- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $203. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $203, and a flight costs an average of $128.
Distance: 509 miles (820 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$206 Average price Cheapest | $255 Average price | $278 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 25m Average total duration 22h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 16m Average total duration 27h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC costing on average $255 (€209).
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC costing on average $278 (€228).
Other travel options to Wilmington, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 55m.
Train takes on average 27h 46m.
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 06:50AM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $203 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 37h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 32h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 32h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $126 |
The table below shows live departures for Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ + FlixBus+![]() | 10:25 PM Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant), FL | 32h40 | 7:05 AM Wilmington, Forden Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:35 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 32h30 | 7:05 AM Wilmington, Forden Station | 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 Wilmington, NC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 22h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $203 (€166) but you can travel from only $128 (€104) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:50, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 509 miles (820 km) distance in 24h 15m.
Distance 509 miles (820 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $203 (€166) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 24h 15m |
First bus 6:50 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Historic industrial museum on the Brandywine, preserving the original DuPont gunpowder works and riverside estate.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set in a grand former estate with extensive gardens.
Popular waterfront district with a riverwalk, public art, entertainment venues, and modern city views.
Large urban park with river scenery, trails, and access to the Brandywine Zoo area.
Beloved hillside park known for lawns, skyline views, and the landmark Rockford Tower.
Slow-cooked pork, often chopped or pulled, dressed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce typical of eastern North Carolina. It is one of the region’s signature foods.
A classic local barbecue sandwich made with smoky pulled pork, usually served with slaw. It is a staple at casual barbecue spots around coastal North Carolina.
Lightly battered and fried seafood, especially shrimp or fish, inspired by the nearby Calabash style of the Carolina coast. It is popular in Wilmington seafood restaurants.
Popular long-running restaurant known for Thai and Vietnamese dishes, lush decor, and a memorable garden dining atmosphere.
Well-regarded downtown restaurant focusing on North Carolina ingredients, seafood, and refined Southern cooking in a polished but relaxed setting.
Established downtown brewpub serving house beer and crowd-pleasing American food in a lively historic space.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining can be pricier in peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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