- Must visit
Tampa Museum of Art
Major art museum on the Riverwalk with Greek and Roman antiquities, modern art, and a strong photography collection.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
16 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lake City, 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 Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
It's difficult to get from Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL without transferring at least once.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $161. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $161, and a flight costs an average of $354.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$180 Average price Cheapest | $362 Average price | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 5m Average total duration 6h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL:
A bus is $182 (€182) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL costing on average $362 (€362).
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 35m.
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 Greyhound USA | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 24h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $161 |
The table below shows live departures for Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL buses for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:35 AM Lake City, FL | 14h55 | 12:30 AM Tampa, 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 Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $161 (€161) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:20, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 155 miles (250 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 155 miles (250 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $161 (€161) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 6:20 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Tampa, FL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tampa, FL trip today.
Major art museum on the Riverwalk with Greek and Roman antiquities, modern art, and a strong photography collection.
Engaging family-friendly museum exploring Tampa Bay history through exhibits on pirates, cigars, industry, and local communities.
Fascinating history museum inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel, showcasing Gilded Age rooms, décor, and Florida tourism heritage.
Scenic waterfront promenade linking parks, museums, and downtown landmarks; ideal for walking, biking, and skyline views.
Tampa's most historic district, known for brick streets, cigar heritage, nightlife, and a distinctive Cuban and immigrant legacy.
Popular bayside path and green space on Davis Islands with sweeping water views, downtown panoramas, and sunset appeal.
A Cuban sandwich layered with roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Tampa's version is a defining local classic.
Deviled crab is a Tampa staple: seasoned blue crab mixed with Cuban bread crumbs, shaped into a shell-like croquette, then breaded and fried.
A chilled espresso drink sweetened and shaken until frothy. Popular in Tampa's Cuban communities, it is a local coffee ritual and social pick-me-up.
Beloved Tampa institution known for deviled crab, Cuban sandwiches, and casual old-Tampa counter service.
Upscale modern Spanish restaurant in historic Ybor, known for refined tapas, cocktails, and a polished dining room.
Historic Ybor City restaurant famed for the original Tampa Cuban sandwich and old-school Spanish-Cuban atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. beach cities: hotels can be high in peak season, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. For cafes, small change or $1 per drink is common but optional.
Official public transport app
Tampa International Airport -> Downtown Tampa, Tampa, FL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lake City, 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 Lake City, FL to Tampa, FL buses use the Lake City, S Marion Ave (Lake City Greyhound Station) to Tampa, Marion Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant). Use this guide to compare Lake City, 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