While St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) serves the St. Petersburg area directly, Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands out as a premier gateway, often considered the best airport for accessing St. Pete and its award-winning beaches. Located approximately 30-45 minutes from St. Pete, TPA offers superior facilities, a wider range of flights, and exceptional passenger satisfaction, making it a top choice for travelers heading to the St. Petersburg region.
Award-Winning Airport Just a Short Drive from St. Pete
Tampa International Airport isn’t just any airport; it’s consistently recognized as one of the best in North America. For two years running, in 2023 and again in 2024, J.D. Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study has ranked TPA as #1 among large airports. Further solidifying its reputation, USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024 named Tampa International Airport as America’s Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining. These accolades highlight TPA’s commitment to passenger experience and service excellence, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable right from arrival.
Serving over 24 million passengers in 2023 alone, TPA is continuously evolving to meet growing demand. The airport is currently undergoing a massive three-phase construction program. This expansion includes enhancements to the Main Terminal, a new state-of-the-art rental car facility, and the innovative SkyConnect train system designed to streamline airport transit. Looking ahead, TPA broke ground on Airside D in late 2024, a significant 16-gate terminal dedicated to both international and domestic flights, slated to open in 2028. Furthermore, by mid-2025, TPA will introduce “Red Express Curbsides” for travelers without checked baggage, complementing the already operational Blue Express Curbsides and further improving passenger flow.
Conveniently Located for St. Pete and Beyond
One of TPA’s key advantages is its strategic location. It provides effortless access not only to the stunning beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater but also to the world-renowned theme parks of Orlando. This makes TPA an ideal entry point for those planning to explore multiple destinations in Florida.
Tampa International Airport is served by almost all major airlines, offering an extensive network of over 100 non-stop flights, with variations depending on the season. Daily, approximately 250 departures are handled by 24 different airlines, connecting Tampa to 20 international destinations and countless domestic locations. This vast connectivity ensures that whether you are flying in from across the country or internationally, reaching St. Pete via TPA is straightforward and convenient.
Dining and Shopping: A Taste of Tampa Bay
More than just a transit hub, TPA is a destination in itself, boasting over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars. Travelers can indulge in distinctive local flavors from brands like Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill (associated with TradeWinds St. Pete Beach), and Ducky’s. For culinary enthusiasts, Ulele offers chargrilled oysters, while Cigar City Brewing provides a taste of local craft beer. Adding to the convenience, TPA has embraced modern solutions like Uber Eats, allowing customers to order from most airport restaurants and skip the lines for pickup.
For retail therapy, The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini-mall on the Main Terminal’s third level, features a curated selection of national and local boutique brands, perfect for last-minute gifts or personal treats.
Don’t miss the chance to greet “Phoebe,” TPA’s iconic 21-foot flamingo sculpture. This eye-catching artwork has become a must-see, offering a perfect photo opportunity to start or end your St. Pete vacation.
Airlines Serving Tampa International Airport
A comprehensive range of airlines operates from TPA, providing passengers with numerous options for both domestic and international travel. Key airlines include 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 list of all airlines serving TPA, please visit the official Tampa International Airport website.
Parking at Tampa International Airport: Options and Tips
TPA offers a variety of parking solutions designed to suit different needs and budgets. A particularly useful feature is the option to pre-book your parking space online. Especially during peak travel times and holidays, reserving parking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee a spot in your preferred garage. Through the TPA website, you can easily specify your arrival and departure dates and times, and choose 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
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (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
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (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 (station access from Level 1 of the garage)
- Vehicle Clearance: Garage Levels 2-6: 8 feet; Level 1 and surface lot: 13 feet
- Features: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Level 1); maximum stay of 45 days.
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 for passenger pick-up
- Vehicle Clearance: No limit
- Amenities: Restrooms, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, real-time flight information display, electric vehicle charging stations.
Green Parking
- Rates: No extra charge beyond standard parking fees.
- Location: Available in Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1), and Cell Phone Waiting Lot.
- Details: Check the TPA website for charging station details.
Off-Airport Parking Options
For potentially more economical parking, consider these nearby off-site lots:
- A1 Express Parking: Offers 24/7 free shuttle service to and from TPA.
- Memorial Airport Parking: Provides budget-friendly rates and 24/7 shuttle service.
Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off at TPA
To enhance efficiency, TPA provides dedicated express curbs. The Blue Express Curb is designed for departing and arriving passengers without checked luggage, offering a quicker route if you don’t need ticketing or baggage claim services. A Red Express Curb is scheduled to open in 2025, further expanding these expedited options.
For arriving passengers with checked bags, follow signs to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.” Once ready for pickup, proceed outside to the designated “Passenger Pickups” or “Ride Shares” areas.
Departing passengers can take advantage of curbside baggage check-in offered by most domestic airlines for added convenience.
Ground Transportation from Tampa Airport to St. Pete and Beyond
TPA offers a multitude of ground transportation choices to reach St. Pete and other destinations:
- Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft provide convenient drop-off at all public access points, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Pick-ups for arriving passengers are available at Red Baggage Claim, Blue Express Curbside, or Remote Curbside. Note that a service fee applies to ride-share fares.
- Taxis: Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) service is readily available at the Baggage Claim level curbside.
- Rental Cars: Access on-airport rental car services via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.
- Shared Passenger Vans: Airport limos and shared van services can be booked in advance or upon arrival, with air-conditioned waiting lobbies at both ends of the Baggage Claim area.
- Bus/Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are located at the Rental Car Center (follow signs to “Remote Curbside”). For Greyhound bus services, the Tampa terminal is at the Marion Transit Center in downtown Tampa (1209 N. Marion St.). Chartered bus services are also available, with pick-ups in the Ground Transportation Centers’ bus bays.
Services & Amenities at Tampa International Airport
TPA is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience with a wide array of services and amenities:
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Guest Services: Information kiosks are staffed daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the center of Level 3, Main Terminal.
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Accessibility Services: Disabled parking is available in all airport parking areas. Airlines offer wheelchair assistance. Elevators serve all passenger areas, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. More details are available on the TPA accessibility services page.
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Currency Exchange: Travelex Currency Services is located on Level 3, Main Terminal for international travelers.
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Animal Relief Areas: Service animals are permitted throughout the airport. Pet relief areas are available pre-security outside on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area, and post-security in each airside terminal. See the TPA animals information page for more information.
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Additional Amenities: Water bottle refilling stations are available near restrooms in all airside terminals. Nursing rooms for mothers, a non-denominational chapel in the Main Terminal, and a Marriott hotel connected to the airport further enhance passenger comfort.
Contact Information for Tampa International Airport
- Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- Phone: 813-870-8770
- Website: www.tampaairport.com
For your travels to St. Pete and the surrounding Gulf Coast, Tampa International Airport offers an unparalleled combination of convenience, amenities, and award-winning service, making it your ideal “St. Pete airport” choice.
