Bus to Tampa, FL

Buses from Orlando to Tampa

If you plan to take a trip from Orlando to Tampa, you might consider taking the bus. On average, the trip, which stretches over approximately 77 miles (124 km), would take around 1h 40min. However, the duration of your trip might vary slightly, depending on factors such as the day of your travel. Given that there are around six daily buses that serve the Orlando to Tampa route, it is easy for you to plan your trip at the most convenient time. Along the way, you can admire various scenic views, such as lakes and theme parks.

How long is the journey by bus from Orlando to Tampa?

On average, your bus would take around 1h 40min to travel from Orlando to Tampa. However, the duration might change if you schedule your trip on days such as weekends and holidays. You can enjoy the scenic view between the two cities during the trip, or you could take a nap. Usually, there will be no changes between Orlando and Tampa, so you don’t have to worry about spending extra time on transfers. However, there might be a few stops along the way, which don’t take too much time.

How many buses are there from Orlando to Tampa?

You can find around six scheduled buses traveling from Orlando to Tampa on a daily. That means you have a wide range of options when it comes to planning your trip. Furthermore, all of the buses involve zero changes, which makes your trip even more convenient. For example, if you would like to hop on the first bus leaving for Tampa, it departs at around 8:50 a.m.

On the other hand, if you do not want to leave Orlando until later in the day, you can board the last bus, which departs at around 4:26 a.m. On Omio, you can access the latest schedule for buses from Orlando to Tampa and pick the most convenient travel time.

Orlando Old City. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Orlando to Tampa?

Departure bus station: When taking a bus from Orlando to Tampa, you can catch one at the bus terminal at 555 N John Young Pkwy. The station is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown Orlando. Alternatively, you board a bus from the Lynx public bus stop, which is open round the clock. At the station, you can access amenities such as a quick bite and vending machines.

Arrival bus station: When arriving at Tampa from Orlando, you will likely arrive at the Greyhound Station on 610 E Polk Street. The station has amenities such as a seating area, a vending machine, and restrooms. To access other parts of the city, you can do so through Marion St N + Casse St E, which is around 3min walk away. How busy the station is might vary significantly depending on the day of the week. For instance, you might find Monday to be quite busy since that is the day most people head to Tampa from Orlando for work. But, on the other hand, Wednesday might be the least busy day for bus travel.

Which bus companies travel from Orlando to Tampa?

Greyhound and Amtrak are the leading bus companies you can travel with to Orlando from Tampa. Greyhound is one of the largest nationwide bus carriers in the United States and is known for its safety and reliability. On average, Greyhound operates around three bus trips from Orlando to Tampa daily. Apart from Greyhound, you can also board an Amtrak bus from Orlando to Tampa. However, there might not be as many Amtrak buses plying that route each day. Therefore, you might have to plan your trip around this limitation.

To Tampa by bus – travel tips

Most people picture Tampa as a business-centric metropolis. While the city still has so much business going on, it has so much to offer to people visiting for pleasure. For instance, the city presents you with endless eating options, from chicken sandwiches to seafood. Besides, Tampa has great beaches ideal for sunbathing. Although Tampa has so many beaches, Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island are among the most popular ones.

Besides spending some time at the beach, you might also appreciate Tampa’s rich cultural history, particularly at Ybor’s city. While in the city, you might consider taking a trip to Tarpon Springs, which is home to the largest Greek-American community in the United States. Besides, if you are an animal lover, a trip to Tampa would forever be memorable. You can visit the Lowry Park Zoo, which is home to over 2000 animals.

Surprisingly, the zoo is so big that you can spend all day there, and learn so much while having some fun. To most people, taking a boat ride heading to the Gulf of Mexico is the epitome of fun in Tampa. For even more fun, you can play with dolphins along the way. Unlike seeing a dolphin in an aquarium, you can interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat.

If you are traveling to Tampa with your family, you might consider taking a trip to Busch Gardens, an African-themed adventure park spanning over 335 acres. To make the most out of your trip to Tampa, it would be best to download an offline map of the city. That way, you will have a gist of where to explore once you get off the bus.

Orlando Park. Source: Shutterstock

Greyhound buses from Orlando to Tampa

Greyhound is one of the bus companies you can rely on for your trip from Orlando to Tampa. When on a Greyhound bus, expect to spend approximately 1h 40min on the journey. However, the duration is subject to change depending on your specific travel date. Notably, Greyhound operates direct buses from Orlando to Tampa. Having been in operation for over a century, Greyhound has mastered the art of excellent customer service. You can use Omio to see the latest Greyhound schedule and book the most convenient trip. If you would like to change your Greyhound ticket, you will be charged a fee.

Amtrak buses from Orlando to Tampa

Although Amtrak is mainly popular with train travel, the company also provides bus services. One of the routes Amtrak buses serve is the Orlando to Tampa route. However, they don’t have many trains serving that route daily, compared to Greyhound. Generally, Amtrak is known for friendly prices in tickets. However, consider comparing prices on Omio to get the best deals.

Orlando to Tampa by bus: services on board

If you choose to travel from Orlando to Tampa on a Greyhound bus, you can enjoy their wide range of services on board. For instance, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi available on all their buses. Besides, you can bring oversized luggage on board, including a bicycle, as long as there is enough room under the bus. Their luggage policy is also quite generous since they allow you to bring one checked luggage and one carry-on. However, you might have to part with a fee for oversized luggage.

If you rely on a service animal, you can bring it on board on a Greyhound bus. Greyhound buses also have reclining seats, power outlets, and an onboard restroom. Similarly, Amtrak has a wide range of services on board. For instance, Amtrak buses have restrooms. You can also travel in comfort on reclining seats, not to mention the generous legroom. While Amtrak buses might not have as many amenities as Amtrak trains, you should not expect any trouble for your Orlando to Tampa bus trip.