearwater, spanning a distance of 1196 miles. Brace yourself for a scenic journey filled with diverse landscapes and charming pit stops along the way. 🌴 As you navigate through the highways and byways, anticipate a driving time of around 19 hours and 44 minutes to reach the sunny shores of Clearwater open road beckons and promises a memorable adventure from the Windy City to the Gulf Coast. ⛽️ Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to find that the cost of driving from Chicago to Clearwater typically ranges from $210 to $320, making it an affordable and convenient option for those seeking a fun-filled road trip experience.

Average price

$210 - $320

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chicago to Clearwater spanning over 40 hours and 42 minutes. Relax and enjoy the passing landscapes as you make your way south. 💰 Prices for train tickets between Chicago and Clearwater can range from $134 to $625, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. Plan your trip ahead to secure the best fare for your travel dates.

🛫 Flying from Chicago to Clearwater is convenient with Allegiant Air offering direct flights from South Bend Airport to St. Petersburg Airport. The flight typically takes around 2 hours and 31 minutes, making it a quick and efficient journey.

Departure Point

South Bend Airport

Arrival Point

St. Petersburg Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Book your flight with Allegiant Air as they offer direct flights from South Bend Airport to St. Petersburg Airport, making this the quickest option available for your travel time.

• When you arrive at St. Petersburg Airport, navigate to the baggage claim area, as it can become crowded quickly; follow the signs and allow yourself ample time to gather your luggage before heading out.

• Expect to pay around $30 to $40 for a taxi ride from St. Petersburg Airport to downtown Clearwater; consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, which could offer more competitive rates.

🚌 Embark on an exciting 30-hour journey from Chicago to Clearwater by bus with multiple transfers along the way. Depart from Chicago Train Station and make your way through Nashville, Tallahassee, and finally reaching Park St Terminal in Clearwater. 🌴 Enjoy the scenic route spanning 1,271 miles with 3 transfers. Explore cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Tampa before arriving in Clearwater. Experience the convenience of multiple bus agencies such as Greyhound and FlixBus for a seamless travel experience.

Departure Point

Chicago Train Station

Arrival Point

St Petersburg station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Clearwater.

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The distance between Chicago and Clearwater is approximately 1005 miles or 1196.1 miles by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 40 hours and 42 minutes by train, 7 hours and 20 minutes by flying from Chicago Midway to Tampa and then taking a bus, 19 hours and 44 minutes by car, and 37 hours and 38 minutes by bus to reach Clearwater from Chicago.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Chicago to Clearwater is to fly from Chicago Midway Airport to Tampa, and then take the line 300 bus and line 73 bus to Clearwater. This option takes approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes and costs around $45-$290. Flying allows for a quicker journey compared to other modes of transportation such as train, car, or bus, and also offers the convenience of reaching the destination directly.

The prices for a train journey between Chicago and Clearwater can range from $134 to $625. On the other hand, the prices for a bus trip between Clearwater and Chicago vary from $105 to $173. It is recommended to check with the respective train and bus companies for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

To get from Chicago to Clearwater without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 1196 miles. The journey takes around 19 hours and 44 minutes by car. The prices for the trip vary from $210 to $320, depending on factors such as fuel costs and tolls.

To travel from Chicago to Clearwater without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey by bus takes approximately 37 hours and 38 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket ranges from $100 to $180. This is a convenient and affordable way to reach Clearwater from Chicago without having to drive.

No, there is no direct bus link between Chicago and Clearwater. However, there are bus services available that require transfers along the way. The journey by bus takes approximately 37 hours and 38 minutes, with transfers in West Palm Beach, Marion Transit Parking Lot, and Psta 34Th St Layby. The bus services are operated by Palmland Bus Lines and Greyhound USA.

The flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Tampa Airport typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes. However, it's important to note that this is just the time for the direct flight. The total travel time can vary depending on factors like layovers and connecting flights. As for the cost, it can also vary depending on the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book. It's recommended to check with various airlines to find the best deals for flights between Chicago and Clearwater.

There are numerous accommodations options available near Clearwater. There are over 1412 hotels in the area with prices starting at $49 per night. Some popular hotel chains in Clearwater include Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn. Additionally, there are also options for vacation rentals and beachfront resorts available for those looking for a more luxurious stay.

Chicago, IL, USA to Clearwater, FL, USA from $44: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Chicago to Clearwater: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Chicago to Clearwater

Best Neighbourhoods in Clearwater

Best Times To Visit Clearwater's Attractions

Clearwater Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Clearwater

Chicago - Clearwater operators

Chicago to Clearwater: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Useful tips for plane travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Chicago

Trips to Clearwater

Popular routes