Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA), located about 6 miles west of downtown Tampa, is one of Florida’s busiest and most efficient airports. Handling over 22 million passengers annually, TPA serves as a major gateway to the Gulf Coast, offering connections to over 90 domestic and international destinations. Known for its user-friendly layout, short wait times, and modern amenities, Tampa International is a top choice for travelers heading to or from Florida’s West Coast.
The airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, with additional flights from major carriers such as Delta, United, and JetBlue. TPA’s unique design—where passengers access the terminals via a central hub connected by automated people movers—makes navigating the airport quick and convenient. With its wide range of amenities, including award-winning dining, shopping, and passenger services, Tampa International offers a comfortable travel experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: Tampa International Airport features a central terminal building with four airside concourses: A, C, E, and F. Each airside is accessed via the main terminal through an automated people mover, making it easy for passengers to navigate between check-in, security, and gates.
- Airside A: Serves JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines, with a mix of domestic and international flights.
- Airside C: Home to Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, primarily offering domestic flights.
- Airside E: Serves Delta Air Lines and Air Canada, offering both domestic and international routes.
- Airside F: Primarily handles international flights with carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and American Airlines.
2. Amenities and Services: TPA offers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure comfort and convenience for all travelers.
- Shopping and Dining: Tampa International has a variety of dining options that range from local favorites to national chains. Popular spots include Columbia Restaurant Café (Airside E), a branch of the famous Tampa-based Cuban restaurant, and Cigar City Brewing (Airside C), offering local craft beers. Travelers can also find fast food options like Burger 21 and Starbucks throughout the airport. For shopping, TPA has a selection of retail stores, including Ron Jon Surf Shop, Tech on the Go, and Duty-Free America for international travelers.
- Lounges: TPA features several lounges, including the American Airlines Admirals Club (Airside F) and Delta Sky Club (Airside E), offering premium amenities for frequent travelers. Additionally, The Club at TPA is a pay-per-entry lounge open to all passengers, providing complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, ensuring passengers can stay connected during their journey.
- Pet Relief Areas: TPA is a pet-friendly airport with designated pet relief areas located both inside and outside the terminals.
- Children’s Play Areas: TPA offers play areas for young children, making it easier for families to keep kids entertained while waiting for their flights.
- Spa Services: For travelers looking to unwind, Terminal Getaway Spa in Airside C and F offers massages, manicures, and other wellness services.
- Art and Exhibits: The airport features a rotating selection of art exhibits by local and international artists, adding a touch of culture to the travel experience.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: Tampa International Airport offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy for travelers to get to and from the airport.
- Rental Cars: The Rental Car Center at TPA is located just south of the main terminal and is connected by the SkyConnect automated people mover. Major rental car companies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, operate from this facility.
- Public Transit: The HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) bus system connects the airport to downtown Tampa and surrounding areas. Routes include connections to downtown, major attractions, and the beaches.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available outside baggage claim areas on the ground level. Rideshare pickup points are clearly marked, making it convenient to catch a ride to your destination.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the terminal. In addition, there are private shuttle services available to destinations across Tampa Bay and nearby cities.
2. Parking: TPA offers several parking options for short-term and long-term stays.
- Short-Term Parking: Located directly above the main terminal, short-term parking is ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers. The parking garage is connected to the terminal via elevators and escalators, ensuring easy access.
- Long-Term Parking: The long-term parking garage is also connected to the main terminal by the SkyConnect people mover, providing an affordable option for travelers needing overnight or extended parking.
- Economy Parking: For budget-conscious travelers, the economy lot offers the most affordable rates. Shuttle service is available to and from the terminals.
- Valet Parking: For travelers looking for convenience, valet parking is available at the Blue Departures Drive (Level 5) of the short-term parking garage.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
For travelers arriving at Tampa International Airport, there are plenty of exciting things to do nearby, whether you’re on a layover or planning to explore Tampa Bay for an extended stay.
1. Downtown Tampa: Located just 6 miles from the airport, Downtown Tampa is a vibrant urban center known for its blend of culture, entertainment, and dining. Visitors can explore the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront promenade that connects major attractions like the Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and the Glazer Children’s Museum. Downtown is also home to Amalie Arena, where visitors can catch concerts, sports events, and other live performances.
2. The Florida Aquarium: Just 15 minutes from TPA, the Florida Aquarium is one of the top family-friendly attractions in Tampa. The aquarium features a wide variety of marine life exhibits, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. Interactive experiences like the Wild Dolphin Cruise offer visitors the chance to see dolphins in Tampa Bay.
3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Located about 20 minutes from the airport, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a must-visit theme park for thrill-seekers and animal lovers. The park features exhilarating roller coasters like SheiKra and Tigris, along with live shows and up-close encounters with wildlife, including giraffes, rhinos, and exotic birds.
4. Ybor City: A short drive from the airport, Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, Cuban culture, and hand-rolled cigars. Visitors can explore the area’s rich history by visiting the Ybor City Museum State Park or enjoy a meal at one of the district’s iconic restaurants like Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida.
5. Tampa Bay Beaches: For those looking to relax by the water, the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast are just a 30- to 40-minute drive from TPA. Popular spots include Clearwater Beach, known for its sugar-white sand and clear waters, and St. Pete Beach, which offers a mix of laid-back beach vibes and water sports activities.
6. Raymond James Stadium: Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. The stadium hosts NFL games, major concerts, and events year-round. Visitors can take a stadium tour or attend one of the many events hosted at this iconic venue.
7. International Plaza and Bay Street: Just a mile from TPA, International Plaza and Bay Street is an upscale shopping and dining destination. The mall features high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, Apple, Louis Vuitton, and a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining at The Capital Grille and Ocean Prime. The outdoor Bay Street area is a lively spot for evening entertainment, offering bars and restaurants with patios.
Vicinity of Tampa International Airport
Dining and Shopping at TPA
1. Dining Options: TPA offers a diverse selection of dining options throughout the airport, including sit-down restaurants, fast food outlets, and grab-and-go snacks.
- Columbia Restaurant Café (Airside E): Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine, including Cuban sandwiches and ropa vieja, at this branch of the iconic Columbia Restaurant.
- Cigar City Brewing (Airside C): This local brewery offers a selection of craft beers, along with bar bites like sandwiches and pretzels, giving travelers a taste of Tampa’s brewing culture.
- Four Green Fields (Airside E): A traditional Irish pub offering hearty meals and a selection of beers and spirits in a cozy atmosphere.
2. Shopping: Tampa International Airport has a variety of retail stores, offering everything from travel essentials to luxury goods.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop (Main Terminal): A popular stop for visitors looking for surfwear, beach accessories, and Florida-themed souvenirs.
- Tech on the Go (Airside A and C): A convenient place to pick up electronics, travel adapters, and other tech accessories.
- Duty-Free: For international travelers, Duty-Free Americas offers a selection of luxury items, fragrances, liquor, and tobacco products.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- Tampa International Airport Official Website
www.tampaairport.com
Get real-time flight information, parking details, and terminal maps. - Ground Transportation Options
https://www.tampaairport.com/ground-transportation
Learn more about rental cars, public transportation, and parking options at TPA. - Nearby Attractions
www.visittampabay.com
Explore things to do and places to visit in Tampa Bay.
Additional Details
- Location: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607.
- Public Transportation: TPA is well-connected to downtown Tampa and surrounding areas via the HART bus system and private shuttle services.
- Parking: Tampa International offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking, as well as valet parking for added convenience.
- Accessibility: TPA is fully accessible, with services for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and elevators throughout the terminal.
