Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands as a premier travel hub, not just for Tampa, but also as an ideal entry point for those seeking the award-winning beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater. Consistently recognized as one of North America’s best airports, TPA offers a seamless travel experience just a short drive from the stunning Gulf Coast. While St. Pete-Clearwater boasts its own airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Tampa International Airport provides a broader range of flight options and often more competitive fares, making it a smart choice for visitors to the St. Pete-Clearwater area.
TPA’s reputation for excellence is well-earned. J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study ranked it #1 among large airports for the second year running, highlighting its commitment to passenger satisfaction. Furthermore, USA TODAY lauded Tampa International Airport as America’s Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining in its 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Handling over 24 million passengers in 2023, TPA is clearly a popular choice, and it continues to evolve to meet growing demand.
Currently undergoing a significant three-phase expansion, Tampa International Airport is enhancing its Main Terminal, constructing a state-of-the-art rental car facility, and implementing the SkyConnect train system to improve connectivity within the airport complex. Looking to the future, TPA broke ground in late 2024 on Airside D, a 16-gate terminal designed for both international and domestic flights, slated to open in 2028. Anticipated for mid-2025 are the “Red Express Curbsides,” designed for travelers without checked baggage, mirroring the already successful Blue Express Curbsides. These continuous improvements underscore TPA’s dedication to providing a top-tier travel experience for everyone, including those heading to St. Pete-Clearwater.
The strategic location of Tampa International Airport is a major advantage, offering easy access to both the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the world-renowned theme parks of Orlando. Served by most major airlines, TPA boasts over 100 non-stop flight destinations depending on the season, with approximately 250 daily departures across 24 airlines. For international travelers, the airport provides direct flights to 20 international destinations, making it a truly global gateway to the St. Pete-Clearwater region.
Beyond its functional aspects, TPA offers a diverse array of dining and shopping options. With over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars, passengers can enjoy a taste of local flavor and national brands. Distinctive local eateries include Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill (from TradeWinds St. Pete Beach), and Ducky’s. For culinary adventurers, Ulele offers chargrilled oysters, and Cigar City Brewing provides a taste of local craft beer. For ultimate convenience, Uber Eats is integrated with most of TPA’s restaurants, allowing travelers to order ahead and skip the lines. For retail therapy, The Shoppes at Bayshore presents a 6,300-square-foot mini-mall featuring both national and local boutique brands. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with “Phoebe,” the airport’s beloved 21-foot flamingo sculpture, a true icon of Tampa Bay.
Airlines Flying into Tampa: Your Connection to St. Pete-Clearwater
A comprehensive list of airlines operates from Tampa International Airport, ensuring excellent connectivity for visitors heading to St. Pete-Clearwater. These include major carriers such as AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet. For a complete and up-to-date list of airlines, please refer to the TPA website. This extensive selection of airlines makes planning your trip to the St. Pete-Clearwater area via Tampa International Airport straightforward and flexible.
Parking at Tampa International Airport: Convenient Options for Your Trip to St. Pete-Clearwater
Tampa International Airport offers a variety of parking solutions, including a pre-booking system, which is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times to guarantee a space. Travelers can easily book parking online via the TPA website, selecting their arrival and departure dates and preferred parking location – Economy, Long-Term, or Short-Term.
Short-Term Parking
- Location: Levels 4-9 above the Main Terminal
- Terminal Access: Elevator
- Vehicle Clearance: 6 feet, 8 inches
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Level 5); 45-day maximum stay.
Long-Term Parking
- Location: Adjacent to the Main Terminal Garage
- Terminal Access: Pedestrian moving walkway (Level 4)
- Vehicle Clearance: 7 feet, 10 inches
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Level 4); 45-day maximum stay.
Economy Garage & Lot
- Location: South of the Main Terminal
- Terminal Access: SkyConnect train (Level 1 of garage)
- Vehicle Clearance: Garage Levels 2-6: 8 feet; Level 1 & Surface Lot: 13 feet
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Level 1); 45-day maximum stay.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot (Free)
- Location: South of the Main Terminal, near SkyCenter One office building and U.S. Post Office.
- Terminal Access: 5-minute drive to Main Terminal curbside
- Vehicle Clearance: No limit
- Amenities: Restrooms; vending machines; free Wi-Fi; flight information display; EV charging.
Green Parking
- Rates: No extra charge beyond standard parking fees.
- Location: Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1), Cell Phone Waiting Lot
- Details: Charging station details available on the TPA website.
Off-Airport Parking Options Near Tampa International Airport
For potentially more economical parking, several off-site options exist near TPA, often providing shuttle services:
- A1 Express Parking: Offers 24/7 free shuttle service.
- Memorial Airport Parking: Budget-friendly choice west of TPA with 24/7 shuttle service.
Passenger Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Streamlined for Your St. Pete-Clearwater Trip
TPA offers efficient passenger pick-up and drop-off options. The Blue Express Curb is ideal for those without checked baggage, providing a less congested route for certain airlines. A Red Express Curb is planned for 2025 to further enhance this service. For arriving passengers with checked baggage, clearly marked signs lead to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.” Designated “Passenger Pickups” and “Ride Shares” areas are easily accessible outside Baggage Claim. Curbside baggage check-in is available for departing passengers on most domestic flights, adding to the convenience.
Ground Transportation from Tampa Airport to St. Pete-Clearwater
Connecting from Tampa International Airport to St. Pete-Clearwater is simple with various ground transportation choices:
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient pick-up and drop-off at multiple airport locations, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. A service fee applies to fares.
Taxis: Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) provides taxi service from the Baggage Claim level curbside.
Rental Cars: On-airport rental car services are easily reached via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.
Shared Passenger Van Services: Airport limos and shared van services can be booked in advance or upon arrival in the Baggage Claim area lobbies.
Bus/Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are located at the Rental Car Center (“Remote Curbside”). Greyhound bus services are available from the Marion Transit Center in downtown Tampa.
Services and Amenities at Tampa International Airport
TPA is designed to enhance your travel experience with numerous services and amenities:
Guest Services: Information kiosks are staffed daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Main Terminal (Level 3).
Accessibility Services: Accessible parking is available in all airport parking areas. Wheelchair assistance is provided by airlines. Elevators serve all passenger areas, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Detailed accessibility information is available on the TPA website.
Currency Exchange: Travelex Currency Services is located in the Main Terminal (Level 3) for international travelers.
Animal Relief Areas: Designated pet relief areas are available pre- and post-security, both inside the terminals and outside on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area. Service animals are permitted throughout the airport. More information can be found on the TPA website.
Additional Amenities: Water bottle refilling stations, mothers’ nursing rooms, a non-denominational chapel, and an attached Marriott hotel are all available for passenger convenience.
Contact Information for Tampa International Airport
- Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- Phone: 813-870-8770
- Website: www.tampaairport.com
Tampa International Airport provides exceptional service and convenience, making it an excellent choice for your travels to St. Pete-Clearwater and beyond. While St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is closer to the beaches, TPA’s superior flight options, amenities, and award-winning service often make it the preferred airport for visitors seeking the sun and sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
