Getting Around in Tampa

Getting around in Tampa without a car will prove fairly challenging. Although Tampa has a public transport system, it largely serves the city’s downtown areas. Owing a car in the city offers new arrivals greater freedom to explore the surrounds independently.

Those who are looking to explore the wider Florida and USA area are in luck, as Tampa International Airport offers flights to more than 90 local and international destinations.

Public transport in Tampa

New arrivals in Tampa might find the nature of the city’s public transport network somewhat disappointing, especially if they are accustomed to more sophisticated systems such as those found in cities like Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.

Public transport in Tampa is mainly useful when it comes to commuting within the city centre. There are some suburbs that have adequate public transport links, but on the whole, those living on the outskirts of the city would benefit from owning a car.

Buses

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transport Authority (HART) provides a fairly extensive network of wheelchair-accessible buses for Tampa. The network consists of local routes with a number of stops within a small area, and commuter express lines that cover larger areas from the suburbs into downtown Tampa.

Although transfers between the two types of routes are not permitted, fares in Tampa are reasonable. There are several discounts available for students, senior citizens and those with disabilities.

The frequency of services varies from one route to the next and also depends on the time of day, so it’s best to consult a schedule and plan journeys accordingly.

Streetcars

The TECO Line Streetcar runs from Whiting and Franklin Streets in downtown Tampa to Centennial Park in Ybor City, with 11 stops along this single route. The streetcar is a free mode of transport that is mainly useful for tourists and convention-goers as the route runs past local shopping areas, entertainment districts and attractions, including the Convention Centre, the Tampa Bay Time Forum and the Florida Aquarium.

Streetcars are quite a novel way to get around, so even if new arrivals don’t necessarily use them as a regular mode of transportation for commuting, they do provide a fun way to see some of the city’s main historical and cultural attractions.

Useful links

• Hillsborough Area Regional Transport Authority (HART)
• TECO Line Streetcar

Taxis in Tampa

Taxis are quite readily available in downtown Tampa, and they’re easy enough to hail outside any major attraction or along a busy shopping street. That said, for those travelling from or around the suburbs, it’s best to book a taxi ahead of time.

While taxi fares in Tampa are reasonable, they might not be a financially viable mode for longer journeys, but it’s always useful to have a reputable taxi company’s number on hand. Well-established taxi companies include Taxi Tampa and Yellow Cab of Tampa. These companies also offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which can be booked

Popular ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are pretty well established in Tampa. Fares are similar to taxi prices, but ride-hailing tends to be more reliable and efficient. Users simply need to download the relevant app onto their smartphone and register using a bank card.

Water taxis

The Pirate Water Taxi is one of the most scenic ways of getting around in Tampa. The water taxi offers daily stops along the Hillsborough River, Downtown Tampa, the Channelside District, and the Davis Islands. New arrivals can purchase an all-day pass, a single ticket or an annual membership.

Useful links

• Taxi Tampa
• Yellow Cab of Tampa
• Uber
• Lyft
• Pirate Water Taxi

Cycling in Tampa

Over the last decade or so, Tampa has become a more cycle-friendly city. There are now over 130 miles (209km) of cycle lanes and trails in and around the city. City authorities have also installed hundreds of bike racks and shower/locker facilities scattered throughout the downtown area. Buses in Tampa also have a limited number of spots for bike storage.

The Coast Bikeshare Programme is a great alternative for those who don’t own a bicycle. With about 300 bikes scattered across 30 hubs around the city, commuters can borrow bikes using an efficient mobile app. Depending on usage, riders can opt to save by investing in a daily, monthly, or annual membership.

Useful links

• Coast Bikeshare

Walking in Tampa

On the whole, Tampa isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly city. That said, if new arrivals do want to get around without a personal vehicle or just enjoy getting some fresh air, certain neighbourhoods are better explored on foot. Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, the Channel District and Seminole Heights are all great places for a leisurely stroll.

Driving in Tampa

Newcomers to Tampa will find that having a car will make their lives infinitely easier. Beyond the downtown area and selected routes connecting the city centre to the suburbs, public transport in Tampa is a little limited for most of the city’s residents.

While Tampa’s road networks are generally fairly good, as the city’s population grows, traffic continues to worsen. It is particularly heavy on I-275, I-4, and SR60 in the morning and late afternoon on weekdays.

Holders of a foreign driving licence can use it for up to 30 days after they become Florida residents, at which point they’ll need to obtain a local licence to keep driving.

Citizens of several countries, such as Canada, France, and Germany, have reciprocity agreements with the USA, which allow them to simply exchange their licence for a Florida driving licence. Those who are from other countries will likely need to take and pass both a written and practical driving test to secure a local driving licence. Additionally, they must take vision and hearing screenings.