- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
Often called America's first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history, decorative arts, natural history, and regional culture.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
19 h 55 m
Average duration
20 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
589 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
It's difficult to get from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC without transferring at least 3 times.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $57.
Distance: 365 miles (589 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$155 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $192 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 21m Average total duration 19h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 22m Average total duration 9h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.8 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC costing on average $165 (€135).
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC costing on average $192 (€157).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 52m.
Bus takes on average 19h 51m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 10:25 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 20h05 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 10:35 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 19h55 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:56, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 365 miles (589 km) distance in 18h 50m.
Distance 365 miles (589 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 18h 50m |
First bus 4:56 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
Often called America's first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history, decorative arts, natural history, and regional culture.
A small but important museum interpreting the domestic slave trade in Charleston through exhibits in a historic market building.
Charleston's leading art museum, known for American art with strong ties to the South, rotating exhibitions, and a distinguished permanent collection.
Charleston's famous waterfront promenade is lined with grand historic homes, harbor views, and classic postcard scenery.
A popular riverfront park known for its pier, lawns, and the photogenic Pineapple Fountain.
Charleston's best-known commercial corridor, mixing historic architecture, shopping, nightlife, and frequent social media visibility.
A Lowcountry classic of sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston’s signature dishes.
A rich Charleston soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and sherry. It is a historic local specialty associated with the city’s coastal cuisine.
A traditional rice and field pea dish, usually cooked with pork for flavor. It is an iconic Southern and Lowcountry comfort food.
One of Charleston’s most acclaimed restaurants, serving ingredient-driven Southern cuisine with a polished but approachable feel. Reservations are highly sought after.
A popular waterfront restaurant known for Lowcountry seafood, shrimp and grits, and relaxed harbor views. It is a dependable choice for classic Charleston flavors.
A celebrated restaurant focused on refined Southern cooking using seasonal local ingredients. Stylish and upscale, it is one of Charleston’s best-known dining rooms.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Historic district dining and hotels cost more, while casual food and transport stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet. Tipping is expected for most service roles.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Tampa, FL to Charleston, SC buses use the Tampa, Marion Transit Center to Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Tampa, FL and Charleston, SC 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