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Journey Information
There are 13 intercity buses per day from Charlotte to Tampa. Traveling by bus from Charlotte to Tampa usually takes around 20 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 512 mi (823 km) |
| Shortest duration | 17h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $102.10 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Charlotte to Tampa?
$108.31 is the average price of a bus ticket from Charlotte to Tampa. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Charlotte to Tampa is expected to range from $108 to $145. If you are looking to travel to Tampa within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $119. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $108 and can be found on May 6, 2024.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $137 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Charlotte to Tampa in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $215 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 28 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$121.04 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Charlotte to Tampa?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Charlotte to Tampa that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 9 | 23h 16m | $175.56 |
| Greyhound | 8 | 20h 38m | $134.04 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 9 trips per day from Charlotte to Tampa, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 8 bus trips from Charlotte to Tampa every day, with the average journey taking around 20 hours and 38 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Tampa usually start from $101.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 20 hours and 54 minutes to cover the 823 kilometers from Charlotte to Tampa. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Charlotte to Tampa for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Charlotte to Tampa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 13 scheduled buses that travel from Charlotte to Tampa every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Charlotte to Tampa; ticket prices start at $129.75.
City Information
Charlotte
A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
Tampa
Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Charlotte?
Image credit: City Dweller 2
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 518 W 4Th St
The bus station at 518 W 4th St in Charlotte welcomes travelers on journeys to destinations including New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines bus services operate from this station, and available inside the station are restrooms, an ATM, and vending machines. Downtown Charlotte is within a few minutes’ walk, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. For those continuing their travels from Charlotte by train, the bus station is just 2 miles from Charlotte’s Amtrak station.
All bus stations in Charlotte:
518 W 4Th St
419 E 7th St
3301-400 Freedom Dr
Where does the bus arrive in Tampa?
Main arrival station: Tampa Bus Station
Located on Polk Street, the Greyhound Bus Terminal is Tampa’s main terminal for intercity bus service to cities such as Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta. Travelers on Greyhound will find ample parking in the surrounding area and a comfortable waiting room with restrooms and a small café inside. Conveniently located in the North Franklin St Historic District in downtown Tampa, the bus terminal is within a short walk of several dining options and connections to local public transit to travel within Tampa.
Bus stations in Tampa:
Tampa Bus Station
USF - Theatre Ctr - 3801 USF Holly Drive
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