.png){kind=small}
4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Cheapest price
$164
Average price
$240
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 6 h 27 m
Buses per day
5
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 $240 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Tampa, FL on Fri, May 08, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct buses cover the 1616 km distance in an average of 1 d 6 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 3 h 25 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest buses will take 1 d 9 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:10 PM28h20Chicago, IL4:30 PMTampa, FL$1641One-way0 transfers- 5:10 AM33h50Chicago, IL3:00 PMTampa, FL$2211One-way0 transfers
- 4:50 AM33h40Chicago, IL2:30 PMTampa, FL$2341One-way0 transfers
5:59 AM29h01Chicago, IL11:00 AMTampa, FL$2741One-way0 transfers- 12:00 AM27h25Chicago, IL3:25 AMTampa, FL$3071One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 AM27h25Chicago, IL3:25 AMTampa, FL$3071One-way0 transfers
- 12:10 PM28h20Chicago, IL4:30 PMTampa, FL$1641One-way0 transfers
- 5:59 AM29h01Chicago, IL11:00 AMTampa, FL$2741One-way0 transfers
- 4:50 AM33h40Chicago, IL2:30 PMTampa, FL$2341One-way0 transfers
- 5:10 AM33h50Chicago, IL3:00 PMTampa, FL$2211One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
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 $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $146.
Distance: 1004 miles (1616 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$228 Average price | $314 Average price | $164 Average price Cheapest | $253 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 31m Average total duration 26h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 7m Average total duration 40h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m 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 $64 (€51) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $228 (€183).
A flight is $150 (€120) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $314 (€251).
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 1m.
Train takes on average 40h 37m.
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.
Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 30h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 34h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 33h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL buses for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:59 AM Chicago, IL | 29h01 | 11:00 AM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:10 PM Chicago, IL | 28h20 | 4:30 PM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:40 PM Chicago, IL | 31h30 | 11:10 PM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:45 PM Chicago, IL | 30h40 | 3:25 AM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 8 | |||||
| 12:00 AM Chicago, IL | 27h25 | 3:25 AM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:50 AM Chicago, IL | 33h40 | 2:30 PM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 33h50 | 3:00 PM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Chicago Transit (CTA) to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Chicago Transit (CTA) to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL run on average 10 times per day, taking around 26h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $125 (€100) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) 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 27h 25m.
Distance 1004 miles (1616 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $125 (€100) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 27h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Chicago Transit (CTA) from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FLYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Chicago Transit (CTA) for as low as $32 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
Chicago Transit (CTA)
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a renowned theme park offering thrilling rides and animal encounters
- The Florida Aquarium, a popular attraction featuring marine life exhibits and interactive experiences
- Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront path with parks, museums, and dining options
- Ybor City, a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife and Cuban culture
- Tampa Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary and classical art in a modern architectural setting.
- Visit the historic Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in a former luxury hotel with exhibits on the Gilded Age
- Explore the vibrant Hyde Park Village, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Attend a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium for an exciting sports experience
- Take a boat tour of Tampa Bay for stunning views and wildlife sightings
- Enjoy a day at the beautiful Clearwater Beach, just a short drive from Tampa.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tampa, FL and Chicago, IL
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
