- Must visit
The Dalí Museum
Major Salvador Dalí collection in a striking waterfront building across the bay in St. Petersburg; one of the region’s signature art attractions.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $170. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $170, and a train costs an average of $562.
Distance: 2396 miles (3857 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$338 Average price Cheapest | $381 Average price | $1884 Average price | $570 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
77h 56m Average total duration 77h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 98h 58m Average total duration 98h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL is a bus with an average price of $338 (€274).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL costing on average $381 (€308).
A bus is $1546 (€1251) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL costing on average $1884 (€1524).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 8m.
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 77h 26m.
Train takes on average 98h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Tampa, FL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA 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 {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.
San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 75h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $204 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 74h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 74h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 77h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 77h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 77h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $387 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 79h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $318 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 78h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $260 |
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 77h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $170 (€138) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 2396 miles (3857 km) distance in 75h 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 2396 miles (3857 km) |
Average bus duration 77h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $170 (€138) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 75h 35m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 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
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 modern riverfront setting.
- Recommended
Glazer Children's Museum
Hands-on family museum beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with interactive exhibits focused on play, learning, and creativity.
- Must visit
Tampa Riverwalk
Signature waterfront promenade linking museums, parks, public art, and downtown views; one of the city’s top walking experiences.
- Must visit
Ybor City Historic District
Tampa’s most distinctive historic neighborhood, known for brick streets, cigar heritage, nightlife, and photogenic architecture.
- Must visit
Bayshore Boulevard
Scenic waterfront boulevard with a long continuous sidewalk, skyline views, and one of Tampa’s most popular walking and running routes.
Cuban Sandwich
Tampa’s signature sandwich layered with roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. The addition of salami reflects the city’s Italian and Cuban heritage in Ybor City.
Deviled Crab
A classic Tampa croquette made with seasoned blue crab meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, then breaded and fried. It grew out of Ybor City’s cigar-worker food culture and remains a local staple.
- Gluten-free
Spanish Bean Soup
A hearty soup associated with Tampa’s historic Latin restaurants, typically made with garbanzo beans, potatoes, chorizo, ham, and broth. It reflects the city’s Cuban and Spanish culinary roots.
Bern's Steak House
Legendary fine-dining restaurant celebrated for dry-aged steaks, one of the country’s great wine lists, and a classic Tampa special-occasion experience.
Columbia Restaurant
Historic Ybor City institution known for Spanish-Cuban cuisine, flamenco, and classics like the 1905 Salad and Cuban sandwich. Elegant yet lively atmosphere.
Ulele
Popular waterfront restaurant highlighting Florida ingredients, seafood, and native-inspired dishes, with a polished but approachable setting near downtown.
United States Dollar
Tampa is moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is reasonable, while hotels, attractions, and waterfront areas can cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for a casual meal or fast food.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at full-service restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet USD 2-5.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL can start from as little as $170 (€138) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL is $338 (€274) ; 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 San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL is 75h 35m to travel the 2396 miles (3857 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 San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL leaves at 6:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL leaves at 11:25 PM.
A trip to Tampa, FL from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 75h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Tampa, FL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
No, luggage for the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL.
Since neither San Francisco, CA 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL
San Francisco
Tampa
The major bus station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 for your trip from San Francisco to Tampa.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
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 San Francisco.
Tampa, Marion Transit Center
information
Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant)
information
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tampa, FL and San Francisco, CA
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