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Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Houston to Tampa. Traveling by bus from Houston to Tampa usually takes around 30 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 791 mi (1273 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $98.97 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Houston to Tampa?
Bus tickets for a trip from Houston to Tampa cost $120.06 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Tampa. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
Bus tickets from Houston to Tampa are expected to cost between $117 and $192 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 $129. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $119.39 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Houston to Tampa?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Houston to Tampa that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 7 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1d 7h 30m | $202.34 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 1d 5h 59m | $142.88 |
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 Houston 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 7 bus trips from Houston to Tampa every day, with the average journey taking around 29 hours and 59 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Tampa usually start from $99.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 30 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 791 miles from Houston to Tampa. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Houston 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 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Houston to Tampa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Houston 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 Houston to Tampa; ticket prices start at $507.00.
City Information
Houston
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Image credit: WhispertoMe
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Greyhound Terminal Bus Station
The Bus Terminal at 2121 Main Street is centrally located within downtown Houston and serves as a hub for bus service from Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and Tornado Bus. From Houston’s bus terminal, you might connect to other cities in Texas such as Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, or further afield to Los Angeles and New York. The station is open 24 hours a day, with restrooms, seating, and several food options available onsite. Within a few minutes’ walk from the bus terminal, you’ll find parking, rental car agencies, gas stations, fast food, and a Light Rail station to easily access the rest of Houston.
All bus stations in Houston:
Greyhound Terminal Bus Station
Downtown - 605 Gray St
2525 Southwest Fwy (Timewise/Shell gas station lot)
6590 Southwest Hwy
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
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