Getting from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center

Sarasota Bradenton Airport is 95km away from Tampa city center, and there are three ways to make the journey; by taxi, private transfer, and bus. A Sarasota Airport taxi is a more expensive way to get to Tampa city center, but you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and convenient ride with this option. The journey is around 1 hour in normal traffic conditions.

For even more comfort and ease, you can book a Sarasota Airport transfer. That way, you can skip the taxi queue and save time getting to Tampa.

There is no direct Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center bus. Instead, you’ll need to take two public buses to Cattlemen Transit Station, then the Flixbus shuttle to Tampa. The journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€200	60min	24/7
Bus (No.99 + No.1 + Flixbus)	€40	240min	12:05–22:55
Welcome Airport Transfer	€69	60min	24/7

How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by taxi

One of the quickest and most convenient ways to get from Sarasota Bradenton Airport to Tampa city center is by Sarasota Airport taxi. With this option, you won’t experience unnecessary stops on the road, and the trip lasts around 1 hour under normal traffic conditions.

Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center taxi fares

Taking a taxi from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City will cost you around $200 (€175) for the one-hour trip. However, the prices vary depending on the time of the day and whether it’s a public holiday or a weekend.

Cost

$200

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

*Rates vary on weekends and public holidays

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Sarasota Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Airport taxis are always available at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. You can find them outside the baggage claim.

Convenience

Even though taking a taxi is an expensive way to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center, it’s also quick, reliable, comfortable, and convenient. Taxis in Sarasota will offer you direct journeys to your destination without unnecessary stress.

Editor’s Note

Tipping is normal in Florida so we recommend setting aside an extra 10-20% to give your driver.

Useful Tips

Ensure your driver resets the taximeter before your ride begins.

You can pay for your taxi ride by cash or card. Most credit and debit cards are accepted including American Express.

Most taxis available at Sarasota Airport are sedans seating up to four passengers. If you require a larger vehicle, it’s best to book one in advance.

How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by bus (No.99 + No.1 + Flixbus)

Taking a bus is the cheapest way to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center, however, it’s the least convenient.

First, you’ll need to take the No.99 bus to the Downtown Transfer Station.

From there, take the No.1 bus to Cattlemen Transit Station.

Finally, get the Flixbus shuttle bus service to Tampa. The Flixbus service is the longest leg of the journey, taking 1 hour and 10 minutes or 1 hour and 45 minutes. This service is only available between 12:05 and 22:55 every day.

This journey typically takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, but in moments of heavy traffic, it could take up to 3 hours.

How much is a bus from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center?

Each public bus ride costs $2.25 (€2) each. The Flixbus service from Cattlemen Transit Station in Sarasota to Tampa costs $15 (€14) per person.

Cost

$19.50

Trip Duration

3 Hr.

*There may be a 2-hour wait for the next bus departure.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses are available between 12:05 and 22:55 every day.

Where do I get a bus from?

Buses leaving Sarasota Airport depart from the Bradenton Connector.

Convenience

While taking public transport from Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center is the cheapest option, it’s not nearly as convenient as taking a taxi. The journey is extremely long which can become even longer if you hit traffic. Furthermore, the Flixbus service is only available in the afternoon, so you’ll need to find alternative transport if you want to travel in the morning.

Timetables

Flixbus Sarasota to Tampa

Editor’s Note

Pre-booking your tickets before the travel date is a way to get your tickets at a cheaper rate.

Useful Tips

Ensure that your personal belongings fit in your lap or underneath the seat so that it does not block the aisle under any circumstances.

Check the payment method used by the bus company as not all of them accept debit or credit card payments.

The Flixbus service from downtown Sarasota to Tampa has free wifi and charging points.

It’s best to book your Flixbus ticket in advance to save time.

How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by private transfer

Taking a Sarasota Airport transfer to Tampa is the best way to travel. Not only do you get to skip the taxi queue, but you also get a top-quality service with customer support which you won’t get from a local taxi.

If you choose to get a private shuttle from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center with a trusted international company like Welcome Pickups, you’ll also receive a plethora of other perks like:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancelation

With everything booked and paid for ahead of time, you’ll have nothing to worry about on the day you arrive at Sarasota Airport.

How much is a private transfer from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center?

If you book a private shuttle from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center from Welcome Pickups, the prices are as follows:

Sedan (1-3 passengers) – €69
Minivan (4-5 passengers) – €87
Large minivan (6-8 passengers) – €156
Minibus (9-10 passengers) – €174
Large minibus (11-12 passengers) – €243

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). All you need to do is put in your contact details, flight information, number of passengers, and exact destination in Tampa city and we’ll generate a personalized quote for you. That quote will be all-inclusive, meaning you won’t have any hidden fees or extras to pay on the day. You can settle the amount straight away using our secure online payment system to confirm your booking. Then, we’ll send you an email confirmation and keep you in the loop as we find the best driver and vehicle for you.

Cost

€69

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sarasota Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Once you’ve booked your airport transfer with us, we’ll arrange for your friendly driver to meet you in the Arrivals Hall when you land. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it so you can’t miss them. After greeting you, they’ll help you carry your luggage as they guide you to your handpicked vehicle. As you’re transported to your destination in Tampa city center, your driver will be delighted to give you some local tips to help you make the most of your stay.

Convenience

Private Sarasota Airport transfers offer more convenience and customization than local taxi services. You can save time and ensure you and your loved ones receive top-quality service with a professionally trained local driver. We’ve designed our service so that you can arrive at your destination in Tampa city center feeling safe, secure, and ready to explore.

Editor’s Note

We recommend setting the pickup time to 20-30 minutes after the landing time to leave enough time to clear passport control and baggage claim.

Useful Tips

Sedans can seat up to 3 passengers and minivans can take up to 8.

You do not have to tip your Sarasota Airport transfer driver, however, you can always add a tip via the app if you really appreciate the service.

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

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or using the Welcome Pickups app.

If your flight is delayed, there's no need to worry as our drivers receive live updates on delayed flights. So no matter what time you land, they will be there waiting.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from Sarasota Airport to Tampa?

No, there is no direct Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center shuttle. If you want to catch the Flixbus shuttle bus from the Cattlemen Transit Station to Tampa, you’ll need to take two buses from Sarasota Airport first which prolongs your journey. Alternatively, you can book a private shuttle from Sarasota Airport to Tampa which ensures an efficient, door-to-door ride.

How do I get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa without a car?

There are three ways to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa; by taxi, transfer, and bus. A taxi to Tampa city center costs $200 (€175). On the other hand, getting from Sarasota to Tampa by bus is a cheaper way to get to the city center, and it costs $20 (€18). Also, you can book your transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups for a set fare and guaranteed on-time pickup at the airport.

How far is Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center?

The distance from Sarasota Airport to Tampa is 95 km. By taxi or transfer, the journey takes around 1 hour.

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.

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How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by taxi

Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center taxi fares

Cost

$200

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Sarasota Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by bus (No.99 + No.1 + Flixbus)

How much is a bus from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center?

Cost

$19.50

Trip Duration

3 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses are available between 12:05 and 22:55 every day.

Where do I get a bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Flixbus Sarasota to Tampa

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Sarasota Airport to Tampa City Center?

Cost

€69

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sarasota Airport.

Where do I get a private 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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from Sarasota Airport to Tampa?

How do I get from Sarasota Airport to Tampa without a car?

How far is Sarasota Airport to Tampa city center?

Olivia De Santos

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