Like most other Florida destinations, it's all but impossible to see Tampa's sights and enjoy its best restaurants without a car. You can get around downtown via the In Town Trolley, which runs north-south between Harbor Island and the city's North Terminal bus station on Marion Street at I-275. The trolleys run every 10 minutes from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Southbound, they follow Tampa Street between Tyler and Whiting streets, and Franklin Street between Whiting Street and Harbor Island. Northbound trolleys follow Florida Avenue from the St. Pete Times Forum to Cass Street. The trolleys cost 25ยข and are operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit/HARTline (tel. 813/254-4278; www.hartline.org), the area's transportation authority, which also provides scheduled bus service ($1.75-$2.75) between downtown Tampa and the suburbs. Pick up a route map at the visitor center .

The transportation situation has gotten somewhat better, not to mention nostalgic, with the TECO Line Street Car System (tel. 813/254-HART [4278]; www.tecolinestreetcar.org), a new but old-fashioned 2 1/3-mile streetcar system, complete with overhead power lines, that hauls passengers between downtown and Ybor City via the St. Pete Times Forum, Channelside, Garrison Seaport, and the Florida Aquarium. The cars run every 30 minutes; one-way fares are $2.50, $1.25 seniors and children 17 and under. Check with the visitor center or call HARTline for schedules.

Taxis in Tampa don't normally cruise the streets for fares, but they do line up at public places, such as hotels, the performing arts center, and bus and train depots. If you need a taxi, call Tampa Bay Cab (tel. 813/251-5555), Yellow Cab (tel. 813/253-0121), or United Cab (tel. 813/253-2424). Fares are $2 at flag fall, plus $2.25 for each mile.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.