Travelers heading from St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport now have another transportation option. Beginning October 4, 2026, PSTA’s new 727 Airport Express will connect downtown St. Petersburg with TPA using the Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes.
For some travelers, a scheduled airport bus may be a practical choice. For others—especially families, business travelers, groups, and passengers with luggage—a private airport car service is the better fit.
If you need door-to-door transportation, see our St. Petersburg to Tampa Airport car service.
The New 727 Airport Express
The 727 Airport Express is designed to give downtown St. Petersburg travelers a direct public-transit connection to Tampa International Airport. The route will make stops in downtown St. Petersburg before traveling across the bay to TPA.
It can be a useful option for solo travelers who are comfortable working around a fixed route, scheduled departures, and airport-bus pickup locations. Before traveling, check PSTA’s current 727 Airport Express information for service details and updates.
When a Private Car Service Makes More Sense
A scheduled airport bus is not always the easiest fit for every trip. Private transportation may be the better choice when you need:
- Pickup at your home, hotel, office, or vacation rental
- Space for multiple passengers and luggage
- An early-morning, late-night, or time-sensitive airport trip
- A direct ride without traveling to a transit stop
- A chauffeur who can adjust to your reservation and flight details
- Transportation for a family, executive traveler, or small group
For travelers coming from St. Pete Beach, downtown St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Tierra Verde, or nearby areas, a private ride also removes the extra step of getting to a bus stop before the airport trip begins.
Luggage, Groups, and Airport Timing
Airport transportation gets more complicated when several people are traveling together. A group may need room for checked bags, carry-ons, strollers, golf clubs, or vacation luggage. In that situation, coordinating multiple transit seats or rideshare vehicles can be less convenient than reserving one private vehicle.
A prearranged private airport transfer also gives you a confirmed pickup plan. Your chauffeur arrives at the location you choose, and the trip goes directly to Tampa International Airport.
For return travel, private transportation can also be arranged from TPA back to St. Petersburg. Flight tracking helps the chauffeur follow the arrival schedule, so you have a clear plan after landing.
Choosing the Right Transportation to TPA
The best choice depends on the trip.
The 727 Airport Express may work well for an individual traveler staying close to one of its downtown stops and traveling light. A private car service is often better for travelers who value a direct pickup, more vehicle space, privacy, flexible scheduling, or help coordinating transportation for several people.
ALD Limo provides private airport transportation throughout the Tampa Bay area. Visit our Tampa car service page to explore airport transfers, executive transportation, cruise-port rides, and other private chauffeur services.
For a direct private ride from St. Petersburg, visit our St. Petersburg to Tampa Airport transportation page or Book Now.
