Fares start at about $2.25 for PSTA Route 52LX from TPA
PSTA Route 52LX is an express bus that connects Tampa International Airport’s Main terminal area to Pinellas County using limited stops and faster segments along major roads. It runs under the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority system, so standard PSTA local fares apply, starting around $2.25 per adult ride with options for passes through PSTA’s fare products.
The 52LX operates as an express version of PSTA’s Route 52, linking TPA to key points in Pinellas County, including corridors along US-19. It typically runs on weekdays with peak-oriented trips, unlike all-day airport shuttles, so check the current schedule and trip times on the same day you travel to match your flight arrival or departure.
At Tampa International Airport, the 52LX stops in the ground transportation area linked to the Main terminal, the same core hub that feeds the airport’s four airsides. Plan around 10–15 minutes from most airline gates to the bus pick-up point, including time to ride the terminal train back to the Main terminal and then head down to the bus bays.
Because the 52LX is part of the regional PSTA system, riders can connect to other Pinellas routes at transfer points along the line, often at major intersections or transit centers. If you need multiple buses after the 52LX, consider a day pass or multi-ride option rather than paying the single-ride base of about $2.25 each time, especially if you expect at least three boardings that day.
Travel time from TPA to many Pinellas stops on the 52LX is usually under an hour, depending on traffic along US-19 and the specific stop you use. As an express route, it stops less often than standard local lines, so it can shave off several minutes compared with making the same trip entirely on local buses through the Tampa–Pinellas corridor.
Step-by-step from TPA with PSTA Route 52LX
- 1. From your arrival gate, ride the people mover back to the Main terminal; this usually takes 3–5 minutes including boarding.
- 2. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Buses” down from the Main terminal to the commercial lanes and bus bays.
- 3. Look for PSTA signage and confirm “52LX” on the bus headsign before boarding, since multiple agencies can use similar bays.
- 4. Pay the PSTA fare when you board; the base adult fare runs about $2.25, with drivers able to provide basic information on passes and transfers.
- 5. Exit at your planned stop in Pinellas County and, if needed, transfer to another PSTA route using the same stop or a marked transfer point nearby.
One practical tip: check the 52LX timetable online before booking flights, then aim for at least 45–60 minutes between your scheduled landing time and the next 52LX departure out of the Main terminal ground transportation area.