- Must visit
Tampa Museum of Art
Modern and classical art museum on the Riverwalk, known for its contemporary exhibitions and prominent downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$170
Average price
$188
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 51 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
1616 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL will cost around $188 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $170.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $47, and a train costs an average of $166.
Distance: 1004 miles (1616 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$240 Average price | $328 Average price | $175 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 33m Average total duration 26h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 10m Average total duration 40h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL:
A flight is $65 (€53) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $240 (€196).
A flight is $153 (€125) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $328 (€268).
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 3m.
Train takes on average 40h 40m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 33h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 34h10 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 33h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 30h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $289 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $215 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $241 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $283 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 33h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $134 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 30h05 | 1:15 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 29h35 | 12:45 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 2 transfers | |
· · | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 31h15 | 6:10 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h55 | 6:10 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h25 | 10:25 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 33h25 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 33h50 | 9:40 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 33h05 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 33h30 | 9:40 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL run on average 10 times per day, taking around 26h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $125 (€102) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1004 miles (1616 km) distance in 26h 25m.
Distance 1004 miles (1616 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $125 (€102) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 26h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Tampa — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tampa trip today.
Modern and classical art museum on the Riverwalk, known for its contemporary exhibitions and prominent downtown setting.
World-famous Salvador Dalí museum across the bay in St. Petersburg, frequently visited from Tampa for its iconic collection and architecture.
Historic museum inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel, showcasing Gilded Age architecture and Tampa history.
Signature waterfront promenade linking museums, parks, and public art, and one of the city's most popular walking areas.
Historic neighborhood famous for brick streets, cigar heritage, nightlife, and distinctive cultural character.
Scenic waterfront boulevard popular for walking, running, and skyline views along Hillsborough Bay.
Tampa’s signature sandwich, traditionally layered with Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed hot. The salami reflects the city’s Italian influence in Y
A classic Ybor City snack made with spiced crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, formed into a shell-like shape, breaded, and fried. It reflects Tampa’s cigar-factory immigrant history and is one of the c
A Florida Gulf Coast favorite often found in Tampa, featuring fresh local grouper grilled, blackened, or fried on a bun. It is especially popular for showcasing the region’s seafood.
Iconic fine-dining destination famous for dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine collection, and classic Tampa special-occasion dining.
Historic Ybor City institution known for Spanish-Cuban cuisine, the 1905 Salad, and flamenco performances in a grand old-world setting.
Popular riverfront restaurant serving Florida-inspired dishes, charbroiled oysters, and native-inspired flavors in a lively upscale-casual atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. travelers. Dining and transport are manageable, while hotels rise in peak season and waterfront areas.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Tampa, FL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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