Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands as a premier gateway to the stunning Gulf Coast of Florida, and particularly convenient for those heading to the award-winning beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater. Consistently ranked among the top airports in North America, TPA offers a stress-free travel experience. While TPA is known for its efficiency and amenities, planning your accommodation near the airport can further streamline your journey, especially if you have an early morning flight or arrive late in the evening. For travelers prioritizing ease of access to St. Pete-Clearwater combined with airport proximity, considering hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (which is actually Tampa International Airport – TPA) is a smart move.
TPA’s accolades speak volumes about its commitment to passenger satisfaction. J.D. Power recognized TPA as the No. 1 large airport in North America for customer satisfaction for two years running in their 2023 study. Furthermore, USA TODAY readers crowned TPA as America’s Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining in the 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Handling over 24 million passengers in 2023, TPA is continuously evolving, undergoing a three-phase expansion to enhance its Main Terminal, introduce a modern rental car facility, and implement the SkyConnect train system. The ongoing development, including the new 16-gate Airside D terminal slated for 2028 and the upcoming Red Express Curbsides in 2025, underscores TPA’s dedication to future growth and passenger convenience.
Strategically located, TPA provides easy access to both the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the world-renowned theme parks of Orlando. With a wide array of airlines serving the airport, passengers benefit from over 100 non-stop flight options to various destinations. Approximately 250 daily departures are facilitated by 24 airlines, including flights to 20 international locations. This extensive network makes TPA a highly accessible and convenient airport for domestic and international travelers alike.
Within the airport itself, TPA boasts an impressive selection of over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars. Travelers can savor local flavors from brands like Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, and Goody Goody, or enjoy seafood at RumFish Grill. For those seeking a taste of Tampa, Ulele offers chargrilled oysters, and Cigar City Brewing provides locally crafted beers. The introduction of Uber Eats at TPA allows passengers to conveniently order food from most airport restaurants, skipping lines and maximizing their pre-flight time. 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 21-foot flamingo sculpture, a beloved icon at TPA.
Airlines Serving Tampa International Airport
A comprehensive list of airlines operating at TPA includes 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 updated airline directory, the TPA website provides a dedicated airlines page.
Parking Options at Tampa International Airport
TPA offers a variety of parking solutions to suit different needs and budgets. A popular and convenient feature is the option to pre-book parking online, guaranteeing a space in your preferred lot, especially useful during peak travel periods. Through the TPA website, travelers can easily reserve parking by specifying their arrival and departure dates and times, and selecting from economy, long-term, or short-term parking facilities.
Short-Term Parking
Ideally located on Levels 4-9 above the Main Terminal, Short-Term Parking offers immediate elevator access to the terminal. It accommodates vehicles up to 6 feet, 8 inches in height, accepts SunPass, includes Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Parking Level 5, and allows for stays up to 45 days.
Long-Term Parking
Adjacent to the Main Terminal, the Long-Term Parking garage provides pedestrian moving walkway access to the terminal on Level 4. Vehicle height clearance is 7 feet, 10 inches. This option also accepts SunPass, provides Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Parking Level 4, and has a 45-day maximum stay.
Economy Garage & Lot
Situated south of the Main Terminal on airport property, the Economy Garage & Lot is accessible to the Main Terminal via the SkyConnect train, with station access from Level 1 of the garage elevators. It accommodates vehicles up to 8 feet on Levels 2-6 and 13 feet on Level 1 and the surface lot. Economy parking also accepts SunPass, features Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Parking Level 1, and permits a maximum 45-day stay.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot (Free)
Located south of the Main Terminal, near the SkyCenter One office building and U.S. Post Office, the Cell Phone Waiting Lot offers free parking for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. It is a short five-minute drive to the Main Terminal curbside pick-up area and has no vehicle height restrictions. Amenities include restrooms, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, real-time flight information displays, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Green Parking
Green Parking options are available at all parking facilities—Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1), and the Cell Phone Waiting Lot—without any additional charging costs beyond standard parking fees. Details on the number and types of charging stations can be found on the TPA website.
Off-Site Parking Near Tampa Airport
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking alternative parking solutions, several off-site parking lots are located near Tampa International Airport.
A1 Express Parking is a popular choice, offering complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to and from the airport.
Memorial Airport Parking provides another economical option west of TPA, also with free shuttle service around the clock.
Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off at TPA
TPA streamlines passenger pick-up and drop-off with designated curbside areas. The Blue Express Curb is designed for passengers without checked baggage, offering a less congested and quicker route for those traveling light and serving airlines in TPA’s blue group. A Red Express Curb is planned for introduction in 2025 to further enhance passenger flow.
For arriving passengers with checked bags, clear signage directs them to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.” From there, they can easily locate “Passenger Pickups” or designated “Ride Shares” areas.
Departing passengers can take advantage of curbside baggage check-in offered by most domestic airlines for added convenience.
Ground Transportation & Rental Cars
Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation to and from TPA, with drop-off locations at Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Pick-up locations for arriving passengers include Red Baggage Claim, the Blue Express Curbside, and the Remote Curbside. A service fee applies to ride-share fares.
Taxis: Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) offers taxi services from the curbside outside the Baggage Claim level.
Rental Cars: On-airport rental car services are easily accessible via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.
Shared Passenger Van Services: Airport limos and shared van services are available through advance reservations or walk-up bookings, with enclosed, air-conditioned waiting lobbies at each end of the Baggage Claim areas.
Bus/Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are located at the Rental Car Center, accessible via “Remote Curbside” signs. The Greyhound bus terminal is situated in downtown Tampa at the Marion Transit Center North Platform.
Services & Amenities at Tampa International Airport
Guest Services: The information kiosk, located in the center of Level 3 of the Main Terminal, is staffed daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. to assist travelers.
Accessibility Services: Designated parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all airport parking areas. Airlines offer wheelchair services, and elevators provide access to all passenger areas. All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Detailed information on accessibility services is available on the airport’s website.
Currency Exchange: Travelex Currency Services is available for international travelers on Level 3 of the Main Terminal.
Animal Relief Areas: Service animals are permitted throughout the airport. Designated pet relief areas are located 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. More information on animal policies can be found on the TPA website.
Additional Amenities: 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.
Choosing Hotels Near St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (TPA)
While technically hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater Airport are in the Tampa Airport area, selecting accommodation close to TPA offers significant advantages, especially for those prioritizing travel convenience to and from St. Pete-Clearwater. Staying near the airport can drastically reduce travel time on arrival or departure days, making early flights less stressful and late arrivals more relaxed.
Benefits of Airport Hotels:
- Convenience for Early/Late Flights: Eliminate long commutes to the airport, crucial for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.
- Reduced Travel Stress: Minimize the risk of traffic delays on travel days.
- Airport Shuttle Services: Many airport hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from TPA, simplifying transportation.
- Proximity to Amenities: Airport areas often have restaurants and shops, convenient for quick meals or last-minute travel needs.
- Business Travel Focus: Hotels near TPA are often well-equipped for business travelers, with business centers and meeting facilities.
Types of Hotels Near TPA:
- Luxury Hotels: Several upscale hotels near the airport cater to travelers seeking premium amenities and services, often including full-service restaurants, spas, and executive lounges.
- Mid-Range Hotels: A wide selection of mid-range hotels provides comfortable accommodations with amenities like free breakfast, pools, and fitness centers, balancing cost and comfort.
- Budget-Friendly Hotels: For travelers watching their expenses, budget hotels offer basic amenities and convenient airport access at more affordable rates.
When searching for hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, it’s important to specify “Tampa Airport (TPA)” as your location to find the most relevant options. While St. Pete-Clearwater does have its own smaller airport (St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport – PIE), TPA is the larger, more frequently served international airport in the region.
Contact Information for Tampa International Airport:
- 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- 813-870-8770
- www.tampaairport.com
By choosing to stay in hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (TPA), you can enhance your travel experience, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to and from the beautiful Gulf Coast. Plan your accommodation strategically to maximize your time enjoying the beaches and attractions of St. Pete-Clearwater.
