Tampa Car Rental

Parking in Tampa

• There are over 1,600 on-street parking spaces in downtown Tampa, with many free on weekends and weeknights after 6:00 PM.
• There are plenty of paid parking and underground lots. All are usually paid by ticketing machine or can be paid for via the ParkMobile app.
• Royal Street Regional lot and Seven One Seven Parking Enterprises are good options for city center parking within easy access of the main attractions.

Roads and freeways

Main routes in Tampa

• Interstate 275 (I-275) passes through Tampa and can be used to explore the wider Bay area, running down to Saint Petersburg in the south and joining I-4 in the east towards Orlando.
• Interstate 75 (I-75) links much of southern Florida and can be followed towards Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
• Interstate 4 (I-4) travels east out of Tampa and is the main route that connects the city with Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Traffic in Tampa

Downtown Tampa can get very busy, especially during peak commuting hours of 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Like many cities, Tampa’s street network follows a grid system, making it relatively easy to navigate around.

How to get from Tampa to Miami

Magic City can be found around a four-hour drive southeast from Tampa.

1. Exit central Tampa via the FL-618 toll road.
2. Use Exit 15A to merge onto I-75 S.
3. Stay on this route for around four hours and 278 miles.
4. Use the right three lanes to take Exit 19 for I-595 E into Miami.
5. Take Exit 8 onto N Orlando Street, using the right two lanes to arrive.

How to get from Tampa to Orlando

To reach Orlando and its iconic theme parks and resorts, simply follow I-4 E out of central Tampa. Follow this route for around 78 miles before taking Exit 81, which will take you into the heart of the city.

What to see and do in Tampa

Wander through Ybor City

Ybor City is Tampa beating heart. Located northeast of downtown, this lively district is historically home to the city’s immigrant communities. Spanish, Italian and Cuban influence is everywhere in Ybor City, from the impressively colorful architecture to the sumptuous range of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine available.

Thrills and spills at Busch Gardens

Tampa’s very own theme park, Busch Gardens is a great place to take the kids for a day. You’ll find thrilling rides, exciting animal exhibits and plenty of play action at this popular park.

Catch a game

Sports fans should head to one of Tampa’s stadiums to catch the local teams in action. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2002 Super Bowl champions – play at the Raymond James Stadium, while you could also watch the local baseball or hockey teams, the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Lightning on their home turfs.

Where to stay in Tampa

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Tampa

Experience stunning suites in the heart of Tampa. This luxury accommodation features full amenities, including a pool, fitness room and an on-site casino.

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

Base your Floridian adventure at the modern Epicurean Hotel. Featuring expansive rooms kitted with artistic furnishings and plenty of style.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Wake up to sun-kissed views of the Bay at this waterfront resort hotel. Rooms are spacious and modern, with excellent facilities on-site. Relax by the beach or enjoy access to the private pool.

The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa

This popular hotel offers stylish rooms overlooking the bay. Soak up the sun views at the hotel bar, or tuck into tasty treats for across the globe in the opulent banquet hall.

Where to eat and drink in Tampa

Edison Food + Drink Lab

Bustling with its own unique flair, Edison: Food + Drink Lab is something of a Tampa institution. As the name suggests, this popular joint has concocted some new and delicious takes on a range of classic dishes.

Bern’s Steak House

An extravagant fine dining establishment with a 60-year history, Bern’s has been a firm fixture in Tampa’s eatery scene for many years. The menu includes a vast range of exquisite quality steaks, as well as luxury extras such as caviar.

Wright’s Gourmet House

The ever-popular Wright’s has been around for nearly 60 years, so has plenty of experience when it comes to lunchtime bites. You’ll find sandwiches of all kinds here, from simple grilled cheeses to gourmet-sounding spreads using the best local ingredients.

Due Amici

Discover the flavors of Italy at Ybor City’s enduringly popular Due Amici. This long-established pizza spot serves up some of the best NYC-style pizza around. For non-pizza fans, there’s also plenty of fresh pasta dishes cooked to old family recipes.