Planning a trip from St. Petersburg to Tampa? This ultimate travel guide explores the four best ways to make the journey via ferry, bus, self-drive, and taxi, with detailed travel times, costs, pros and cons, and local tips. Whether you’re chasing scenic bay views on the ferry or looking for the most budget-friendly ride, we’ve got you covered. Includes travel comparison table, must-have travel apps, frequently asked flight questions, and must-visit places in both cities. Perfect for weekend travelers, locals, and tourists alike.
There are 3 ways to get from St. Petersburg, Florida to Tampa, Florida by Bus, Taxi & Cabs, or Self-Drive or Private Vehicle.
Distance between St. Petersburg, Florida and Tampa, Florida is 37.58, 23.35 miles or 20.29 nautical miles.
| Origin | St. Petersburg, Florida |
|---|---|
| Destination | Tampa, Florida |
| Driving Distance | 37.58 kms (23.35 mi, 20.29 NM) |
| Estimated Time | 24 minutes |
It takes approximately 24 minutes to travel by car from St. Petersburg, Florida to Tampa, Florida.
The total driving distance between these two points is around 37.58 kilometers, which equals approximately 23.35 miles or 20.29 nautical miles.
Travel time is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the route you take, the time of day, and live traffic conditions. The numbers shown are based on standard driving routes.
You can refer to the distance values shown above in kilometers, miles, and nautical miles for easy understanding and travel planning.
Unit conversions:
1 mile = ~1.609 kilometers
1 nautical mile = exactly 1.852 kilometers
Scroll down to view the interactive route map below. You can click and zoom on the map to explore the journey in more detail and plan your trip better.
Most Budget-Friendly
Hop on a FlixBus to get from St. Pete to Tampa affordably and comfortably.
💸 ₹194 (~$2.30)
⏱️ Duration: ~1 hr 15 min
🚌 4 daily rides | 🕒 First: 13:35 | Last: 23:45
📍 Free WiFi, power sockets, and a guaranteed seat
✅ Cheapest option
✅ Environment-friendly
❌ Slightly slower due to traffic and stops
Best For: Budget travelers, students, backpackers
Fastest but Pricey
Skip the stress — hail a cab or ride-share for door-to-door comfort.
💸 ₹1,600–₹2,000 ($20–$25)
⏱️ Duration: ~29 minutes
✅ No navigation or parking needed
✅ Safe, air-conditioned rides
❌ Not ideal for solo budget travelers
Best For: Couples, business travelers, or when in a hurry
Flexible and Quick
Drive via I-275 N or Gandy Blvd — fast and efficient if you’re avoiding rush hour.
💸 ₹341–₹492 (~$4–$6 for fuel)
⏱️ Duration: ~29 minutes
🅿️ Parking available in most Tampa attractions
✅ Flexible schedule
✅ Easy access to all Tampa districts
❌ Parking may be tight downtown on weekends
Best For: Families, weekend road trippers
| Mode | Time | Cost | Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | ~50 min | ₹1,034 ($12) | High | Most scenic & peaceful |
| Bus | ~1h 15m | ₹194 ($2.30) | Medium | Cheapest; FlixBus amenities |
| Car | ~29 min | ₹341–₹492 ($4–$6) | High | Best for flexible schedules |
| Taxi | ~29 min | ₹1,600+ ($20+) | Very High | Fastest but expensive |
Tampa Downtown Vibes
From the brand-new Water Street district to Stanley Cup Lightning games, this waterfront area is buzzing.
Culture + Family Fun
Tampa Museum of Art, Straz Center, Florida Aquarium, and Curtis Hixon Park.
St. Pete’s Creative Soul
Before you leave, stroll through the artsy vibe of Central Avenue, hit the new St. Pete Pier, and explore The Dali Museum.
Q: Can I book a flight for someone else?
Yes. Just enter their ID info while booking.
Q: Is ID proof required for check-in?
Yes, especially passport for international flights.
Q: Can I carry food onboard?
Depends on the airline — check in advance.
Q: What's the baggage allowance?
Varies by airline; confirm before packing.
Q: Economy vs. Business Class?
Business offers lounge access, better meals, spacious seats — but at a premium.
Q: Lost your bag?
File a report with the airline with your ID, ticket, and proof of travel.
The ferry is the best car-free option. It’s scenic, comfortable, and takes around 50 minutes, offering stunning views across Tampa Bay. Operates Wednesday to Sunday, with extra rides on Tampa Bay Lightning game days.
Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly choice. Tickets start at ₹194 (~$2.30), with FlixBus offering multiple daily departures. Travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The driving distance is approximately 34.9 km (21.7 miles), which takes around 29 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions.
Yes. FlixBus runs several direct routes daily, offering onboard amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reserved seats.
Absolutely. Taxis are the fastest and most direct option, covering the distance in about 29 minutes, but they’re also the most expensive, costing between ₹1,600–₹2,000 ($20–$25).
While technically possible, it’s not practical due to the long distance, busy highways, and lack of continuous pedestrian/bike paths across the bay.
Yes, most ferry services (like the Cross Bay Ferry) allow bikes onboard, making it a great eco-friendly travel combo.
No, there are no commercial flights between these two cities due to their close proximity. Ground or water transport is faster and more efficient.
Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to ensure boarding. The ferry has a fixed schedule and may fill up quickly during weekends or special events.