- Must visit
The Dalí Museum
Major museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí, across the bay in the Tampa Bay area and widely regarded as a regional cultural highlight.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
Showing times and prices for May 28
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 3 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
190 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Gainesville, FL 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 Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Gainesville, FL for Tampa, FL on Thu, May 28, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct buses cover the 190 km distance in an average of 6 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest buses will take 7 h 25 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.
10:45 AM6h45Gainesville, FL5:30 PMTampa, FL$331One-way0 transfers- 7:45 AM5h40Gainesville, FL1:25 PMTampa, FL$831One-way0 transfers
- 10:05 PM4h20Gainesville, FL2:25 AMTampa, FL$901One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 AM7h25Gainesville, FL4:45 PMTampa, FL$931One-way0 transfers
- 10:05 PM4h20Gainesville, FL2:25 AMTampa, FL$901One-way0 transfers
- 7:45 AM5h40Gainesville, FL1:25 PMTampa, FL$831One-way0 transfers
- 10:45 AM6h45Gainesville, FL5:30 PMTampa, FL$331One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 AM7h25Gainesville, FL4:45 PMTampa, FL$931One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
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 $422.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $713 Average price | $27 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is a bus with an average price of $73 (€59).
This is compared to other travel options from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL:
A bus is $640 (€516) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL costing on average $713 (€575).
The fastest way to travel from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 32m.
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Flight takes on average 14h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -33m sooner (3h 32m by bus vs 1h 59m by car) and save roughly $-46.30 (€-37.37) compared to fuel and tolls ($73 (€59) vs $27 (€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.
Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Pinkbus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Live departures
Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:45 PM Gainesville, FL | 2h35 | 7:20 PM Tampa, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:05 PM Gainesville, FL | 4h20 | 2:25 AM 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 Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL by bus or flight
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.
Thu
May 28
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May 31
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Why should you book Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus, Pinkbus, RedCoach and more offer buses services from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
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, Pinkbus or RedCoach to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL 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 bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Pinkbus or RedCoach to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
USAUSA
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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus, RedCoach from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FLYou can travel by bus between Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus, RedCoach for as low as $33 (€27). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€27)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€40)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Pinkbus
About
RedCoach is one of the most popular bus providers in the southern United States. For your next trip, you can choose from three main ticket types: Web, Standard, and Flexible.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
$80 (€65)
Luggage included
You may carry up to 2 pieces of checked baggage and one free personal backpack.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be added to your booking.
Cancellation Policy
RedCoach tickets are refundable up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, with a service fee up to 50% of the ticket price.
Refund
Some RedCoach tickets are refundable, depending on the class of tickets and their restrictions, with cancellations for a refund needing to be made more than 24 hours before departure and a 50% service fee potentially applying.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
If you need assistance, contact RedCoach 48 hours before your trip for help with boarding and luggage.
Bikes
Folding bikes are allowed onboard if stored in a protective bag.
Pets
Only ADA service animals are permitted onboard.
RedCoach
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€57)
RedCoach frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Tampa
Things to do in Tampa
Discover the best of Tampa — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tampa trip today.
- Recommended
Tampa Museum of Art
Contemporary and classical art museum on the Riverwalk, known for rotating exhibitions and a striking modern building.
- Recommended
Henry B. Plant Museum
Museum inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel, showcasing Gilded Age architecture, furnishings, and local history.
- Must visit
Tampa Riverwalk
The city's signature waterfront promenade linking museums, parks, hotels, and photo spots along downtown's river edge.
- Must visit
Ybor City Historic District
Tampa's best-known historic neighborhood, famous for brick streets, cigar heritage, nightlife, and distinctive architecture.
- Must visit
Bayshore Boulevard
Long waterfront boulevard with popular walking and running paths, skyline views, and social-media-friendly sunrise scenes.
Cuban Sandwich
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 and Cuban Ybor
Deviled Crab
A Tampa classic from Ybor City made with seasoned blue crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, shaped into a shell-like croquette and fried. It reflects the city’s cigar-worker lunch traditions.
Spanish Bean Soup
A beloved old Tampa dish of garbanzo beans, potatoes, chorizo, ham, and Cuban bread on the side. It became famous through local Spanish and Cuban restaurants and remains a comfort-food staple.
Bern's Steak House
Legendary fine-dining destination known for dry-aged steaks, an enormous wine list, and a famous dessert room. One of Tampa’s most established special-occasion restaurants.
Columbia Restaurant
Historic Ybor City institution founded in 1905, famous for Spanish-Cuban cuisine, the 1905 Salad, and classic Tampa dishes in a grand old-world setting.
La Segunda Central Bakery
Long-running Ybor bakery celebrated for authentic Cuban bread, pastries, sandwiches, and strong Cuban coffee. A classic stop for traditional Tampa flavors.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels, nightlife, and waterfront areas cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60-120+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for regular coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% in bars. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers 10-15%. USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops and USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL can start from as little as $33 (€27) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is $73 (€59) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is 2h 35m to travel the 118 miles (190 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL leaves at 10:40 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus, RedCoach. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus, RedCoach for the best way to get you to Tampa, FL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Tampa, FL from Gainesville, FL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Pinkbus
- If you need assistance, contact RedCoach 48 hours before your trip for help with boarding and luggage.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Tampa, FL are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Tampa, FL include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
- Pinkbus
- RedCoach tickets are refundable up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, with a service fee up to 50% of the ticket price.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL:
- 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).
- Pinkbus
- You may carry up to 2 pieces of checked baggage and one free personal backpack.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Pinkbus
- Additional luggage can be added to your booking.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
- Pinkbus
- Only ADA service animals are permitted onboard.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus, Pinkbus.
Since neither Gainesville, FL nor Tampa, FL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Tampa, FL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like Ybor City and downtown. Common scams include overcharging by taxi or rideshare drivers and timeshare presentations that pressure visitors into costly purchases. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed transportation can help avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
Gainesville
Tampa
The major bus station for departures in Gainesville is Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station for your trip from Gainesville to Tampa.
Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station
information
Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter)
information
Gainesville
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Tampa is Tampa, Marion Transit Center. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Tampa, Marion Transit Center for your trip to Tampa from Gainesville.
Tampa, Marion Transit Center
information
Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant)
information
Most popular bus connections from Gainesville, FL
More options for your journey from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tampa, FL and Gainesville, FL
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