St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a vital transportation hub located in Pinellas County, serving the Tampa Bay region, including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. PIE is about 10 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg and 16 miles from Clearwater Beach, providing convenient access to some of Florida’s most popular Gulf Coast destinations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, PIE offers a less congested alternative to Tampa International Airport, with the benefit of quick access to nearby beaches, attractions, and cultural sites.
PIE handles over 2.3 million passengers annually, primarily serving leisure travelers. The airport is a hub for Allegiant Air, which offers nonstop flights to numerous cities across the U.S. Other airlines also provide seasonal and charter services. PIE is popular for its ease of use, short wait times, and friendly staff, making it a preferred airport for travelers looking to explore the Gulf Coast region.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport has a single terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The compact design of the terminal ensures short walking distances and easy navigation from check-in to boarding.
- Check-In Area: The check-in counters are located near the main entrance, ensuring a quick and efficient process for travelers.
- Gates: The gates are located just past the security checkpoint, with plenty of seating and access to amenities while waiting for flights. The small size of the terminal helps to minimize delays and long wait times.
2. Amenities and Services PIE may be a smaller airport, but it offers a variety of services and amenities to enhance the passenger experience.
- Dining and Shopping: PIE provides several dining options for travelers. Mazzaro’s Italian Market offers sandwiches, salads, and fresh coffee, while The Sandbar provides a sit-down experience with a menu featuring local seafood and American classics. For quick snacks and beverages, there are grab-and-go options available throughout the terminal. Hudson News offers travel essentials, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
- Pet Relief Areas: PIE is a pet-friendly airport with designated pet relief areas located outside the terminal for passengers traveling with pets.
- Military Appreciation Room: PIE offers a Military Appreciation Room for active-duty military personnel and their families. This room provides a quiet space with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport provides several transportation options for passengers looking to explore the region or travel to nearby destinations.
- Rental Cars: PIE offers on-site rental car services from major rental car companies, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo. Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the Tampa Bay area, nearby beaches, and attractions at your own pace.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available outside the terminal for passengers needing quick transportation to local destinations. With the airport’s proximity to popular beach towns like Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, rideshare services are an affordable and convenient option.
- Shuttle Services: Several hotels in the St. Pete–Clearwater area offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Private shuttle services are also available for group transportation or specific needs.
2. Parking: PIE offers a variety of parking options to meet the needs of both short-term and long-term travelers.
- Short-Term Parking: Located directly across from the terminal, short-term parking is ideal for quick visits, passenger pickups, or drop-offs.
- Long-Term Parking: Long-term parking is available for travelers needing extended parking, with affordable rates and close proximity to the terminal.
- Economy Parking: For budget-conscious travelers, the economy lot provides the lowest rates, with shuttle service to the terminal.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport’s location makes it a perfect gateway to explore the Gulf Coast’s beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re visiting for a short layover or planning an extended vacation, there are plenty of things to do nearby.
1. Clearwater Beach: Just a 25-minute drive from the airport, Clearwater Beach is one of the most famous beach destinations in the U.S., known for its sugar-white sand and calm, turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beach volleyball. The Clearwater Beach Marina offers fishing charters, boat tours, and dolphin-watching excursions. Pier 60 is a must-visit, offering nightly sunset celebrations with street performers, local artisans, and live music.
2. St. Petersburg’s Downtown and Waterfront: Located just 15 minutes from PIE, downtown St. Petersburg is a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and entertainment. The St. Pete Pier offers scenic views of Tampa Bay, fishing, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the Dali Museum, home to an extensive collection of works by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, or the Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases diverse art from around the world. The waterfront is also lined with parks, restaurants, and boutique shops.
3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Just 30 minutes from the airport, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to Winter the dolphin, the star of the movie Dolphin Tale. The aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals, offering educational exhibits and interactive experiences. Visitors can meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, and learn about marine conservation efforts.
4. St. Pete Beach: A short drive from the airport, St. Pete Beach is a laid-back destination offering beautiful white sand and clear Gulf waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, rent paddleboards, or take a boat tour. The area is also known for its historic hotels, such as the iconic Don CeSar Hotel, and its lively beach bars and restaurants. Pass-a-Grille at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach is a quaint, historic neighborhood perfect for sunset views and local charm.
5. Fort De Soto Park: Located about 40 minutes from the airport, Fort De Soto Park is a beautiful and expansive park offering pristine beaches, nature trails, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the old fort, rent kayaks to paddle through the mangroves, or bike along scenic trails. The park is a great spot for birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking, with views of both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
6. The Dali Museum: The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Europe. Art lovers can explore surrealist paintings, sculptures, and drawings, as well as interactive exhibits. The museum’s stunning waterfront location and striking architecture make it a top attraction for visitors to the area.
7. Tropicana Field: Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. Located just 15 minutes from PIE, the stadium hosts Major League Baseball games and other events throughout the year. The stadium also features the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, which celebrates baseball legends.
Vicinity of St. Pete-Clearwater International
Dining and Shopping at PIE
1. Dining Options: While St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is a smaller airport, it offers several dining options for travelers looking to grab a meal or snack before their flight.
- Mazzaro’s Italian Market: This popular local market offers sandwiches, salads, and freshly brewed coffee, providing travelers with a taste of St. Petersburg’s famous Italian cuisine.
- The Sandbar: A sit-down restaurant offering a menu featuring seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and beverages. It’s a great spot to relax with a meal before your flight.
- Grab-and-Go Options: For those in a hurry, the terminal offers grab-and-go snacks, beverages, and light meals throughout the terminal.
2. Shopping: PIE has limited shopping options, but travelers can pick up essentials and souvenirs at Hudson News.
- Hudson News: Located inside the terminal, Hudson News offers a selection of travel essentials, magazines, snacks, and Florida-themed souvenirs for passengers looking to pick up a memento of their trip.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport Official Website
www.fly2pie.com
Find real-time flight information, parking details, and terminal services at PIE. - Parking and Ground Transportation
https://fly2pie.com/parking-and-transportation/parking
Learn more about parking options, rental cars, and ground transportation services at PIE. - Things to Do in Clearwater and St. Petersburg
www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
Explore attractions, events, and activities in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area.
Additional Details
- Location: 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33762.
- Public Transportation: While public buses do not serve the airport directly, taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services provide transportation to local hotels, beaches, and attractions.
- Parking: PIE offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking options, all located close to the terminal with shuttle service available from the economy lot.
- Accessibility: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is fully accessible, with services for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and accessible parking.
