Every February, something happens along North Old Coachman Road that doesn't happen anywhere else in baseball. The parking lots around BayCare Ballpark fill with cars from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware — red pinstripes everywhere, the smell of sunscreen, and Phillies fans who have been counting down since October. The Philadelphia Phillies have called Clearwater home for spring training since 1947, the longest-running spring training relationship in Major League Baseball, and the Grapefruit League pilgrimage that fans make every season has developed its own traditions.
Getting there, though, is a different story. Drew Street backs up. US-19 does what US-19 always does.
And the paved lots at the ballpark are almost entirely reserved before game day even starts. For groups of 10, 20, or 40 who flew in from Philly or drove across the state, the easiest single decision they make all trip is renting one bus instead of splitting across four or five separate vehicles.
TLDR: BayCare Ballpark's on-site paved lots fill fast and are mostly reserved in advance; the best move for a group is a charter bus or party bus dropping everyone at the main entrance on Old Coachman Road while the bus stages at Lot C (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex) or Lot F (St. Petersburg College) — both of which have dedicated bus and RV parking at $50 and free shuttle service back to the gates.
Why Rent a Party Bus or Charter Bus to BayCare Ballpark?
Spring training is supposed to feel relaxed. The problem is getting there. US-19 through Clearwater is not known for smooth traffic flow — the corridor between Drew Street and Gulf to Bay Boulevard is among the most consistently congested stretches in Pinellas County, and it gets noticeably worse when 8,500 fans descend on a compact stadium in a residential-adjacent neighborhood on a sunny March afternoon.
Add the fact that the paved lots at BayCare Ballpark are mostly reserved in advance and fill before general fans arrive, and you've got the classic spring training parking problem: a ballpark with a fraction of the parking infrastructure you'd expect at a regular-season venue, with exactly the same fan energy.
One bus solves it cleanly. Your group rides together from the hotel or the airport, everyone gets dropped at the main entrance on Old Coachman Road, and the bus stages in the designated bus parking area rather than circling a full lot on US-19. Nobody hunts for a space.
Nobody splits into separate cars for the ride back. And the group stays together from the first pitch through the Tiki Pavilion and back to the hotel. Request a quote through clearwaterpartybuscompany.com or call 727-627-0790 to see what fits your group's headcount and itinerary.
Charter Bus & Party Bus Drop-Off at BayCare Ballpark
BayCare Ballpark sits at 601 North Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765, on the east side of Clearwater near the US-19 and Drew Street intersection. The main entrance is accessed from Old Coachman Road, and drop-offs for groups arriving by bus take place on Old Coachman Road directly at the ballpark entrance — your group steps off and walks straight to the gates rather than shuttling in from a remote lot. Rideshare pickup and drop-off is officially designated in the South lot (Lot D), off Drew Street and US-19, which is fine for one or two people but a slow, fragmented process for a full group trying to coordinate multiple cars at the same point after a game.
A charter bus or party bus sidesteps Lot D entirely.
Bus & RV Parking at BayCare Ballpark — The Two Lots That Matter
According to the Phillies' official spring training parking page, dedicated bus and RV parking is available at two locations — both with free shuttle service to the ballpark:
- Lot C — Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex: Located at the northwest corner of Drew Street and Old Coachman Road, directly adjacent to BayCare Ballpark. Bus and RV parking runs $50. Free shuttle service runs from this lot to the ballpark entrance. This is the closest designated bus parking to the main gate, and the shuttle leg is short.
- Lot F — St. Petersburg College: A commuter lot on Drew Street east of the ballpark. Bus and RV parking is also $50, with free shuttle service to BayCare Ballpark. This lot gives overflow capacity on high-demand game days when Lot C fills early.
General car parking at the main grass lot (Lot B, west side on Old Coachman Road) runs $15 in advance or $20 day-of for cars. The paved on-site lots are almost entirely reserved and fill fast — on popular spring training dates, especially when the Phillies host the Yankees, Red Sox, or Blue Jays, general parking sells out well before game day. For a group arriving by bus, the bus parking permit needs to be purchased in advance; showing up without one and hoping for day-of bus parking at Lot C or Lot F is not a realistic plan.
Lock in that bus parking arrangement when you book your vehicle, so the approach route and lot assignment are set before you leave the hotel. Always confirm current lot assignments and pricing on the official Phillies spring training parking page before your visit.
The South lot (Lot D), off Drew Street and US-19, is the designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone — which tells you exactly what the post-game rideshare experience looks like: hundreds of fans flooding a surface lot adjacent to one of Pinellas County's busiest intersections, waiting on surge-priced cars. A charter bus or party bus stages in Lot C steps from the ballpark, and your whole group boards together when the final out lands. That's the difference.
Getting to BayCare Ballpark by Charter Bus Rental from Tampa, St. Pete & Pinellas County
BayCare Ballpark sits on the eastern edge of Clearwater, within reach of fan groups coming from across the Tampa Bay region — but the approach roads have a reputation. US-19 is one of the most frequently congested multi-lane corridors in Florida, and the intersection at Drew Street (SR-590) backs up in both directions on game days. Groups coming from Tampa typically take I-275 west to SR-60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard), then north on Old Coachman Road to the ballpark — or I-275 to SR-590 (Drew Street) west, cutting straight to the Old Coachman intersection.
From downtown St. Petersburg, the run up I-275 north then west on either SR-60 or SR-590 covers about 22 miles.
Approximate drive times to BayCare Ballpark from common starting points:
| From… | Approx. distance | Off-peak drive time | Game-day reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tampa | ~23 miles | 30–40 min | Add 20–35 min for US-19/Drew St congestion |
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | ~20 miles | 25–35 min | Add 15–25 min game-day |
| St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) | ~5 miles | 10–15 min | Minimal extra — closest major airport to the ballpark |
| Downtown St. Petersburg | ~22 miles | 30–40 min | Add 15–25 min game-day via I-275 |
| Clearwater Beach | ~7 miles | 15–20 min | SR-60 east to Old Coachman; add 10–15 min |
| Dunedin / Palm Harbor | ~8–12 miles | 15–25 min | US-19 southbound adds time on busy game days |
Spring Training Transportation Options Compared
Here's how the options actually stack up for a group heading to a Grapefruit League game at BayCare Ballpark:
| Option | Cost shape | Arrive together? | Parking hassle | Post-game ease | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter bus or party bus rental | One flat rate, split by the group | Yes — one vehicle, one arrival | None — bus parks in Lot C or Lot F at $50 | Best — bus stages, everyone boards together | 10–56 passengers |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Per car each way + post-game surge at Lot D | No — multiple cars, multiple ETAs | Drop at Lot D, walk to gate | Long post-game wait at congested Lot D | 1–4 people |
| Remote lot shuttle (Lot C or F with own car) | $50 bus/RV pass per vehicle you drive there | Only if everyone drives to the same lot first | You still drive to the lot and park | Good — free shuttle back after the game | Self-driven groups avoiding end-of-game US-19 |
| Everyone drives and parks | $15–$20 per car + gas for each vehicle | No — caravan splits on US-19 | Heavy — paved lots reserved, grass lots fill fast | Worst — full US-19 and Drew St gridlock post-game | 1–2 cars maximum |
For one or two people coming solo from a nearby hotel, rideshare or the Lot C shuttle on their own works fine. The moment your group stretches past two or three cars, the coordination cost — separate parking fees, scattered arrival times, and the post-game Lot D wait — tips clearly toward one bus. That's who the Clearwater sporting event transportation page is built for.
What Size Bus or Party Bus Does Your Group Need for Spring Training?
BayCare Ballpark's intimate, 8,500-capacity setup draws all kinds of group sizes — from a dozen coworkers to 50-person Phillies fan clubs that plan the Clearwater trip every February. Here's how the vehicle lineup breaks down for a spring training run:
| Vehicle | Typical seats | Best for | Key amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter Van Rental with Driver / 14-passenger Sprinter limo | Up to 14 | Small groups, VIP packages, quick hotel-to-ballpark pickups | Leather interior, USB charging, tinted privacy windows |
| Party bus (25–50 passengers) | 15–50 | Fan groups wanting built-in bar and pre-game energy on the ride over | Full-length bar, color-changing LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | 15–35 | Mid-size groups, multi-stop itineraries, hotel shuttles | Reclining seats, powerful A/C, overhead storage, WiFi |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Large fan clubs, fly-in group pickups at TPA or PIE, multi-day weekend packages | Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restroom, undercarriage luggage bays |
For the classic spring training fan club trip — 20 to 40 people flying in for the weekend — a full-size charter bus handles the airport pickup at TPA or PIE, the hotel runs, the ballpark drop-off on Old Coachman Road, and a dinner reservation after the game, all in one vehicle. For smaller groups who want the pre-game party energy baked into the ride itself, a party bus with a built-in bar and Bluetooth sound turns the drive to the ballpark into the first stop of the day. ADA-accessible vehicles are available — note that when you request your quote.
Phillies Spring Training Bus Rental Prices: What to Expect
All-inclusive quotes are available in under 30 seconds through the online tool on this site, and 727-627-0790 is available any time. Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours needed (including any pre-game hotel wait and post-game pickup window), your pickup location, and the date. To give you an idea — these are example ranges, not locked-in rates or current market data:
- Sprinter van or 14-passenger Sprinter limo: $100–$250/hour
- 15–20 passenger party bus: $150–$300/hour
- 20–30 passenger party bus: $200–$375/hour
- 35–50 passenger party bus or minibus: $275–$450/hour
- 40–56 passenger charter bus: $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,200/day
Pricing varies by date, itinerary, vehicle type, and mileage. The Phillies spring training calendar has demand spikes, particularly for marquee matchups and high-travel mid-March weekends — which is also when the larger vehicles get claimed first. The bus parking permit ($50 at Lot C or Lot F) is a separate, pre-purchased cost on top of the bus rate.
Split across a group of 30–50 people, the per-head cost of one charter bus consistently comes out ahead of multiple cars each paying $15–$20 for parking plus gas across the drive from Tampa or St. Pete. Check the Clearwater party bus prices page for more detail, or call 727-627-0790 for a quote built around your specific headcount and date.
Grapefruit League Game Day Timing at BayCare Ballpark
The Phillies' Grapefruit League home schedule runs from late February through late March, with most home games starting at 1:05 PM. Gates at BayCare Ballpark open 2 hours and 30 minutes before first pitch — which means a 10:35 AM gate opening for the standard afternoon starts. That's when the popular Tiki Pavilion between the bullpens begins filling up and the best outfield berm spots get claimed.
For groups using Lot C or Lot F, the free shuttle service aligns with lot opening, roughly when the gates open. Getting there right at gate opening is the move for groups who want berm real estate and first access before the crowd fills in.
A typical group itinerary for a 1:05 PM start from Tampa might look like: depart the hotel at 10:00 AM, arrive at BayCare Ballpark's Old Coachman Road entrance by 10:45–11:00 AM (accounting for Drew Street and US-19 traffic), bus stages in Lot C, group enters through the main gate, claims the berm or Tiki Pavilion, watches through approximately 4:00–4:30 PM, and boards the waiting bus by 4:30 PM for a return by 5:30 PM. Build an extra 30–45 minutes into the hotel-to-ballpark run on peak spring training weekends — the US-19 and Drew Street corridor is consistently slower than GPS estimates on busy game days.
Evening games do appear in the Grapefruit League schedule, typically at 6:05 PM or 7:05 PM, and those later starts draw strong demand from Tampa Bay-area locals who can make the after-work run. Any Saturday or Sunday home game — and any matchup against the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, or Blue Jays — books the available vehicle supply faster than a midweek February game. If your spring training date is fixed, compare quotes as soon as your flights are confirmed.
Airport Charter Bus Rentals to BayCare Ballpark: TPA & PIE
A significant share of the groups heading to Phillies spring training in Clearwater are flying in from Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware, and the broader Mid-Atlantic corridor. For those groups, the trip starts at the airport — and the two closest options couldn't be more different in terms of proximity to the ballpark.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is just 5.2 miles from BayCare Ballpark, making it the obvious choice for fan groups who want to be at the ballpark under 15 minutes after they land. PIE serves Allegiant and Frontier with seasonal routes that include Philadelphia-area airports — and during spring training, those flights are popular with Phillies fans. One bus picks up the entire group curbside at PIE and delivers everyone to Old Coachman Road in less time than it takes to clear the exit ramp at a bigger hub.
The full logistics guide for PIE pickups is in the St. Pete-Clearwater Airport group transportation guide.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the region's major hub at approximately 20 miles from BayCare Ballpark, handling virtually every major airline connection from Philadelphia International, Newark Liberty, and JFK. Groups flying in on Southwest, American, United, or Delta connect directly to a waiting charter bus at the arrivals level. For larger groups splitting across multiple flights that land within an hour of each other, one bus waiting at TPA is far simpler than coordinating a fleet of rideshares into Clearwater.
The full pickup and terminal logistics are covered in the Tampa International Airport transportation guide.
For groups that want to pack a full Clearwater weekend into the spring training trip, a charter bus handles the PIE or TPA pickup, covers hotel transfers along the US-19 corridor, runs the ballpark drop-off and post-game pickup, and can roll to an evening stop after the game — Clearwater Beach, dinner, or a concert at the BayCare Sound at Coachman Park if a show lines up. The Clearwater group transportation services page covers multi-stop weekend planning.
Tips for Visiting BayCare Ballpark for Spring Training
- Book bus parking in advance. Lot C (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex) and Lot F (St. Petersburg College) are the only designated bus and RV parking locations, both at $50. Day-of availability at either lot is not guaranteed on high-demand dates. Lock in bus parking when you book the vehicle. Check the official Phillies spring training parking page before your visit to confirm current lot assignments and pricing.
- Gates open at 10:35 AM for 1:05 PM starts. The Tiki Pavilion and the outfield berm fill early on popular dates. Groups that arrive right at gate opening get the best berm real estate and first access to the Tiki bar before the first-pitch crowd settles in.
- The Phillies have been in Clearwater since 1947. That's the longest continuous spring training relationship in MLB — and it shows in how deeply the Phillies fan culture has taken hold of this small ballpark every February and March. Expect a crowd that feels more like Citizens Bank Park than a sleepy spring facility.
- US-19 and Drew Street slow down significantly after games. Groups heading back toward Tampa or St. Pete after the game hit the same congestion window as everyone else exiting the Drew Street and US-19 intersection. A bus lets the group relax instead of white-knuckling the return drive while tired and sun-warmed.
- Outside food and drink are prohibited except for factory-sealed bottled water. Plan for ballpark concessions, and note that the Tiki Pavilion is cash and card — it's one of the most popular spots at BayCare Ballpark, so get there early if that's the target.
- The berm is general admission. The outfield grass berm seats 1,500 and is first-come, first-served. Groups who want to sit together on the berm need to arrive early enough to claim the space — arriving as a group by bus right at gate opening makes this straightforward instead of a scramble across separate cars that arrive 20 minutes apart.
- Weekend and popular-matchup dates book out early. The Phillies fan travel window peaks in mid-March, and the best-fit vehicles for large groups get claimed weeks ahead of the most-requested games. If your spring training date is confirmed, compare quotes as soon as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Bus to Phillies Spring Training
Where does a charter bus or party bus drop off at BayCare Ballpark?
Group drop-offs happen on North Old Coachman Road at the ballpark's main entrance, putting your group steps from the gates. The official rideshare pickup and drop-off zone is the South lot (Lot D), off Drew Street and US-19 — more distant and more congested for a group trying to coordinate multiple cars post-game. A bus drops everyone directly at the entrance and then stages in designated bus parking at Lot C or Lot F.
Where do buses park at BayCare Ballpark during spring training?
The two official designated bus and RV parking locations, per the Phillies' official spring training parking page, are Lot C at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex (northwest corner of Drew Street and Old Coachman Road, adjacent to the ballpark) and Lot F at St. Petersburg College (east on Drew Street). Both are $50 for bus and RV parking and include free shuttle service to BayCare Ballpark. Bus parking should be purchased before game day — day-of availability is not guaranteed.
How much does it cost to rent a party bus or charter bus to spring training in Clearwater?
Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours needed, pickup location, and date. To give you an idea — example ranges, not quotes or guaranteed pricing: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $100–$250/hour; small party buses (15–20 passengers) run $150–$300/hour; mid-size party buses (20–30 passengers) run $200–$375/hour; large party buses and minibuses (35–50 passengers) run $275–$450/hour; and full-size charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,200/day. The bus parking permit ($50) is a separate cost.
Compare all-inclusive quotes in under 30 seconds using the online tool, or call 727-627-0790 any time.
Which airport is closer to BayCare Ballpark — TPA or PIE?
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is much closer at just 5.2 miles from BayCare Ballpark — under 15 minutes off-peak. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 20 miles east and handles the major carriers. Many groups mix both airports: some members fly PIE, others fly TPA, and one bus coordinates both pickups in sequence before heading to the ballpark or hotel.
What's the best route to BayCare Ballpark from Tampa?
The two most-used approaches from Tampa are I-275 west to SR-60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard), then north on Old Coachman Road to the ballpark; or I-275 west to SR-590 (Drew Street), directly to the Old Coachman Road intersection. US-19 northbound from the south is slower on game days — the Drew Street intersection backs up in both directions. Off-peak, expect 30–40 minutes from downtown Tampa; build in 20–30 extra minutes on spring training game days.
When do gates open at BayCare Ballpark for spring training games?
Gates open 2 hours and 30 minutes before first pitch — which means 10:35 AM for the standard 1:05 PM afternoon starts that make up most of the Grapefruit League schedule. The Tiki Pavilion between the bullpens and the outfield berm fill early on popular dates, so arriving right at gate opening is the move for groups who want prime positioning.
How far in advance should a bus be booked for Phillies spring training?
As early as your dates are confirmed. Mid-March weekend games against popular opponents book the available vehicle supply fastest, especially for full-size charter buses. For popular matchups or holiday weekend games, 4–8 weeks ahead is the safe window; for slower midweek games in late February or early March, 2–3 weeks often works.
The moment your flights are booked is the time to get started.
Can the bus wait for us during the game and pick us up afterward?
Yes. Rentals are structured as blocks of hours, so a drop-off arrangement where the bus stages in Lot C during the game and picks up the group after the final out is a standard booking format for spring training groups. You set the post-game pickup window in advance so the bus is staged and ready rather than everyone waiting in the Lot D rideshare queue.
Discuss the specific hour structure when you request your quote.
What else is there to do in Clearwater on a spring training weekend trip?
Plenty. Clearwater Beach is about 7 miles west — one of the most recognized beaches on the Gulf Coast. The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park hosts concerts in downtown Clearwater throughout the year; check the calendar if a show lines up with your spring training dates.
Clearwater's breweries, waterfront restaurants, and downtown district are easy multi-stop additions to a full weekend itinerary with one bus handling all the transfers. The Clearwater private event transportation page covers multi-stop weekend planning, and nearby St. Petersburg and Tampa are also easy day-trip or evening additions from Clearwater.
Book Your Spring Training Party Bus or Charter Bus Rental Today
Whether your group is flying in from Philadelphia for the weekend, driving across the Tampa Bay area for a Saturday afternoon game, or organizing a fan club trip that's been on the calendar since the postseason ended, the transportation piece is the easiest thing to check off the list. One quote request through clearwaterpartybuscompany.com lets you compare transportation options serving Clearwater — covering the airport pickup at TPA or PIE, hotel runs along US-19, the ballpark drop-off on Old Coachman Road, and the post-game pickup from Lot C while everyone else waits at Lot D for a surge-priced rideshare. Call 727-627-0790 any time or use the online quote tool for all-inclusive pricing in under 30 seconds.
The Phillies have been in Clearwater since 1947 — your group should arrive like they belong here.
