Welcome to the Tampa International Airport (TPA) blog! Here, you’ll find all the information you need, including amenities, services, parking, and transportation, to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, whether you’re planning a trip to sunny Florida or simply curious about the inner workings of a modern airport, this blog is your go-to resource.
About Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport, or TPA, is 6 miles from downtown Tampa, Florida. It is a major gateway to the West Coast of Florida. The airport serves about 25 million annual passengers and has over 100 domestic and international destinations. Tampa consistently ranks as one of the best airports in the US.
TPA is a single terminal airport with four concourses, A, C, E & F, with short walking distances to all the gates. The airport offers various amenities, including several shopping and dining options.
Tampa Airport History
Tampa International Airport, originally known as Drew Field, began as a small airport in 1928. It gained significance during World War II as a training base for the US Army Air Forces. After the war, it transitioned into a commercial airport, serving major airlines like Eastern, National, and Delta.
The airport changed its name to Tampa International Airport in 1952. In the 1960s, the airport had a major facelift with the construction of a new terminal featuring a unique landside/airside design.
Throughout the decades, the airport continued to expand and modernize, accommodating larger aircraft and increased passenger traffic. It became a hub for several airlines, including Delta and US Airways.
In recent years, Tampa International Airport has consistently received high ratings for its facilities, services, and overall passenger experience. It has been recognized as one of the best airports in North America and the world.
According to J.D. Power, Tampa International Airport ranks highly in terms of passenger satisfaction, and USA TODAY has named the airport America’s Best Large Airport in its annual 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
Where Is Tampa International Airport?
TPA Airport is 6 miles from downtown Tampa (Hillsborough County), Florida. The address is 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, USA
Tampa International Airport Map
The Tampa Airport map given below will help you locate the terminal, satellite terminals, and parking with ease.
Tampa Parking and Transportation
Tampa Airport had onsite parking at Short Term Garage, Long Term Garage, and Economy Garage. Alternatively, you can park at the lowest rates at Tampa Airport parking by booking through Global Airport Parking at any of the offsite lots.
TPA offers various transportation options, such as a shuttle service, bus service, rental cars, taxis, and ride-share.
How to Get to Tampa International Airport
You can get to Tampa Airport by public transit or a shuttle, taxi, ride share, etc.
Public transit:
Bus Service:
HART and PSTA buses stop at the rental car center, and passengers can ride the SkyConnect train to access these.
HART Buses
- Routes 30 & Route 10 run between Tampa Airport and downtown every 60 minutes
- Bus Route 32: Runs between Netpark Transfer Center and TPA, available every 60 minutes
- PSTA: Route 300X, Airport Express bus operating between Largo to downtown Tampa via TPA
- Greyhound: Available from Greyhound bus terminal in downtown Tampa at 610 Polk St.
Car Rental Service
Tampa Airport Car Rental Services are:
| Ace | Dollar | NextCar |
| Alamo | Enterprise | Payless |
| American | Fox | Sixt Rent A Car |
| Avis | Hertz | Thrifty Rental Cars |
| Budget | National | Zipcar |
Driving Directions to Tampa Airport
From Downtown Florida
- From N. Florida Avenue, take I-275 S to exit 39.
- Follow the airport signs.
- Take the FL-60 W exit toward Clearwater/Tampa International Airport.
From Clearwater
- Take Interstate 275 North to exit 39.
- Follow the signs to the airport entrance.
Tampa International Airport Hotels
These are some of the hotels near TPA Airport:
Tampa Airport Marriott (Airport Hotel)
Location: Tampa International Airport, 4200 George J. Bean Pkwy.
Hampton Inn Tampa-International Airport/Westshore
Location: 4817 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 1.3 miles
The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa
Location: 4860 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609, United States
Distance from the airport: 2 miles
Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expwy (Airport North)
Location: 5628 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634, United States
Distance from the airport: 7 miles
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Stadium – Airport Area, an IHG Hotel
Location: 2055 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 1.9 miles
Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Westshore
Location: 1200 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 1.6 miles
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Location: 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 2.7 miles
Four Points by Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore
Location: 4400 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 2 miles
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore
Location: 5312 Avion Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 0.9 miles
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Location: 4200 Jim Walter Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 2.1 miles
Courtyard By Marriott Tampa Westshore
Location: 3805 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Distance from the airport: 2.7 miles.
Tampa Airport Lounges
You can find these lounges at TPA Airport:
Delta Sky Club
Location: Concourse E near Gate 68. (Airside E)
American Airlines Admirals Club
Location: Concourse F close to Gate 85.
USO Tampa Bay Welcome Center
Location: Landside Terminal (outside Security). Ticketing Level, Level 2, behind the British Airways ticket counter.
Tampa International Airport Food and Dining
Tampa Airport has a wide variety of Restaurants. These are some of the options.
| Restaurants | Location |
| Auntie Anne’s/Duomo Gelato | Near Gate A5 |
| Burger 21 | Near Gate A12 and C39 |
| Chick-fil-A | Near Gate A12 |
| Cigar City Brewing | Near Gate C43 |
| Columbia Café | Near Gate E68 |
| Hard Rock Cafe | TPA Main Terminal |
| Liquid Provisions | Near Gate F85 |
| Louis Pappas | Near Gate C34 |
| P.F. Chang’s | Level 3, Main Terminal |
| Panda Express | Near Gate E69 |
| Pei Wei | Near A5 |
| Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Near Gate E69 |
| Qdoba Mexican Grill | Level 3, Main Terminal |
| RumFish Grill | Near Gate C37 |
| Starbucks | Near Gates C39, E71, A12, F87, Near Red Bag Belt 14 |
| The Gasparilla Bar | Near Gate F78 |
| Ulele | Near Gate C34 |
| Wendy’s | Main Terminal |
Tampa Airport Amenities
TPA Airport offers several amenities:
- ATMs
- Airport Hotel
- Information Desk
- Lost and Found
- Bag Storage and Luggage Carts
- Charging Stations and Power Outlets
- Nursing Stations & and Baby Facilities
- Designated Smoking Area
- Shops & Restaurants
- Lounges
- Water Bottle Refill Stations
Destinations near Tampa International Airport
- The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States: 9 miles from the airport
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States: 8 miles from the airport
- Cypress Point Park, 5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States: 1.9 miles from the airport
- Brew Bus Tours, 4005 W Spruce St, Tampa, FL 33607: 1.7 miles from the airport
- International Plaza and Bay Street: 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607: 1 mile from the airport
- Axe Throwing Tampa, 5811 Memorial Hwy Suite #204, Tampa, FL 33615-5000: 2.2 miles from the airport
- City Escape Adventures, 400 North Ashley Street, Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602: 2.3 miles from the airport.
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Tampa Airport Fun Areas for Kids and Teen
TPA doesn’t have a designated children’s play areas. However, it has a 1,300-gallon, 6-foot aquarium with a variety of fish from the Florida coast at RumFish Grill (at the Airside C), which is a joy to all the kids and adults.
Accessible TPA Airport Facilities
Tampa Airport offers several accessibility programs. It offers passenger assistance, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and TSA Cares assistance. The airport also offers wheelchair assistance from the curb, and it is accessible throughout, including elevators, restrooms, parking, and transportation facilities.
If you need any special assistance please inform the airline at the time of booking for smooth service. You can also ask for help once you reach the airline counter.
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Security at Tampa International Airport
TPA Airport has four checkpoints.
- All the checkpoints are at the entrance of each Concourse.
- Concourse A: Open from 4.15 am, and closing time varies on the last flight out.
- Concourse C, E & F: These are open from 4 am, and their closing time varies depending on the last flight out.
- Tampa Airport Security wait times vary throughout the day. It will take about 20 minutes on regular days and about 45 minutes during the peak season.
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TSA PreCheck
TSA Precheck Lanes are at all 4 security checkpoints
The TSA enrollment center is on the Red Side Baggage Claim or Arrivals Level (across baggage claim carousel 13).
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 am to 6 pm
Global Entry
Tampa Airport participates in Global Entry. The enrollment center is on the Red Side Baggage Claim/Arrivals level.
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 3 pm.
Mobile Passport
Tampa airport accepts Mobile Passport Control for US citizens and Canadians entering the US. The eligible passengers can submit their details on the app and submit their receipt to the CBP agent.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at Tampa
Tampa International Airport offers free Wi-Fi for travelers. You can connect to the “TPA free Wi-Fi” to access the network.
Charging Stations: TPA has thousands of charging points throughout the airport, including plug sockets and USB points. Some of these are under a few seats.
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Commonly Asked Questions about Tampa International Airport
Why is Tampa Airport called TPA?
TPA is the IATA code for Tampa International Airport.
Is Tampa a big airport?
Yes, TPA is one of the largest airports in North America.
How big is TPA airport?
Tampa International Airport covers about 3,300 acres (about 13 square kilometers), with three runways.
How many airports are in Tampa?
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the main airport in Tampa. Clearwater Executive Airport, Plant City Municipal Airport, Tampa Executive Airport, Peter O. Knight Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base or MCF (an active United States Air Force installation) are the other airports in Tampa.
How to get from Tampa Airport to downtown?
There are many options for getting between TPA Airport and downtown, including public buses, taxis, ride-share, and rental cars.
How many terminals does Tampa have?
Tampa Airport has a single terminal and four Concourse A, C, E & F, with short walking distances to all the gates. The airport offers various amenities, including shopping, dining, and more.
