Don’t wait till the last minute to book your bus trip. Plan ahead with our guide on how to take a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa the right way!
The best part about being in Florida is that no matter where you are, you’re in close proximity to countless entertainment options. If you are in Orlando, you have all of the amusement parks and restaurants at your disposal.
Sometimes the parks can be too much though, and you just want to get away to the beaches. By taking a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa, you can get to the gulf beaches, sporting events, and shows at world class venues.
There are some travelers that worry that taking a bus is complicated or requires too much planning to make feasible.
Let’s look at how to take a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa, from finding the trips you need to arriving at your destination.
Finding The Right Private Shuttle Service From Orlando to Tampa
There are numerous types of buses and routes you can take. For starters, you can take a big multi-passenger bus or a private bus. The private bus will be a little bit more expensive, but you will have more privacy.
The passenger bus can range from having a dozen passengers to having around 100. These are generally what most people think of when they think of bus trips.
There are also different types of routes. Most of the time there will be two options: a route that goes straight to the destination, or one that will make some stops and possibly go a little off route to pick up other passengers.
For a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa, you will more than likely make some stops along the way to pick up others, but you will be going straight from point A to point B. The longer routes might take a less straightforward route.
Booking Your Seat
The most important thing to remember is this: the sooner the better.
When you book your route closer to the time of departure, you will pay more for your seat. You will want to try to book it a month in advance at least to get the best price.
Almost all bus companies will have an online site for you to search routes, pick your bus, and pay for it online. Make sure that the company you are using is legitimate and secure.
You will also want to look into their refund policy and other rules of the road before getting your ticket. If an emergency comes up and you can’t make it, you will want to know beforehand their procedures for cancellations.
It’s Time To Ride!
You will want to get to arrive about an hour or so before your bus departs.
If you plan on getting there an hour early, you won’t run the risk of being late due to traffic problems or other delays.
There is also seat selection. Buses are, for the most part, first come first serve. If you don’t want to be stuck next to a bathroom or have a preference for front or back, you’ll have to claim your seat before someone else does.
For a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa, you will want to make sure that you have options for clothing. Bring a hoodie just in case you get chilly.
You might want to bring a snack as well. If you are diabetic, bring something in case your blood sugar gets out of line. Any medicine that you may need is important as well.
Maybe bring a book or some headphones. Some people like to watch the world go by as they ride a bus without hearing the inevitable chatter around them. Headphones work wonderfully for this.
Be Safe
Almost every person you encounter in life will be a good person. However, there are people that don’t have your best intentions at heart.
If your bus makes a stop, make sure that your belongings are either on you at all times or secure. You don’t want to be heading to a different city without your wallet or cell phone.
If you’ll be stopping somewhere at night, try to know where you are going before you get to your destination. Ask your driver or locals on the bus about certain areas.
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Taking a bus can be an amazing experience. You can meet new friends and you will get to actually look at your surroundings as you travel. Try not to stress out about other cars on the road or when you will get to your destination.
Lean back and relax. You might even be able to catch up on some sleep so you’ll be well rested when you get to where you are going.
A Quick Note On Choosing A Bus Company
There are always options when choosing a company to transport you. A lot of this is just personal preference. There are a few things to consider, however.
First, make sure the company has a commitment to safety. This doesn’t just mean that they haven’t had a history of accidents (all companies will have accidents), but also that their drivers are properly licensed and professional.
For smaller trips, the best bet is normally a local or statewide company. For a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa, drivers for a smaller company normally live in the area and can give you valuable information.
They might know events for the weekend, places to avoid in each city, and good places to eat or have fun. They also tend to be less expensive, as they aren’t using your route to make up for less popular ones price-wise.
We want to make sure that you have a great experience when taking a private shuttle service from Orlando to Tampa. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us here.
Also, for more travel tips that can help make your ride an amazing one, check out our blog. We have detailed articles about everything you will need to know before getting on a bus.
Here at Florida Shuttle Now, we’re a statewide company that has experienced and knowledgeable drivers. We offer great rates and the best customer service available. If you choose us, you won’t regret it!
Enjoy the ride!