Cheap bus tickets from Washington, DC to Tampa, FL

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Bus from Washington DC to Tampa, FL: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Tampa, FL. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Tampa, FL usually takes around 26 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance
819 mi (1317 km)
Shortest duration
20h 20m
Cheapest price
$98.46
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
1

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Washington to Tampa Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Tampa?

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington, DC to Tampa, FL.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$214.15Avg. Price$202.97Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips2
Duration26h 17mDuration21h 53mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Tampa, FL?

Bus tickets for a trip from Washington DC to Tampa, FL cost $98.46 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Tampa, FL by travel date

$165$110$55AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Washington DC to Tampa, FL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $89 to $159. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Tampa, FL this week, bus tickets are available starting at $94.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Tampa, FL by month

$200$160$120$80$40JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Washington DC to Tampa, FL is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $141. If you're planning to take the bus from Washington DC to Tampa, FL during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $193. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$325$260$195$130$6501020

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $218.43 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Washington to Tampa?

There are multiple buses that travel from Washington to Tampa, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US326h 17m$214.15
  • 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 3 trips per day from Washington, DC to Tampa, FL, and the average ticket for this route costs only $214.15.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington to Tampa

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Tampa, FL 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 Washington DC to Tampa, FL; ticket prices start at $121.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 26 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 819 miles from Washington DC to Tampa, FL. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 20 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

819

DISTANCE (KM)

1317

The first bus leaves at 2:05am and the last bus leaves at 10:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to Tampa, FL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

2:05am

LATEST BUS

10:45pm

Because many passengers travel from Washington DC to Tampa, FL at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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.

MOST CROWDED

Monday

LEAST CROWDED

Thursday

City Information

Washington, DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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, FL

TPA-0TPA-1TPA-2

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?

Main departure station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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:

  • Union Station

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.

All bus stations in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bus Station
  • Tampa USF, FL

Need a return trip from Tampa to Washington?

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