Getting Into and Around the Tampa Bay Area

Though public transportation is available in the area, driving is a more popular method for visitors to get around.

HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES

U.S. 41 and Interstate 75 run throughout the area. U.S. 19 is the major north/south highway of St. Petersburg. I 275 runs west from Tampa to St. Petersburg and then turns south and crosses the bay a second time on its way to Terra Ceia. Route 64, Route 679, and Route 789 are other major highways that run through the area. Avoid the main highways during rush hour as traffic can become congested at those times.

AIRPORT

The Tampa Bay area is mainly served by two airports — Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg — Clearwater International Airport. Tampa International is the main commercial carrier, as the majority of flights to and from Clearwater are private charters.

On-site car rental is available at Tampa International from Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise and Thrifty. Off-site car rental is available from Alamo, E-Z, Econo Car, National, Payless, Specialty and U-Save.

TAXI AND LIMOUSINE

Taxi service is available at the airport and fares will normally be between $15 to $25 dollars within Hillsborough County. Pinellas County fares are normally twice that amount.

Limousine service is available from Central Florida Limousine. They provide service to and from the airport.

BUS

The Tampa Bay Area provides bus service by two main bus companies: In the Tampa area, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit serves as the public bus transportation. In the St. Petersburg Area, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides bus transport.