Getting Around Tampa: A Practical Guide for Visitors
Tampa is a major metropolitan area on Florida's Gulf Coast, and visitors have several options for moving around the city and region. While car rentals are the most popular choice among tourists, public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services provide viable alternatives depending on your plans and preferred travel style.
Public Transportation: Buses and Regional Transit
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) operates an extensive bus network throughout Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. HART offers several types of routes: local routes with many stops in small regions, longer Commuter Express lines connecting suburbs to Tampa, MetroRapid Bus Rapid Transit service, and trolleys. Local routes cost $1.75 per trip, while Commuter Express lines cost $2.75. Four small routes (numbered 83, 87, 88, and 89) charge only 50¢. Reduced fares of 85¢ for local routes and $1.35 for Commuter Express are available for riders over 65, children 17 and under, those on Medicare, and disabled passengers. Note that only transfers between local and Commuter Express routes are permitted.
The Marion Transit Center at 1211 North Marion Street, just north of downtown, serves as the hub for most local and regional HART buses. Bus transportation is not heavily used by locals, so you can expect uncrowded conditions on most services.
If you're traveling to Pinellas County (the area west of Tampa Bay, which includes Clearwater and St. Petersburg), the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides similar transit service to what HART offers in Hillsborough.
The Streetcar System
Tampa's TECO Line Streetcar is a practical and scenic way to explore downtown and Ybor City. The line runs from Whiting and Franklin Streets downtown to Centennial Park in Ybor City, with 11 total stops along the route. The streetcar passes by many local shops, restaurants, and attractions including the convention center, Tampa Bay Times Forum, Channelside, the Florida Aquarium, and through the historic Ybor City neighborhood.
As of January 2019, the streetcar is free to ride—simply board at any stop. Streetcar stations are covered and equipped with benches, ticket vending machines, and information kiosks. Dick Greco Plaza in downtown serves as an intermodal station where you can connect to HART buses, taxis, and other services.
If you plan to use the streetcar along with HART local buses and trolleys, a 1-day unlimited ride pass costs $5. Discounted passes are available for riders over 65, disabled passengers, those on Medicare, and children 17 and under at $1.25 per trip or $2.50 for a 1-day unlimited pass. A "Family All Day Ticket" allows 2 adults plus 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children to ride streetcars only for $12.50. Children under 4 are free.
The streetcar operates with a fleet that includes replica vintage cars and one original streetcar that operated in Tampa from 1923 to 1946. Even if you're not using the streetcar solely for transportation, it's a pleasant way to experience some of the city's historic and cultural attractions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Check locally for current options and pricing.
Walkability
However, downtown areas near transit hubs like Dick Greco Plaza offer pedestrian access to surrounding areas, and the streetcar line connects walkable destinations throughout downtown and Ybor City.
Traveling by Car
Car rentals are the most convenient form of transportation for many visitors. Both local companies and national chains operate in Tampa; local companies often offer better prices, while national chains provide more convenience with flexible return policies and extended hours. The main freeways are Interstate 275, Interstate 4, the Veterans Expressway (toll), and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway (toll). Key east-west roads include Kennedy Boulevard, Gandy Boulevard, Hillsborough Avenue, and Fowler Avenue, while major north-south roads are Dale Mabry Highway and Florida/Nebraska Avenue.
Be prepared for significant traffic, especially during rush hours from approximately 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Avoid Interstate 275 between Interstate 4 and State Road 60 during these times, as this section runs through downtown and is frequently under reconstruction. Rain can also cause traffic delays throughout the area.
Getting from Tampa International Airport to the City
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located about 8 miles west/northwest of downtown Tampa. The airport features a central terminal connected to four airside satellite terminals via SkyConnect trains, which move passengers between the main check-in area and their departure gates.
Several ground transportation options connect the airport to downtown Tampa and the surrounding region:
- Rental Cars: A separate Rental Car Center is located along Airport Service Road, accessible from the main terminal by frequent SkyConnect trains. Both major national companies and off-airport rental agencies operate from this center.
- Public Buses: Hillsborough Area Transit (HART) routes #10, #30, and #32 serve Tampa from the airport, while Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) route #300x serves St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Bus stops are located next to the Rental Car Center; follow signs to the "remote curbside" area to reach them. HART #10 and PSTA #300x connect the airport directly to downtown Tampa.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: These services are available at the airport; check the airport's current transportation information for specific operators and pricing.
For travelers arriving at alternative airports, Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 15 miles away and generally serves budget carriers, while Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located further south but near Gulf Coast beaches.
Regional Connections
If you're arriving in Tampa by train, Amtrak's Silver Star runs daily service from New York City and Miami to Tampa Union Station at 601 Nebraska Avenue downtown. The Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach bus service continues from Tampa toward Fort Myers and also connects to other Amtrak train services in the region. Long-distance bus services including Greyhound, Flixbus, and regional carriers also serve Tampa, with stops at various locations throughout the city.