For travelers heading to the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater, Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands as the premier gateway. While not directly located in Clearwater or St. Pete, TPA is conveniently situated approximately 45 minutes from the award-winning shores of St. Pete-Clearwater and just 30 minutes from downtown St. Pete, making it the ideal “Clearwater St Pete Airport” for your Sunshine State vacation. Consistently recognized for its excellence, TPA offers a superior travel experience that sets the stage for a fantastic visit to the Gulf Coast.
Tampa International Airport’s reputation as a top-tier airport is well-earned. J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study proudly ranked TPA as No. 1 among large airports for the second year running. Further solidifying its status, USA TODAY lauded Tampa International Airport as America’s Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining in their 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. These accolades highlight TPA’s commitment to passenger satisfaction and its exceptional facilities.
To accommodate its growing popularity, TPA, which welcomed over 24 million passengers in 2023, is undergoing a significant three-phase expansion. This ambitious project includes enhancements to the Main Terminal, a new state-of-the-art rental car facility, and the innovative SkyConnect train system. Looking ahead, TPA broke ground on Airside D in late 2024, a 16-gate terminal designed for both international and domestic flights, slated to open in 2028. Anticipated in mid-2025, the “Red Express Curbsides” will further streamline passenger flow for those traveling without checked baggage, complementing the already operational Blue Express Curbsides.
Alt text: Phoebe the flamingo sculpture, a popular photo opportunity for travelers at Tampa International Airport, highlighting the airport’s unique and engaging passenger experience.
The strategic location of TPA is a major advantage for visitors eager to explore both the stunning beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the world-famous theme parks of Orlando. Served by most major airlines, TPA boasts an extensive network of over 100 non-stop flights depending on the season. With approximately 250 daily departures across 24 airlines, TPA provides convenient access to 20 international destinations, making it a truly global gateway for your trip to the Clearwater St. Pete area.
Beyond its functional aspects, TPA offers a delightful array of dining and shopping options. Over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars showcase a mix of national brands and distinctive local flavors. Enjoy local favorites like Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill (from TradeWinds St. Pete Beach), and Ducky’s. For culinary enthusiasts, Ulele offers chargrilled oysters, and Cigar City Brewing provides a taste of local craft beer. For added convenience, Uber Eats allows customers to order from most TPA restaurants for quick and easy pick-up, bypassing lines and maximizing your pre-flight time.
The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini-mall located on the third level of the Main Terminal, presents a curated selection of national and local boutique brands, offering a unique shopping experience within the airport. And don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with “Phoebe,” the 21-foot flamingo sculpture that has become a beloved icon for travelers passing through TPA.
Airlines Serving Tampa International Airport for Your Clearwater St. Pete Trip
Reaching Clearwater and St. Pete is made easy with the extensive list of airlines serving TPA. Most major airlines operate at Tampa International Airport, including 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 comprehensive list of airlines, please visit the TPA website. This wide selection ensures you can find the best flight options for your journey to the Clearwater St. Pete region.
Parking Options at Tampa International Airport for Clearwater St. Pete Visitors
For those driving to Tampa International Airport before heading to Clearwater or St. Pete, TPA offers a range of parking solutions. A popular feature is the ability to pre-book parking online, a particularly useful option during peak travel times to guarantee a space in your preferred garage. Through the TPA website, travelers can easily reserve parking in the economy, long-term, or short-term lots by entering their arrival and departure dates and times.
Short-Term Parking
- Location: Levels 4-9 above the Main Terminal
- Terminal Access: Elevator
- Vehicle Clearance: 6 feet, 8 inches
- Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Parking Level 5); maximum stay of 45 days.
Long-Term Parking
- Location: Adjacent to the Main Terminal
- Terminal Access: Pedestrian moving walkway on Level 4
- Vehicle Clearance: 7 feet, 10 inches
- Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Parking Level 4); maximum stay of 45 days.
Economy Garage & Lot
- Location: South of the Main Terminal on airport property
- Terminal Access: SkyConnect train to the Main Terminal (Level 1 garage access)
- Vehicle Clearance: Levels 2-6, 8 feet; Level 1 and surface lot, 13 feet
- Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Parking Level 1); maximum stay of 45 days.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
- Free of charge
- 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 pick-up when guests are ready
- Vehicle Clearance: No limit
- Details: Restrooms, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, real-time flight information, electric vehicle charging stations.
Green Parking
- Rates: Regular parking fees apply, no extra charge for green parking.
- Location: Available in Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1), and Cell Phone Waiting Lot
- Details: Information on charging station availability can be found on the TPA website.
Nearby Off-Airport Parking Options
- A1 Express Parking: Offers 24/7 free shuttle service to and from TPA.
- Memorial Airport Parking*: Budget-friendly option west of TPA with 24/7 free shuttle service.
Alt text: Multi-level parking garages at Tampa International Airport, showcasing the convenient and ample parking facilities available for travelers accessing Clearwater and St. Pete.
Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off for Clearwater St. Pete Travel
TPA simplifies passenger pick-up and drop-off with designated areas. The Blue Express Curb is designed for passengers without checked baggage, providing a less congested and faster route for departures and arrivals. A Red Express Curb is planned for 2025 to further enhance these services.
For arriving passengers with checked bags, follow signs to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.” For pick-up, proceed outside to the “Passenger Pickups” or “Ride Shares” areas. Departing passengers can utilize curbside bag checking offered by most domestic airlines for added convenience.
Ground Transportation & Rental Cars for Reaching Clearwater & St. Pete from TPA
Getting to Clearwater and St. Pete from Tampa International Airport is straightforward with numerous ground transportation options.
Ride-shares: Services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient pick-up and drop-off at various airport locations, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Inform your driver of your airline for efficient service. Pick-up locations for arriving passengers are Red Baggage Claim, Blue Express Curbside, or Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Note that a service fee applies to ride-share fares.
Taxis: Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) provides taxi service from the curbside outside Baggage Claim.
Rental Cars: Access on-airport rental car services via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal, offering a seamless transition to your rental vehicle for exploring Clearwater and St. Pete.
Shared Passenger Van Services: Airport limos and shared van services are available through reservations or walk-up bookings, with waiting areas in air-conditioned lobbies at both ends of Baggage Claim.
Bus/Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are located at the Rental Car Center (follow “Remote Curbside” signs). The Greyhound bus terminal is in downtown Tampa at the Marion Transit Center North Platform (1209 N. Marion St.). Chartered bus services are also available.
Services & Amenities at TPA for a Smooth Clearwater St. Pete Journey
Tampa International Airport is equipped with a wide range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience as you begin or end your trip to Clearwater and St. Pete.
Guest Services: The information kiosk in the center of Level 3 of the Main Terminal is staffed daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Accessibility Services: Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all airport parking areas. Wheelchair service is provided by airlines from curbside to ticket counters and gates. Elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available throughout the airport. More details on accessibility services at TPA can be found on the airport website.
Currency Exchange: Travelex Currency Services is located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal for international travelers.
Animal Relief Areas: Service animals are permitted throughout the airport. Pet relief areas are available post-security in each airside building and pre-security just outside the Main Terminal on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area. Further information is available on the airport’s website regarding animals at TPA.
Additional Amenities & Services: TPA provides water-bottle-refilling stations near restrooms in each airside terminal, mothers’ nursing rooms, a non-denominational chapel in the Main Terminal, and a Marriott hotel connected to the airport.
Alt text: The spacious and modern interior of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal, highlighting the comfortable and passenger-friendly atmosphere for travelers going to Clearwater and St. Pete.
Contact Information for Tampa International Airport (Serving Clearwater St Pete Airport needs):
- Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- Phone: 813-870-8770
- Website: www.tampaairport.com
Tampa International Airport is more than just an airport; it’s your gateway to the stunning beaches and vibrant cities of Clearwater and St. Pete. With its award-winning services, convenient location, and extensive amenities, TPA ensures your journey to the Gulf Coast begins and ends with ease and comfort.
