Preparing for Your Arrival

Transportation from the Airport

At this time, USF does not offer airport pick-up options for students. Students are responsible for booking their own transportation from the airport to the university or their off-campus residences. 

When booking flights, students should consider their arrival time and make plans with transportation from the airport to their accommodations, such as a hotel, accordingly.

For more information about arriving during non-business hours, please see the "Important" box found on the Welcome page.

Important Tips for Securing a Ride

    1. Consider your booking options.
      • Pre-booking: Recommended for all, but strongly encouraged for minors (under 18), those who will not have cell phone coverage upon arrival, those in need of accommodations such as lots of large luggage, 2+ passengers, car seats, etc.
      • Booking upon arrival:  Likely using Uber or Lyft. You will need cell phone service. We caution all to ensure they book through apps and verify driver information before entering the vehicle.
    2. Please ensure you are booking with a license and insured ride option. You can and should ask for proof.
    3. Ensure that your drop off location is open and available for you to check in.  Most car services will not assist you once they have reached your drop off location.
    4. Please note that USF is not affiliated, recommending, nor responsible for any ride option.

Transportation to Campus

The closest airport to the USF Tampa campus is Tampa International Airport (TPA), and it's located approximately 19 miles from campus. Other local airports are St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). From TPA, the USF St. Petersburg campus is about 21 miles and the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus about 51 miles. All these airports have a variety of ground transportation options including Taxis, public bus transportation, car rentals, Uber & Lyft. Please visit each site below for detailed information. 

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**Students should budget at least $50 USD for an Uber from the Tampa International Airport (TPA) to campus.**

Local Car Service Options

Local Car service options for all three campuses can be found below. More information can also be found at the ground transportation airport links above.

AA Town Car
Website:
AA town car USF specific reservation site:

ExecuCar
Website:
Reservation site:

Mears Transportation
Website:
Reservation site:

Public Bus Transportation

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stop is located at the Rental Car Center. Follow signs to Remote Curbside. The route map and schedule are posted at the bus stop. Please visit the website of the service provider for the current schedule and fare information - see below.

  • For more information visit online or call (813) 254-4278.
  • For more information visit online or call (727) 540-1900.
Arriving to Florida Outside of the Tampa Bay Area?

Several companies offer affordable bus transportation to Tampa from other locations around the United States. RedCoach and FlixBus have a stop at the USF Tampa campus and connects with other possible arrival destinations such as Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. Greyhound buses connect with the Tampa Bus Station and offer options outside of Florida. Please visit each company's website below for accurate details regarding routes, prices, and riding policies.

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