Getting around · Tampa · United States
Getting around Tampa
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Columbia Restaurant, Tampa · Photo: LittleT889, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Tampa is spread out and most visitors rent a car, especially for Busch Gardens and the beaches. Downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City are linked by the TECO Line Streetcar, and the Riverwalk and water taxis connect the waterfront. Yes for most trips: Busch Gardens, the beaches and day trips are all easier by car.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Tram
- Airports
- TPA, PIE
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
Plan a trip to Tampa
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Ways to get around
Tram
The TECO Line Streetcar uses replica vintage cars on a short line between downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City's 7th Avenue, and has been fare-free in recent years.
Service is less frequent early in the morning; check the timetable if you rely on it for dinner in Ybor.
Boat
The Pirate Water Taxi stops at points along the Riverwalk, from the Channel District to Armature Works, on a hop-on, hop-off ticket.
Ferry
The seasonal Cross-Bay Ferry links downtown Tampa with downtown St. Petersburg across the bay in about 50 minutes, usually from autumn to spring.
Bus
HART runs the city bus network, including a route between the airport and downtown; it is cheap but infrequent for sightseeing.
Car
A car is the practical way to reach Busch Gardens, the Gulf beaches, Tarpon Springs and the springs north of the city.
Bridges towards Clearwater and St. Pete jam at rush hour and on weekend afternoons; travel early.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Lyft are widely used, and easier than parking in Ybor City or downtown in the evening.
From the airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 10 km west of downtown, roughly 15 minutes by car or rideshare; an automated people-mover links the terminal with the rental car centre. St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE), across the bay, is served mainly by low-cost airlines and is closer to the beaches.
Do you need a car?
Yes for most trips: Busch Gardens, the beaches and day trips are all easier by car. A car-free stay works only if you base yourself downtown or in the Channel District and stick to the streetcar, Riverwalk and rideshares.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | About 30–40 minutes by car | Car via I-275 or the seasonal Cross-Bay Ferry |
| Clearwater Beach | About 45 minutes by car | Car via the Courtney Campbell Causeway |
| Tarpon Springs | About 45 minutes by car | Car via the Veterans Expressway and US 19 |
| Weeki Wachee Springs | About 1 hour by car | Car via the Suncoast Parkway |
| Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs | About 1 hour 40 minutes by car | Car via the Suncoast Parkway and US 19 |
| Sarasota | About 1 hour 10 minutes by car | Car via I-275 and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge |
| Orlando theme parks | About 1.5 hours by car | Car via I-4 |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Tampa?
Yes for most trips: Busch Gardens, the beaches and day trips are all easier by car. A car-free stay works only if you base yourself downtown or in the Channel District and stick to the streetcar, Riverwalk and rideshares.
+How do you get from the airport to Tampa?
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 10 km west of downtown, roughly 15 minutes by car or rideshare; an automated people-mover links the terminal with the rental car centre. St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE), across the bay, is served mainly by low-cost airlines and is closer to the beaches.
+What is the best way to get around Tampa?
Tram: The TECO Line Streetcar uses replica vintage cars on a short line between downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City's 7th Avenue, and has been fare-free in recent years.