While you might be searching for Clearwater St. Pete International Airport, it’s important to know that Tampa International Airport (TPA) often serves as a primary and highly convenient entry point for travelers heading to the beautiful St. Pete-Clearwater area. Although Clearwater St. Pete International Airport (PIE) is a closer option, TPA offers a wider range of flights and is renowned for its exceptional passenger experience, making it a top choice for accessing this stunning Gulf Coast destination.
Tampa International Airport, located approximately 45 minutes from St. Pete-Clearwater’s award-winning beaches and just 30 minutes from downtown St. Pete, consistently ranks among America’s best airports. For the second year in a row, J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study recognized TPA as No. 1 among large airports. Furthermore, USA TODAY has 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 providing a superior travel experience.
Alt text: Tampa International Airport exterior showcasing its modern architecture and accessibility.
In 2023, TPA accommodated over 24 million passengers and is proactively expanding to meet growing demand. A three-phase construction program is underway, featuring enhancements to the Main Terminal, a new rental car facility, and the SkyConnect train system. The airport broke ground on Airside D in late 2024, a 16-gate terminal designed for both international and domestic flights, slated to open in 2028. Additionally, mid-2025 will see the introduction of “Red Express Curbsides” for passengers traveling without checked baggage, complementing the already operational Blue Express Curbsides.
TPA’s strategic location provides easy access to both the pristine beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the world-famous theme parks of Orlando. Served by most major airlines, Tampa International boasts over 100 non-stop flight destinations, depending on the season. With around 250 daily departures across 24 airlines, TPA also provides flights to 20 international destinations, making it a well-connected international hub, even if you are ultimately heading to Clearwater St. Pete International Airport‘s vicinity.
Beyond its functional aspects, TPA enhances the travel experience with a diverse selection of over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars. Travelers can enjoy distinctive local flavors from brands 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. Conveniently, Uber Eats allows customers to order from most TPA restaurants for quick pick-up, bypassing lines.
Alt text: Diverse dining options at Tampa International Airport highlighting award-winning food and beverage services.
For shopping enthusiasts, The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini-mall on the Main Terminal’s third level, features both national and local boutique brands. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with “Phoebe,” the airport’s popular 21-foot flamingo sculpture, a delightful and memorable airport feature.
Airlines Serving Tampa International Airport (TPA) near Clearwater St. Pete
While Clearwater St. Pete International Airport also hosts airlines, TPA provides a broader selection. Most major airlines operate at TPA, 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 complete list of airlines, visit the TPA website’s airlines page. This extensive list ensures more flight options and potentially better deals for travelers heading to the Clearwater and St. Pete area compared to directly flying into Clearwater St. Pete International Airport.
Parking Options at Tampa International Airport for Your Clearwater St. Pete Trip
Planning your parking in advance at TPA is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times, even if you are ultimately destined for Clearwater St. Pete International Airport. TPA offers a convenient pre-booking system for parking spaces in your preferred lot. Through the TPA website, you can pre-book parking by entering your arrival and departure dates and times, and choosing from economy, long-term, or short-term parking options.
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 (Level 5); 45-day maximum stay.
Long-Term Parking
- Location: Adjacent garage to the Main Terminal
- Terminal Access: Pedestrian moving walkway (Level 4)
- Vehicle Clearance: 7 feet, 10 inches
- Details: 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 garage station)
- Vehicle Clearance: Levels 2-6: 8 feet; Level 1 & surface lot: 13 feet
- Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Level 1); 45-day maximum stay.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot (Free)
- Location: South of Main Terminal, near SkyCenter One office building
- Terminal Access: 5-minute drive to curbside pick-up
- Vehicle Clearance: No limit
- Details: Restrooms, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, flight information display, EV charging stations.
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 on the TPA website.
Nearby Off-Airport Parking
- A1 Express Parking: Popular option with 24/7 free shuttle service.
- Memorial Airport Parking: Budget-friendly with 24/7 free shuttle service.
Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off for Clearwater St. Pete Travelers at TPA
TPA offers convenient pick-up and drop-off options, streamlining your journey to or from Clearwater St. Pete International Airport area. The Blue Express Curb is ideal for passengers without checked bags, offering a less congested route for airlines in TPA’s blue group. A Red Express Curb is planned for 2025 to further enhance efficiency.
For arriving passengers with checked baggage, follow signs to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim,” then proceed outside to “Passenger Pickups” or “Ride Shares” areas. Departing passengers can utilize curbside bag checking for most domestic flights.
Ground Transportation & Rental Cars from Tampa Airport to Clearwater St. Pete (and Beyond)
Getting to your final destination in Clearwater or St. Pete from TPA is straightforward with various ground transportation options.
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft offer pick-up and drop-off at multiple airport locations, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Inform your driver of your airline for efficient service. Pick-up points for arriving passengers include 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) service is available curbside at the Baggage Claim level.
Rental Cars: Access on-airport rental car services via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal. This is a convenient option for exploring the wider St. Pete-Clearwater region and beyond.
Shared Passenger Van Services: Airport limos and shared vans can be booked in advance or upon arrival, 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 (Marion Transit Center North Platform, 1209 N. Marion St). Chartered bus services are also available with pick-ups in the Ground Transportation Centers.
Alt text: Signage for ground transportation at Tampa International Airport guiding passengers to various transit options.
Services & Amenities at Tampa International Airport: Enhancing Your Journey to Clearwater St. Pete
TPA is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience with a wide range of services and amenities.
Guest Services: The information kiosk in the Main Terminal (Level 3, center) is staffed from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.
Accessibility Services: Accessible parking is available in all airport parking areas. Airlines offer wheelchair assistance from curbside to gates. Elevators serve all passenger areas, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. More details on accessibility services at TPA are available online.
Currency Exchange: Travelex Currency Services is located in the Main Terminal (Level 3) for international travelers.
Animal Relief Areas: Service animals are permitted throughout the airport. Pet relief areas are available pre-security outside the Main Terminal on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area, and post-security in each airside building. More information on animals at TPA is on the airport’s website.
Additional Amenities: TPA provides water bottle refilling stations near restrooms in all airside terminals, mothers’ nursing rooms, a non-denominational chapel in the Main Terminal, and a Marriott hotel connected to the airport.
Contact Information for Tampa International Airport (Serving Clearwater St. Pete Area)
- Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- Phone: 813-870-8770
- Website: www.tampaairport.com
While your destination might be closer to Clearwater St. Pete International Airport (PIE), Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers a world-class airport experience with extensive flight options and seamless access to the entire Tampa Bay region, including Clearwater and St. Pete. Its awards and continuous improvements make TPA an excellent choice for your travel needs.
