- Must visit
The Dalí Museum
One of Florida's most celebrated museums, featuring a major Salvador Dalí collection in a landmark waterfront building across the bay in St. Petersburg.




Cheapest price
$70
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
2h 35m
Average duration
5h 34m
Buses per day
4
Distance
150 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $415.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $700 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 6m Average total duration 14h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL:
A bus is $628 (€516) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL costing on average $700 (€575).
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Flight takes on average 14h 6m.
You'll arrive about -2h -33m sooner (3h 32m by bus vs 1h 59m by car) and save roughly $-45.45 (€-37.37) compared to fuel and tolls ($72 (€59) vs $26 (€22)). 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 Pinkbus.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Pinkbus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Pinkbus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $70 |
The table below shows live departures for Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:20 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 7h25 | 12:45 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:20 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 7h55 | 1:15 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:45 PM Gainesville, Gale Lemerand Dr (Commuter Lot Parking Garage), FL | 2h35 | 3:20 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 PM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 4h20 | 10:25 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
+ FlixBus | 12:35 AM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 5h25 | 6:00 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:45 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 5h55 | 9:40 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:45 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 5h30 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 22:40. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Tampa — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tampa trip today.
One of Florida's most celebrated museums, featuring a major Salvador Dalí collection in a landmark waterfront building across the bay in St. Petersburg.
A well-regarded history museum covering Tampa Bay, Florida, and Gulf Coast heritage with engaging exhibitions near the Channel District.
A riverfront art museum known for modern and classical collections, rotating exhibitions, and a striking illuminated facade in Downtown Tampa.
The city's signature waterfront promenade linking parks, museums, and downtown attractions, ideal for walking, views, and photos.
A scenic waterfront boulevard with a famous continuous sidewalk, popular for sunrise walks, running, and social media views.
A central urban park on the Hillsborough River known for skyline views, events, and easy access to major cultural sites.
A Tampa classic of seasoned blue crab mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, stuffed into a crab shell or croquette shape and fried. It reflects the city’s historic Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences.
Tampa’s signature sandwich, traditionally layered with Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and notably Genoa salami. It is one of the city’s most iconic foods.
A beloved Florida Gulf Coast staple featuring fresh grouper, usually grilled, blackened, or fried on a bun. In Tampa, it highlights the region’s access to excellent local seafood.
Historic Ybor City institution known for Spanish and Cuban cuisine, including the Cuban sandwich, paella, and sangria, served in a grand old-world setting.
Iconic fine-dining restaurant celebrated for dry-aged steaks, extensive wine offerings, and classic service. A Tampa landmark for special occasions.
Well-known bakery famous for traditional Cuban bread and pastries. A strong choice for breakfast, sandwiches, and a taste of Tampa’s Cuban heritage.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and transport are fairly manageable for most travelers.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis and rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for cafes.
Official public transport app
Tampa International Airport, Tampa -> Marion Transit Center, Tampa
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainesville, FL 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.

Most Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL buses use the Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station to Tampa, Marion Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant). Use this guide to compare Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need