I-275 Tampa Bay Area - Complete Driving Guide

About I-275

Interstate 275 is the primary highway through the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, running 59 miles from its southern junction with I-75 in Palmetto through St. Petersburg, across Tampa Bay, through downtown Tampa, and north to its reunion with I-75 near Wesley Chapel. The highway crosses Tampa Bay twice, on the Howard Frankland Bridge and the approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge corridor.

Howard Frankland Bridge

The Howard Frankland Bridge carries I-275 across Old Tampa Bay between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The bridge is one of the most heavily traveled segments of highway in the Tampa Bay area. A new span is under construction to add capacity and replace the aging westbound structure. Delays are common during rush hours and construction periods.

Cruise Port Access

Port Tampa Bay is accessible from I-275 via the downtown Tampa exits. The Channelside Drive exit leads directly to the cruise terminal area. From I-4, drivers connect to I-275 South and follow signs to the port. BusBrother navigates this route regularly for cruise shuttle groups.

Traffic Tips

I-275 through Tampa experiences heavy congestion during morning and evening rush hours, particularly on the Howard Frankland Bridge and through the downtown interchange with I-4. The Gandy Boulevard exit area is also a frequent bottleneck. BusBrother drivers time departures to avoid peak traffic windows.

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