- 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
$217
Average price
$217
Fastest journey
2 d 21 h 5 m
Average duration
2 d 21 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
3357 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL will cost around $217 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $217.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Tampa, FL on Fri, Jul 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct buses cover the 3357 km distance in an average of 2 d 21 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 21 h 5 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest buses will take 2 d 21 h 5 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $173. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $173, and a train costs an average of $341.
Distance: 2085 miles (3357 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$211 Average price Cheapest | $646 Average price | $301 Average price | $483 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
60h 15m Average total duration 59h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 106h 26m Average total duration 105h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration Fastest 5h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 34h 48m 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 San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL:
A bus is $90 (€74) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL costing on average $301 (€248).
A bus is $435 (€357) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL costing on average $646 (€531).
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 59h 45m.
Train takes on average 105h 56m.
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 | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 67h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $223 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 67h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $214 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 65h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $243 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 68h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 69h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $327 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 68h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $296 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 68h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 64h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 83h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $247 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 67h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $215 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 69h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $217 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 67h25 | 6:00 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 70h40 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 5 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:15 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 65h45 | 6:00 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:15 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 69h00 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 4 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 68h25 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 4 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 65h10 | 6:00 AM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 69h05 | 12:45 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 69h35 | 1:15 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 68h35 | 12:45 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 69h05 | 1:15 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 5 transfers | |
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 83h05 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 5 transfers | |
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 68h00 | 6:10 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 67h15 | 6:10 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 82h20 | 9:15 AM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 5 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 San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL run on average 16 times per day, taking around 59h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $173 (€143) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 2085 miles (3357 km) distance in 64h 45m.
Distance 2085 miles (3357 km) |
Average bus duration 59h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $173 (€143) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 64h 45m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 7 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 San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Tampa, Marion Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant). Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA 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