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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Tampa. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Tampa usually takes around 20 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Wanda Coach bus can make the trip in 17 hours,
| Distance | 819 mi (1317 km) |
| Shortest duration | 17h 0m |
| Cheapest price | €71.11 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Tampa?
€116.97 is the average price of a bus ticket from Washington DC to Tampa. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good 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
Bus tickets from Washington DC to Tampa are expected to cost between €115 and €156 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Tampa within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from €115. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just €126 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Tampa in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to €160 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 8 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save €77.11 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Washington DC to Tampa?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Washington DC to Tampa that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1d 4h 56m | €144.04 |
| Wanda Coach | 1 | 17h 0m | €138.55 |
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 4 trips per day from Washington to Tampa, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Wanda Coach is one of the leading Chinatown bus carriers in the U.S. The company offers 1 daily bus trips to and from more than 70 cities across the East Coast and the Midwest. With bus ticket prices starting from €139 and convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, Wanda Coach is one of the preferred bus carriers for passengers looking to travel between the Chinatown districts of Washington and Tampa.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 20 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 1317 kilometers from Washington DC to Tampa. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 hours. 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Tampa at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 09:00 and the last bus leaves at 22:00. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to Tampa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Tampa every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Washington DC to Tampa, FL; ticket prices start at €85.90.
City Information
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
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 Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All bus stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
2230 New York Ave NE
Dupont Cir CT Ave
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
5024 East 10th Ave (Columbus Plaza)
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