Fastest way from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa: Flight, about 1h 4min (from €44). Cheapest: Bus, from €38 (about 4h 30min – 6h 45min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound, RedCoach Florida; main departure point: Ft Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride.
There are 2 ways to get from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Ft Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride | €38 | 14 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station | €38 | 6 |
| RedCoach Florida | Bus | Fort Lauderdale Airport | €72 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Before booking, look at the comparison table. If your budget is tight and your schedule flexible, the bus makes sense. If every hour counts, the plane avoids spending a whole day on the road.
Bus stops in Florida can be on a street or at a roadside location rather than in a main station. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket and look it up on a map the day before.
Greater Fort Lauderdale and Tampa areas have more than one airport option. Check the three-letter airport code on your booking so you do not head to the wrong terminal.
Arriving is only half the trip. Check how to get from the Tampa arrival point to your accommodation, by rideshare, taxi or local transit, especially if you land late in the evening.
Fares are usually better when booked ahead. Avoid choosing the last bus or flight of the day: a delay could leave you stranded with no alternative and an extra night to pay for.
The journey experience
Fort Lauderdale and Tampa sit on opposite sides of Florida, so this is a true cross-state trip, not a quick hop. The good news: there are two clear ways to do it, and you can decide in seconds. The comparison table on this page shows duration, price range and frequency for the bus and the plane side by side, so you can pick based on your budget and how much time you have.
The bus is the budget-friendly option and works well if you are travelling without a car and carrying luggage. It crosses the state by road, usually with air conditioning, power outlets and onboard seating that is easy for a long ride. The flight is the fast option, but remember the extra steps: getting to the airport, security, and then reaching downtown Tampa on arrival. Both choices are bookable online with an instant e-ticket.
Our advice: if saving money matters most and your schedule is flexible, take the bus. If your time is limited or you are connecting to another leg of your trip, the plane is the sensible choice. Whichever you choose, always check the exact departure stop or terminal on your ticket, since bus stops are not always in a station and some cities have several airports or stops. Book early for the best fares and you will arrive without surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Fort Lauderdale → Tampa
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheapest choice and suits flexible travellers with luggage. The plane is much faster and makes sense if your time is limited or you are connecting onward. Compare both in the table on this page and book online with instant e-ticket confirmation.
By bus, the trip takes roughly 4.5 to 7 hours depending on the service and connections. By plane, journey times range from about 1h05 to 1h25. Always check the exact schedule before booking.
Bus tickets start from €38 and typically go up to €41. Flights start from €44 and typically go up to €168, depending on the date and how early you book. Booking ahead generally gives you the best fares, especially for flights.
If you want to save money and do not mind a long ride, the bus is the better choice, with a typical price close to its starting fare. If you want to avoid a long day of travel, the plane is better, though fares vary more widely. Compare both options in the table above.
The exact departure stop or terminal and whether the service is direct or involves a change are shown for each result when you search and again on your e-ticket. Check the pickup address and the arrival point before you travel, as services can differ by operator and time of day.
Why visit Tampa?
- ✓ Stroll the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, linking museums, parks and waterfront restaurants
- ✓ Explore Ybor City's historic cigar factories, Cuban sandwiches and the famous free-roaming chickens
- ✓ Ride the coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, from Iron Gwazi to Montu
- ✓ Spot manatees and dolphins at the Florida Aquarium, then kayak around Clearwater's mangroves
- ✓ Relax on Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto Park, regularly ranked among America's best beaches
When to visit Tampa?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
March to May, and October to November — warm, sunny and less humid, with fewer hurricane risks
What to do in Tampa?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Tampa?
Plan 3 to 4 days in Tampa. In 3 days you can cover Ybor City, the Riverwalk, Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium, and a beach day at Clearwater or St. Pete. With a 4th or 5th day, add Tarpon Springs, the Dalí Museum and a Gulf Coast island hop. Rent a car, as public transport is limited, and avoid June to September for heat, storms and hurricane risk.
Related searches