How to get from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa

Maria Papakonstantinou

November 16, 2024

Tampa International Airport is around 8 mi (13 km) west of Downtown Tampa and if you have an upcoming flight it’s worth having a look at the available transportation options.

There are four convenient transportation options from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa: a Tampa Airport taxi, a private transfer, a local bus, and the Airport Express bus. Note that although Tampa has a train station, it’s not possible to get from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa by train.

To avoid the hassle, the best ways are an airport taxi from the rank or a pre-booked Tampa Airport transfer; they’re the most expensive options but they’re worth it if you want to reach your accommodation directly anytime during the day.

For budget-conscious travelers, public transportation from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa is a great alternative. You can take local bus Routes 10 or 30 that follow a similar route from Tampa Airport to downtown or 330X Airport Express, which takes only a few stops up to Marion Transit Center.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Tampa at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€33	15min	24/7
Local Routes 10/30	€3.80	30min	04:23–23:48
300X Airport Express	€4.20	25min	06:55–19:05
Welcome Airport Transfer	€94	15min	24/7

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by taxi

A Tampa Airport taxi is one of the most convenient options to get from Tampa Airport to downtown quickly and comfortably. Yellow Cab provides taxi services directly from the airport to the door of your hotel or apartment. Although there can be a queue at the rank, an airport taxi is still one of the fastest transportation options to reach downtown Tampa.

How much is the taxi fare from Tampa Airport to downtown?

Compared to other major cities around the US, taxis in Tampa are not that expensive. Local taxis typically operate on a taximeter but for a taxi from Tampa Airport to downtown there is a flat fare of $35 (€33) for up to 4 passengers. This price is fixed no matter the traffic conditions, your destination in the city, or the time of day.

Rates can be higher for a larger vehicle and additional passengers. However, luggage and any special equipment, like strollers or wheelchairs, can be transported free of charge.

Photos (2)

A sedan and SUV taxi in Tampa

Cost

$35

Trip Duration

15 Min.

During peak hours, waiting times at the taxi rank can be longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Where do I take a taxi from?

The official taxi rank at Tampa Airport is located at the curbside outside the Baggage Claim Level at the Ground Transportation Areas, Red 1 and Blue 2. Taxis operated by Yellow Cab are available there 24/7. Follow the signage inside the terminal to get there easily.

Convenience

Taking an airport taxi is one of the most convenient options to cover the distance from Tampa Airport to downtown. Yellow Cab provides reliable service and the flat fare means you don’t need to worry about metered rates that get affected by traffic conditions. Note that standard taxis don’t come equipped with a baby/child seat so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with young children.

Editor’s Note

Tampa Airport is very busy all year long, meaning you can expect a long line at the taxi rank, especially during peak hours. To save time, consider pre-booking a private airport transfer.

Useful Tips

Head directly to the official airport taxi rank and get in the first taxi in line or stand at the end of the queue if there is one.

Yellow Cab provides wheelchair-accessible services but they're not readily available at the taxi rank; you need to contact them in advance.

Most taxis accept card payments but it’s best to confirm with the driver upfront. To pay in cash, you can visit an ATM or a currency exchange office inside the terminal.

It's advised to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride in case you want to file a complaint or claim a lost item.

Tipping your driver is customary for good service; 15% to 20% of the total fare is usually enough.

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by bus (Routes 10/30)

For travelers on a budget, a good option to get from Tampa Airport to downtown is to take the bus. Local Routes 10 and 30 operated by HART run daily and offer a direct connection to the city.

Route 10 starts from Westshore Blvd and continues along Westshore Blvd, crosses Hillsborough River, and makes several stops on Cass St and at Marion Transit Center in Downton Tampa.

Route 30 starts from Cypress St and continues along Kennedy Blvd, making multiple stops at popular locations, like Hyde Park Av., all the way to Downtown Tampa, like Tampa St. and Marion Transit Center.

Both routes take about the same time from Tampa Airport to downtown. You can check the map to find the nearest stop to your accommodation and then continue on foot or switch to another local bus route.

What's the cost of the Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa shuttle?

A one-way ticket for bus routes 10 and 30 from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa costs $2 (€1.90). Children under 5 years old ride the bus free of charge when they’re no taller than the yellow height line on the bus.

You can purchase your ticket from the driver onboard. Make sure to carry exact change and no bills larger than $1 as the bus operator doesn’t carry change.

Photos (1)

HART Route 30

Cost

$2

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Routes 10 and 30 run every 1 hour daily.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Route 10 operates from 05:46 to 23:48 on weekdays and from 05:47 to 23:51 on weekends. Route 30 operates from 04:23 to 23:26 on weekdays and from 05:34 to 23:31 on weekends.

Where do I take the bus from?

You can take Routes 10 and 30 near the Rental Car Center at Tampa Airport. You can get there on foot with the airport’s SkyConnect train, which runs every 2 minutes and connects the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center in less than 5 minutes.

Once you reach the Rental Car Center, look for the signs indicating where each bus route stops.

Convenience

Getting from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa by bus is a great value-for-money option and HART buses are the cheapest choice. However, this makes it quite a popular choice so it can get rather crowded during peak hours. This means that if you’re carrying many pieces of luggage or you’re traveling with young children, you may need to look for an alternative option. Also, keep in mind that you may need to walk or switch to another bus line to reach your end destination, which complicates things a bit.

Timetables

HART bus services

Maps and schedules

HART fares

Fare types and rates

Editor’s Note

If you plan to move around Tampa using local buses, you can download the Flamingo Fares App on your mobile and purchase a 1-day unlimited Hartride for $4 (€3.80); you will save money and avoid the hassle of carrying the exact change to purchase a ticket on the bus.

Useful Tips

You can take luggage on the bus but note that during peak hours it can get crowded.

Baby strollers must be folded before boarding and secured in a way they're not blocking the isle or exits.

All HART buses are wheelchair-accessible with designated space for wheelchairs onboard.

When your stop is approaching, pull the stop cord to signal the driver.

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by bus (300X Airport Express)

Another convenient bus route to get from Tampa Airport to downtown is 300X Airport Express, operated by PSTA. It’s an express route, meaning it makes only a few stops and terminates at Marion Transit Center.

From there, you can continue on foot or switch to a local HART bus route to reach your hotel or apartment.

What's the cost of the Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa shuttle?

A one-way ticket for bus Route 300X from Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa costs $2.25 (€2.10). Children 8 and under ride all PSTA buses free of charge.

You can purchase your ticket onboard using cash or download the Flamingo Fares App on your mobile. If you pay in cash, make sure to carry the exact fare as drivers don’t provide change.

Alternatively, you can pay onboard with your tap-enabled credit or debit card (except for American Express) and Apple Pay or Google Pay on your mobile or smartwatch.

Photos (1)

300X Airport Express

Cost

$2.25

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Only 8 departures are scheduled for Route 300X from Tampa Airport. During peak hours, waiting time between departures is 1 hour.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Route 300X operates only Monday through Friday from 06:55 to 19:05.

Where do I take the bus from?

You can take 300X Airport Express near the Rental Car Center at Tampa Airport. You can take the airport’s SkyConnect train to get there; it runs every 2 minutes and connects the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center in less than 5 minutes.

Once you reach the Rental Car Center, look for the signs indicating where each bus route stops to ensure you board the correct bus.

Convenience

Although the bus is a cheap option to get from Tampa Airport to Tampa, 300X Airport Express is not the best option in terms of convenience. Service is available only on weekdays and only a few times per day so it’s not guaranteed you’ll catch it. Also, it makes only a couple of stops in Downtown Tampa so you may end up quite far from your end destination.

Timetables

PSTA schedule and maps

Regional Express Route 300X

PSTA fares

Rates and ticket types

Editor’s Note

If you want to leave the airport by bus, Routes 10 and 30 are much more convenient than Route 300X; they run more frequently, including weekends, as opposed to Route 300X which runs only on weekdays.

Useful Tips

Note that there is no service on weekends and holidays.

Enter the bus from the front door and exit through the rear door.

Baby strollers must be folded before boarding and secured in a way they're not blocking the isle or exits.

All PSTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

When your stop is approaching, pull the stop cord to signal the driver.

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by private transfer

A Tampa Airport transfer to Downtown Tampa is the best transportation option to reach your accommodation directly in the comfort of a private vehicle. With a top-rated operator like Welcome Pickups, you can save time by skipping the queue at the taxi rank and enjoy personalized services and perks like:

Meet and greets
Trained professional drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation policy

A quick booking process allows you to arrange everything before your trip, ensuring a seamless arrival at Tampa Airport after a long flight. Your driver will provide a relaxing ride and can even recommend places to eat or visit to help you make the most of your stay.

What's the cost of a private transfer from Tampa Airport to downtown?

One of the perks of pre-booking your airport transfer with Welcome is the fixed fare that you can pay securely online after completing your booking. This helps you budget your trip beforehand and avoid surprises after reaching your destination.

A transfer from Tampa Airport to Tampa costs $100 (€94) with a sedan, $138 (€130) with a minivan for up to 6, $238 (€224) with a minivan for up to 9, and $276 (€260) with a minibus for up to 12 passengers. The booking flow will help you select the best vehicle type after selecting the number of passengers and luggage.

These fares are final and include all taxes and any airport fees. Even if you get stuck in traffic during rush hour, the fare is fixed so you have nothing to worry about after leaving the airport.

Photos (2)

Sedan and minivan transfer from Tampa Airport

Cost

$100

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Pre-booking your private transfer ensures zero waiting time after landing.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can pre-book a private transfer 24/7 from Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Tampa Airport has four terminals but your Welcome driver will have your flight information after you submit it during the booking. Knowing at which terminal your flight lands, they will be waiting inside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name.

If you have trouble spotting your driver, you can check the Welcome Traveler App to see the exact meeting point or contact your driver. After a warm meet and greet, your driver will help with your luggage and guide you to your pre-selected vehicle in the parking lot.

Convenience

Despite being the most expensive option, a private transfer is probably the best way to get from Tampa Airport to downtown in terms of convenience. Whether you’re traveling on business, with your family, or simply wish to avoid queues, crowds, and checking timetables, Welcome Pickups ensures a seamless travel experience. With everything taken care of in advance, you can simply sit back and relax until you reach your hotel or apartment downtown.

Editor’s Note

It's recommended to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your flight arrival; this will allow enough time to go through passport control and baggage claim without rushing to the exit.

Useful Tips

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one free of charge during the booking process or later using the Welcome Pickups App.

You will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.

Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time in case of a delay.

You can contact your driver via WhatsApp or the Welcome Pickups App.

You don't have to tip your driver but you're welcome to do so if you really appreciate the service. You can tip in cash or add a tip via the Welcome Pickups App.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Tampa. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€50.0

NIGHTTIME

€60.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Tampa downtown from the airport?

You can get from Tampa Airport to downtown via taxi, private transfer, local bus, or the express bus. Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient options, available 24/7 for door-to-door service. Local Routes 10 and 30 and Route 300X Airport Express are much cheaper options, ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

Does Tampa Airport have a shuttle?

There are three shuttles you can take from Tampa Airport to downtown. Routes 10 and 30 are operated by HART and will take you downtown in about 30 minutes for $2 (€1.90) per traveler. Route 300X Airport Express operated by PSTA is a bit faster as it makes fewer stops up to Marion Transit Center and costs $2.25 (€2.10) per traveler.

How far is Downtown Tampa from the Tampa Airport?

The distance from Tampa Airport to downtown is approximately 8 mi (13 km) east. In average traffic, getting there takes around 15 minutes by car or taxi and around 30 minutes by public transport.

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How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by taxi

How much is the taxi fare from Tampa Airport to downtown?

Photos (2)

Cost

$35

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Where do I take a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by bus (Routes 10/30)

What's the cost of the Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa shuttle?

Photos (1)

Cost

$2

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Route 10 operates from 05:46 to 23:48 on weekdays and from 05:47 to 23:51 on weekends. Route 30 operates from 04:23 to 23:26 on weekdays and from 05:34 to 23:31 on weekends.

Where do I take the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

HART bus services

Maps and schedules

HART fares

Fare types and rates

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by bus (300X Airport Express)

What's the cost of the Tampa Airport to Downtown Tampa shuttle?

Photos (1)

Cost

$2.25

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Route 300X operates only Monday through Friday from 06:55 to 19:05.

Where do I take the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

PSTA schedule and maps

Regional Express Route 300X

PSTA fares

Rates and ticket types

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown by private transfer

What's the cost of a private transfer from Tampa Airport to downtown?

Photos (2)

Cost

$100

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can pre-book a private transfer 24/7 from Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car