4.0
Pros: It was a short trip but will the late arrival and delay I got in one hour late. Had it arrived when it was supposed to be. I would have been happy. Cons: Been in time and cleaner.
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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Ocala to Tampa. Traveling by bus from Ocala to Tampa usually takes around 5 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 88 mi (141 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $61.48 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Ocala to Tampa
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
How much is a bus ticket from Ocala to Tampa?
Bus tickets for a trip from Ocala to Tampa cost $62.48 on average. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than $62.48. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly average prices
Taking the bus from Ocala to Tampa is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're planning to take the bus from Ocala to Tampa during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $74. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $26.48 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Ocala to Tampa?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Ocala to Tampa. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 5h 4m | $80.56 |
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 Ocala to Tampa, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 88 miles from Ocala to Tampa. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 40 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Tampa. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ocala to Tampa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Ocala 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.
City Information
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attribution
Image credit: National Forests in Florida
Link to image attributionOcala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
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 Ocala?
Main departure station: 3873 SW State Rd 200
Most buses depart from the main station in Ocala.
All bus stations in Ocala:
3873 SW State Rd 200
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
USF - Theatre Ctr - 3801 USF Holly Drive
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