The bus service through Pinellas County is excellent and is provided by Pinellas Sun Coast Transit Authority.

They operate both buses and trolleys through the county with 43 routes operating.  There is also a service to Tampa and all the Gulf Beaches.

From the airport take Route 79 which takes the following route: US 19 Frontage Rd, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center, 66 St N, Park 66 Shopping Center, Tyrone Square Mall, Lutheran Residences, Bethany Towers, Palms of Pasadena Hospital, Pasadena Shopping Center, Gulfport Blvd/22 Ave S, 5 Ave S, Central Plaza Terminal, Williams Park (Downtown St. Petersburg)

There is a range of fares available such as daily unlimited cards which cost $3 for unlimited travel for one day.  Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. It is recommended to have the correct fare available. Check their website for all the types of fares that are available www.psta.net

Wheelchair lifts are available but note that the buses are only able to carry standard sized wheelchairs.  Standard meaning, 30 inches wide, 48 inches in length and not weighing more then 600 pounds when a person is sat in the chair.

The schedule times are from the Airport to downtown St Petersburg are:

Monday to Friday: The first bus commences at 05.35 and the last bus departs at 19.05, with buses operating every 30 minutes; 5 minutes and 35 minutes past the hour.Note that between the hours of 9.05 and 17.05 the bus only picks up at the airport on Fridays.

Saturday: Every hour from 06.05.  Last bus departs at 19.05

Sunday and Holidays: Every hour from 08.05.  Last bus departs at 17.05

The approximate journey time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Schedule times from St Petersburg to the airport:

Monday to Friday: The first bus departs at 05.30 and the last bus departs at 18.30, with buses departing every half hour i.e. on the hour and on the half hour

Saturday: First bus departs at 06.00 and the last bus at 18.00.  Buses depart every hour, on the hour.

Sunday and Holidays: First bus departs at 08.00 and the last bus at 17.00.  Buses depart every hour, on the hour.

For further details contact: www.psta.net

You can also make connections with the Greyhound bus company from either St Petersburg or Clearwater to most areas of the USA.

Check their website for your route: www.greyhound.com or telephone: 727 898 1496
Station opening times at St Petersburg : Monday to Sunday 04.30 to 23.30. Station opening times at Clearwater Monday to Saturday 06.00 to 21.05: Sunday: 06.00 to 11.59 and 13.39 to 21.00 hours.