Tampa is the largest Gulf Coast city within a day trip of Orlando. The 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk links the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, Armature Works and Water Street Tampa along the Hillsborough River. Add Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or the Ybor City historic district for a longer day. The trip is about 85 miles (137 km) west from Orlando, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Take I-4 west to downtown Tampa and exit at Channelside Dr; about 1.5 hours outside rush hour. Costs: Florida Aquarium admission about $30-$35 adult and $25-$28 child; Tampa Riverwalk is free; downtown garage parking about $10-$25. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 813-273-4000 or www.flaquarium.org.
| Distance | About 85 miles (137 km) west |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take I-4 west to downtown Tampa and exit at Channelside Dr; about 1.5 hours outside rush hour. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Florida Aquarium admission about $30-$35 adult and $25-$28 child; Tampa Riverwalk is free; downtown garage parking about $10-$25 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas; downtown parking about $10-$25
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Coach day tours from Orlando are limited; Busch Gardens packages run about $60-$150
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $130-$190 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
27.9437, -82.4458 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the Tampa Riverwalk between museums, parks and restaurants
- See the Florida Aquarium's sharks, otters and coral reef gallery
- Explore the historic cigar district of Ybor City
- Eat Cuban sandwiches in Ybor City
Tips for visiting
- Leave before 8:00 AM; I-4 is heavy at rush hour
- Park once downtown and use the Riverwalk and TECO Line Streetcar
- Check Tampa Bay Lightning and Rays schedules for crowds
- Combine with Clearwater Beach only on a long day or overnight
When to visit
October to May for mild weather. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
The Riverwalk and aquarium are wheelchair accessible; phone 813-273-4000 for loaner chairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tampa from Orlando?
About 85 miles, roughly 1.5 hours via I-4 west.
Is there a train?
Not at present. Brightline does not serve Tampa; use a rental car, bus or rideshare.
How long does the aquarium take?
Plan 2 to 3 hours.