A pleasant ride: We tried PSTA’s express bus service to TPA

Editor's note: We sent TPA Communications Manager Beau Zimmer on an exploratory ride on PSTA's 300X Airport Express line, which connects Pinellas County to TPA via bus. He shared his experience, which is shared by many Airport employees who go to work at TPA every day, as well as intrepid travelers looking for inexpensive alternatives to driving or using a rideshare app. 

If you’re like me and most other Floridians, you rely on a car to get just about everywhere. Sure, I’ve taken the bus in London or the subway in New York, but why worry about figuring out routes or waiting for a bus in the sweltering Florida heat while dodging afternoon thunderstorms when you can simply ride in the comfort of your own air-conditioned car? I use my car to get just about everywhere: to the grocery store, to lunch, and every day to work.

So, it’s no surprise that many people drive themselves to the airport when they can’t find a friend or family member to drop them off. The other popular option is to order an Uber or Lyft. But there’s a third option that most locals might not even consider: The public bus. That’s right! PSTA offers express bus service from both Pinellas County and downtown Tampa aboard their 300X Airport Express line. If you’re coming from Pinellas, they even offer free parking in their Park and Ride lot along Ulmerton Road. I tried it out and was shocked by how easy getting to the airport could be.

I arrived at the PSTA Park and Ride lot a little after 3:00 p.m. to catch my 3:17 bus to TPA. If you plan to park overnight or will be gone for multiple days, you’re advised to call PSTA with the make and model of your vehicle and your travel dates. Other than that, there are no QR codes or parking meters to pay; it’s free for anyone taking the bus.

The bus was already waiting in the lot when I arrived and was clearly marked for TPA, featuring special graphics with an airplane and "300X Airport Express" right on the side. Some passengers used exact change to board, but I downloaded the Flamingo Fares app (Phoebe must love the name) and was able to load money directly from my debit or credit card. And the price of the trip? A mere $2.25 compared to an Uber fare that could run you close to $30, depending on the time of day.

I only had a backpack, but for anyone with luggage, the 300X Airport Express bus is equipped with special luggage racks spacious enough to accommodate skis, golf clubs, or other oversized items you might be traveling with. There was plenty of seating and room to spread out because this was the first stop on the trip.

Along the route, a few other passengers boarded the bus, but there was still ample room. Some were traveling to the airport, while others were heading to downtown Tampa. Late in the afternoon, rush hour traffic was already beginning to build, which would normally stress me out, especially when heading to the airport. But on this trip, I was able to sit back and relax, letting someone else handle the driving. The seats were typical of a city bus, but everything seemed clean, and the air conditioning was functioning well—so much so that I saw one passenger putting on a fleece.

Another great perk: the 300X Airport Express bus is equipped with free Wi-Fi. This is a nice option if you want to get some work done on your way to the airport. However, on this day, I felt like watching a show on Netflix, and the Wi-Fi was more than fast enough to stream.

Traffic coming off the Howard Frankland Bridge was heavy, as it often is in the afternoon, but by 4:00 p.m., we were pulling into TPA right on time. The 45-minute trip was longer than it would have been had I driven my own car, but on the bus, I didn’t have to worry about driving; I was able to get work done or watch a movie. Best of all, I didn’t have to pay for an expensive Uber or a week of parking at the airport. I felt relaxed and stress-free, which is exactly how I like to begin any trip.

If you’re not coming from Pinellas, service is also offered in the opposite direction from downtown Tampa. Currently, the 300X only runs on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This is an important consideration for your return flight, as the last bus of the night leaves TPA at 8:00 p.m. PSTA would like to potentially expand service in the future depending on demand and the soon-to-open express lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge could also cut down travel time and make the trip even easier.

I met one person on the bus who schedules their international flights around when the bus service runs to ensure they don’t have to pay for parking when they’re gone for a week or more. If you don’t have someone to drive you to the airport, I would definitely recommend utilizing the 300X Airport Express on your next trip out of TPA. Click here for more information from PSTA.