Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands as a premier aviation hub, consistently earning accolades as one of America’s most beloved airports. For those seeking to explore the stunning shores of St. Pete-Clearwater and the vibrant heart of downtown St. Pete, TPA provides seamless international access, positioning itself as the ideal starting point for your Floridian adventure. Located just a convenient 45 minutes from the award-winning beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and a mere 30 minutes from downtown St. Pete, TPA ensures that your transition from international skies to sun-kissed sands is both swift and stress-free.
Recognized for its commitment to passenger satisfaction, TPA was honored as the No. 1 large airport in J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study for the second consecutive year. Further solidifying its reputation, USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024 lauded Tampa International Airport as America’s Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining. These accolades underscore TPA’s dedication to providing a superior travel experience, making it a favored choice for both domestic and international travelers heading to the St. Pete region.
In 2023 alone, TPA accommodated over 24 million passengers, and to meet this growing demand, the airport is actively engaged in a comprehensive three-phase construction program. This expansion includes significant enhancements to its Main Terminal, the addition of a cutting-edge rental car facility, and the innovative SkyConnect train system. Looking towards the future, TPA broke ground on Airside D in late 2024, a state-of-the-art 16-gate terminal designed to handle both international and domestic flights, slated to open in 2028. Furthermore, in mid-2025, TPA will introduce “Red Express Curbsides” for passengers traveling without checked baggage, complementing the already operational Blue Express Curbsides. These developments demonstrate TPA’s proactive approach to enhancing passenger flow and convenience, ensuring it remains a top-tier international airport serving the St. Pete area.
Strategically positioned, TPA offers unparalleled access not only to the breathtaking beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater but also to the world-renowned theme parks of Orlando. Served by a vast network of major airlines, TPA boasts over 100 non-stop flights, with flight availability varying seasonally. Daily, the airport manages approximately 250 departures across 24 airlines, offering connections to 20 international destinations, making it a truly international gateway for those visiting St. Pete and the surrounding Gulf Coast.
Beyond its functional aspects, TPA is a destination in itself, featuring a diverse array of 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 (from TradeWinds St. Pete Beach), and Ducky’s. For culinary enthusiasts, Ulele offers chargrilled oysters, while Cigar City Brewing presents locally crafted beers. Adding to the convenience, Uber Eats service is available at most TPA restaurants, allowing customers to order ahead and skip the lines. For a unique shopping experience, The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini-mall on the Main Terminal’s third level, showcases both national and local boutique brands. Don’t miss the chance to capture a memorable selfie with “Phoebe,” the airport’s beloved 21-foot flamingo sculpture, a must-see attraction for every visitor.
Airlines Connecting You to St. Pete International via Tampa
TPA is serviced by a comprehensive list of major airlines, ensuring diverse international and domestic connections. These 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 airlines, please refer to the official TPA website’s airlines page. This extensive network facilitates easy travel from across the globe to St. Pete and the surrounding region through Tampa International Airport.
Parking Options at Tampa International Airport for Your St. Pete Trip
TPA provides a variety of parking solutions to suit every traveler’s needs and budget, whether you’re embarking on a short trip to St. Pete or a longer stay. A particularly convenient feature is the option to pre-book parking online, guaranteeing a space in your preferred lot, especially valuable during peak travel periods and holidays. Through the TPA website, you can easily reserve parking by specifying your arrival and departure dates and times, and selecting from Economy, Long-Term, or Short-Term parking options.
Short-Term Parking: Ideal for Quick Airport Visits
Located on Levels 4-9 directly above the Main Terminal, Short-Term Parking offers the quickest access to the terminal via elevator. Vehicles with a maximum height of 6 feet, 8 inches are accommodated. This option accepts SunPass and includes Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Parking Level 5. The maximum stay duration is 45 days.
Long-Term Parking: Convenient and Close to the Terminal
The Long-Term Parking Garage is conveniently situated adjacent to the Main Terminal. A pedestrian moving walkway on Level 4 provides direct terminal access. Vehicles up to 7 feet, 10 inches in height can be accommodated. Long-Term Parking also accepts SunPass, features Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Level 4, and has a maximum stay of 45 days.
Economy Garage & Lot: Budget-Friendly Parking
Located south of the Main Terminal on airport property, the Economy Garage & Lot offers the most budget-friendly parking options. Access to the Main Terminal is via the SkyConnect train, with the station accessible by elevators on Level 1 of the garage. Levels 2-6 of the garage accommodate vehicles up to 8 feet tall, while Level 1 and the surface lot can handle vehicles up to 13 feet. SunPass is accepted, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are available on Parking Level 1, and the maximum stay is 45 days.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free and Convenient for Pick-ups
The Cell Phone Waiting Lot, located south of the Main Terminal near the SkyCenter One office building and U.S. Post Office, offers free parking for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Once your party is ready, it’s just a five-minute drive to the Main Terminal curbside pick-up area. There are no vehicle height restrictions. Amenities include restrooms, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, real-time flight information displays, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Green Parking: Eco-Friendly Charging
Electric vehicle charging is available at all TPA parking facilities – Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1), and the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. No additional charges are added to standard parking rates for using the charging stations. Detailed information on the number and types of charging stations can be found on the TPA website’s green parking page.
Off-Airport Parking Options Near TPA
For potentially more economical parking solutions, several off-site parking facilities are located near Tampa International Airport, offering shuttle services:
- A1 Express Parking: A popular choice providing free 24/7 shuttle service to and from TPA.
- Memorial Airport Parking*: A budget-friendly option west of TPA, also offering complimentary 24/7 shuttle service.
Passenger Pick-Up and Drop-Off for St. Pete Travelers
TPA streamlines passenger pick-up and drop-off with designated curbside areas designed for efficiency. The Blue Express Curb is available for departing and arriving passengers without checked baggage, offering a less congested and faster option. This curb serves airlines in TPA’s blue group. The Red Express Curb, anticipated to open in 2025, will further enhance these services.
For arriving passengers with checked baggage, follow signs to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.” Once ready for pick-up, proceed outside and look for “Passenger Pickups” or “Ride Shares” signage. Departing passengers can take advantage of curbside baggage check-in offered by most airlines for domestic flights.
Ground Transportation from Tampa Airport to St. Pete and Beyond
TPA offers a comprehensive range of ground transportation options to facilitate your journey to St. Pete, Clearwater, and other destinations.
Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient drop-off at all public access points, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim, and the Remote Curbside at the SkyCenter One office building. For smooth pick-up and drop-off, inform your driver of your specific airline. Arriving passengers can be picked up at Red Baggage Claim, the Blue Express Curbside, or the Remote Curbside at SkyCenter One. Note that a service fee applies to ride-share fares.
Taxi Services: Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) provides taxi service 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. Enclosed, air-conditioned lobbies at both ends of the Baggage Claim areas provide comfortable waiting areas.
Bus and Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are located at the Rental Car Center; follow signs for “Remote Curbside.” The Greyhound bus terminal is situated in downtown Tampa at the Marion Transit Center North Platform (1209 N. Marion St). Chartered bus services are also available, with pick-ups in the designated bus spaces within the Ground Transportation Centers.
Essential Services and Amenities at Tampa International Airport
TPA is equipped with a wide array of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for passengers en route to St. Pete and beyond.
Guest Services: The information kiosk, located in the center of Level 3 of the Main Terminal, is staffed daily from 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Accessibility Services: Accessible parking is available in all airport parking areas. Airlines offer wheelchair services from curbside to ticket counters and gates. Elevators serve all passenger areas, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Detailed information on accessibility services is available on the TPA website.
Currency Exchange: For international travelers, Travelex Currency Services is located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal.
Animal Relief Areas: Service animals, as defined by Florida law, are permitted throughout the airport. Non-service animals are allowed only if they are being transported by air. Post-security animal relief areas are available in each airside terminal. Pet relief areas in the Main Terminal are located just outside the building on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area. More information can be found on the TPA website’s animal services page.
Additional Amenities: TPA provides water bottle refilling stations near restrooms in each airside terminal, mothers’ nursing rooms, a non-denominational chapel within the Main Terminal, and a Marriott hotel connected to the airport.
Contact Tampa International Airport
For further inquiries or assistance, you can contact Tampa International Airport directly:
- Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
- Phone: 813-870-8770
- Website: www.tampaairport.com
Tampa International Airport serves as an exceptional international gateway to St. Pete and the surrounding Florida Gulf Coast, offering world-class facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your Sunshine State adventure.
