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Any tolls from Tampa to Clearwater and back

Travelled within Orlando last year and there were so many tolls. Rental company forced me to buy a transponder saying there are so many tolls within Orlando and had to pay a heavy daily fee for the transponder.

Are there any such toll booths from Tampa to Clearwater or back? Want to avoid getting duped by the car rental companies in buying a transponder if there are no tolls or if they can be avoided by paying cash in those tolls or using EZ pass that I use in Virginia.

The drive from Tampa to Clearwater is relatively short, roughly 25–30 miles depending on your starting point, and the good news is that it does not require navigating a major network of toll roads like in Orlando. Most routes are along I-275 and US-60/FL-60, which are free to drive without any tolls.

Toll Considerations

  • The direct route via I-275 from Tampa to Clearwater does not have any toll plazas or electronic toll segments. You will not need a transponder or cash payment on this route.
  • Some alternate scenic or less direct routes may include minor toll bridges, such as certain causeways (e.g., Clearwater Memorial Causeway), but these are rare and usually only $1–$2. You can pay cash at these small toll plazas without needing a rental transponder.
  • Florida’s SunPass system is used for most electronic tolls in the state, but for the Tampa–Clearwater corridor, you won’t encounter the SunPass-only express lanes that require a transponder.

Tips for Rental Car Users

  • You do not need to purchase a daily toll transponder from the rental company if you are sticking to I-275 or US-60 between Tampa and Clearwater.
  • If you plan to explore further afield, such as heading toward Orlando or the Gulf Coast toll roads, consider using your own EZ-Pass if the rental car allows it, or be prepared to pay cash at designated toll plazas.
  • Always confirm with the rental company whether your route requires SunPass; for Tampa–Clearwater, this is generally unnecessary.

In summary, for a straightforward trip from Tampa to Clearwater and back, you can drive without worrying about tolls, transponders, or extra fees. Stick to I-275 or US-60, and only minor causeway tolls, if any, might appear, which can be paid with cash.

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