Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Among the busiest and most traveler-friendly airports in Florida is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which acts as the main gateway to Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. Knowing the airport’s layout and what services are available can greatly facilitate your trip, whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer. This comprehensive guide to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is packed with information on terminals, airlines, transport options, dining, shopping, and useful travel tips, thus making your movement around the airport comfortable and worry-free.
Exploring Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Walking around Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a great mini-trip to a friendly Florida airport with well-thought-out and convenient terminals and brightly lit modern facilities. Explore all the essential airport details in the table below.
| Name of the airport | Tampa International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO Code | KTPA |
| IATA Code | TPA |
| Number of Terminals | 1 main terminal (four connecting satellite airside terminals) |
| Runways | 3 Runways (10/28, 19L/1R, 19R/1L) |
| Airlines from TPA | Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Avianca, Breeze Airways |
| Annual Record of Passengers | 25 million |
| Ground Transportation Services | SkyConnect train, Taxis, Yellow Cab, curbside pickup, Ride-Shares, Uber/Lyft/Wridz, Shuttles, SuperShuttle, Showtime |
| Owned and Operated By | Hillsborough County Aviation Authority |
| Contact Number | (813) 870-8700 (Airport Information), (813) 870-8760 (Airport Police (non-emergency) |
| Address | 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607 |
| Email Id | ParkTPA@tampaairport.com |
Tampa International Airport (TPA) Terminal Overview
There are four active Airside terminals, A, C, E, and F, with a total of 59 gates around the Landside where the TPA Terminal is located. Each airside has a range of restaurants, gift shops, and outside smoking patios. Additionally, Airside E and F have duty-free shops available to international travelers. A new, fifth terminal, Airside D, is under construction as part of the airport’s Master Plan Phase III, which can be completed by 2027.
Airside Details:
- Airside A: It is equipped with 16 gates and serves airlines like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, among others.
- Airside C: It has 16 gates and mainly serves Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines.
- Airside D (Opening 2027): It will add 16 new gates, allowing it to handle more passengers and help expand airline operations.
- Airside E: Has 13 gates and serves carriers like Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines.
- Airside F: Airside F, with its 14 gates, is mainly used for international flights, and on the lower level, it has the U.S. Customs and Immigration services. Aircraft carriers at Airside F are British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, Avianca, and a few others.
Best Parking Choices at Tampa International Airport (TPA) for Travelers
Every airport garage offers an effortless way to the Main Terminal, either by a short walk or a fast ride on the SkyConnect train; thus, parking at TPA is effortless and stress-free:
- Short Term Garage: Located directly above the Main Terminal on Levels 4-9, the Short Term Garage is ideal for short trips, drop-offs, or pickups. There’s no parking charge for the first 60 minutes, and a full-day charge is $28. You can access the Main Terminal directly by elevator. Garage amenities include easy-to-access parking, an EV charging station, restrooms, and SunPass Plus payment options. Vehicle space is 6 feet 8 inches.
- Long Term Garage: Right next to the Main Terminal, the Long Term Garage is a nice option for passengers who want to be close to the terminal at an affordable daily rate. The first 60 minutes of parking are free, and the maximum daily charge is $22. Level 4 of the garage features a covered moving walkway that leads directly to the terminal. Besides these, the garage provides accessible parking, EV charging, restrooms, and SunPass Plus, with a higher vehicle clearance of 7 feet 10 inches.
- Economy Parking: Economy Parking, located just south of the Main Terminal, offers fantastic value for those who need to stay longer, with a daily cap of $18. Passengers can use the SkyConnect train for a direct connection to the terminal; it is located on Level 1 of the parking lot. The lot features accessible parking, electric vehicle charging, sanitary facilities, and upper levels with higher clearance for big vehicles.
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: People who want to meet passengers can drive to the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, which is a free and convenient place with direct access through George J. Bean Parkway. Drivers are able to wait in comfort until their party gets to the curbside pickup.
- Payment, Accessibility, and Helpful Tips: Cash, most major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SunPass Plus are all accepted by TPA. There are free EV charging stations at most of the parking facilities. Disabled parking spaces can be found on all garage levels close to the elevators, and self-service baggage carts are also available in the parking areas and the Main Terminal. Any TPA facility has a 45-day maximum parking time limit, and there are assistance phones next to the elevators in case you need help.
How to Get To and From Tampa International Airport (TPA)?
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has a diverse selection of options for ground transportation, allowing travelers to smoothly get to the neighboring areas.
- Rental Cars: Car rental companies are available at the Rental Car Center, which can be reached through the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal. Remote bag check, a handy service available every day from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Passengers are required to check in at least 90 minutes before their flight departure. Local residents dropping off or picking up passengers use the remote curb in front of the Rental Car Center. No waiting is allowed there; if you need to wait, use the free Cell Phone Lot, which is very close.
On-Airport Rental Agencies
| Rental Agency | Toll-Free / Reservation | Local / Direct Number | Location Type |
| Alamo | (888) 826-6893 | (813) 396-4140 | On-Airport |
| Avis | (800) 831-2847 | (813) 396-3500 | On-Airport |
| Budget | (800) 527-0700 | (813) 396-3126 | On-Airport |
| Dollar | (800) 800-4000 | (813) 396-3640 | On-Airport |
| Enterprise | (800) 736-8222 | (813) 396-4000 | On-Airport |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3131 | (813) 396-3640 | On-Airport |
| National | (888) 826-6890 | (813) 396-4140 | On-Airport |
| Thrifty | (800) 847-4389 | (813) 396-3640 | On-Airport |
| Ace | — | (813) 636-8999 | Off-Airport |
| American | — | (734) 494-2444 | Off-Airport |
| Carl’s Van | (800) 565-5211 | (813) 872-7111 | Off-Airport |
| DFG | (800) 890-5801 | — | Off-Airport |
| Easirent | (888) 901-5121 | (813) 734-7026 | Off-Airport |
| Economy | (786) 975-2222 | — | Off-Airport |
| Florida Van | (800) 308-2503 | — | Off-Airport |
| Fox | (855) 849-4215 | (813) 337-0950 | Off-Airport |
| GreenMotion | (877) 342-0999 | — | Off-Airport |
| NextCar | — | (813) 706-6990 | Off-Airport |
| One Switch | (866) 436-9044 | (813) 442-8526 | Off-Airport |
| Payless | — | (813) 289-6554 | Off-Airport |
| Priceless | — | (813) 820-4141 | Off-Airport |
| Sixt | (888) 749-8227 | (813) 666-8606 | Off-Airport |
| U-Save | (800) 272-8728 | — | Off-Airport |
| Via | (321) 441-0111 | — | Off-Airport |
| Zipcar | (866) 494-7227 | — | Off-Airport |
- Taxis: A Yellow Cab is available for immediate pickup on the curbside, just outside the Baggage Claim Level, at Ground Transportation Areas Red 1 and Blue 2. Fares start at $3.50 for the first 1/5 mile, plus $2.50 per mile, with a minimum fee of $20 from the airport. A fixed fare of $35 is available to downtown Tampa and the cruise terminal.
- Bus and Public Transportation: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) buses have a stop at the Rental Car Center. Follow the sign to the far curb, where you can find route maps and schedules. The four Ground Transportation Quad Lots (Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 1, and Red 2) on Level 1 of the Main Terminal are where chartered and hotel buses converge and diverge.
- Ride Apps (Uber, Lyft, Wridz): Ride app pickups are at Red Express Curbside, Blue Express Curbside, or the SkyCenter One office building remote curbside. A $5 service fee is added to the fare. Drop-offs are also at any publicly accessible location, such as Ticketing, Baggage Claim, or SkyCenter One remote curbside.
- Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing: Peer-to-peer vehicle sharing is strictly limited to the Economy Parking Garage, which is accessible via the SkyConnect train. If you want to make fast pick-ups or drop-offs, you can use the remote curb in front of the Rental Car Center; however, staying or waiting is not allowed.
Eat, Shop, and Relax at Tampa International Airport
Whether you have a long layover or just a little time for a quick snack before your flight, Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers a great combination of local Tampa and national favorites. From old Ybor City recipes to the latest technology and comfortable lounges, here’s your guide to dining, shopping, and relaxing throughout the terminals.
| Venue | Category | Hours | Location | Highlights |
| 1942 Tequila Lounge | Eat / Relax | 7:00am – 9:40pm | Near Gate E70 | Bold Mexican flavors, chef-driven menu, and curated cocktails. |
| Columbia Café | Eat | 4:00am – 9:40pm | Near Gate E68 | Authentic Spanish/Cuban flavors from century-old local recipes. |
| Buddy Brew | Eat (Coffee) | 5:00am – 5:00pm | Near Gate F85 | Hand-roasted local specialty coffee. |
| Ulele | Eat / Relax | 7:00am – 7:59pm | Near Gate C34 | Native charbroiled oysters and local craft beers. |
| The Shoppes at Bayshore | Shop | 24 Hours | Main Terminal | Food market, designer apparel, and newsstand. |
| Corsa Collections | Shop | 7:00am – 8:00pm | Near Gate E68 | Designer jewelry and handbags (Pandora, Brighton). |
| Cigar City Brewing | Eat / Relax | 6:00am – 7:59pm | Near Gate C43 | Beer handcrafted on-site and local pub fare. |
| Goody Goody | Eat | 5:00am – 9:00pm | Near Gate C34 | Iconic Tampa burgers, fresh pies, and milkshakes. |
| InMotion | Shop | 6:00am – 8:00pm | Near Gate A12 | Premium electronics (Bose, Bang & Olufsen). |
| Dylan’s Candy Bar | Shop | 7:00am – 8:00pm | Near Gate A10 | Whimsical candy shop and fun gifts. |
| The Gasparilla Bar | Eat / Relax | 4:00am – 7:30pm | Near Gate F78 | Fun pirate-themed bar serving “grog and grub.” |
| Mise en Place (The Cafe) | Eat / Relax | 6:00am – 7:30pm | Airside F | Modern-American dining with an impressive wine list. |
| World Duty Free | Shop | 8:00am – 8:00pm | Near E74 & F85 | Fragrances, confections, and travel exclusives. |
| Yogurtology | Eat | 6:00am – 8:00pm | Near Gate F85 | Frozen yogurt with a build-your-own topping bar. |
Guest Experience at Tampa International Airport (TPA)
At Tampa International Airport (TPA), the airport is committed to providing outstanding service and making each traveler’s experience a pleasant, comfortable, and unforgettable one. Starting with your arrival and up to your departure, the Guest Experience team and facilities are here to guide, inform, and help you at every step of your journey.
- Guest Information & Assistance: Information Kiosk, staffed by knowledgeable Guest Experience Representatives, is available daily from 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The kiosk is centrally located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal. Furthermore, Information Boards on Levels 2 and 3 offer airport paging, directions, flight status updates, and other helpful travel information.
- Public Art at TPA: TPA integrates art into the travel experience through its Public Art Program. One standout installation is “Symbols, Systems & Proportions” by artist Erwin Redl.
- Medium: Hanging sculpture with LED lights
- Dimensions: 28 ft 8½ in wide × 21 ft 3¼ in high × 3 ft 5¼ in deep
- Location: Rental Car Center, north escalator core
- Security Information: Security checkpoints are available on all four TPA air sides. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight and be at the gate approximately 30 minutes before boarding. The longest wait times are usually from 6 to 9 in the morning and on holidays. During off-peak hours, 20 minutes should be enough, while during busy times, you may need up to 45 minutes. If you want to know about the TSA rules or get a gate pass, you can either check the website tsa.gov or get in touch with the TSA personally.
- Accessibility Services & TPA 360: TPA is fully dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone. The offers are an array of services, including accessible parking spaces, wheelchair attendant, and TPA 360, a whole-day activity for the physically, intellectually, or developmentally challenged people, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.
- Developed in partnership with the TSA, TPA 360 may include:
- Walking tours of the airport
- Travel terminology and processes
- Parking, ticketing, and check-in guidance
- TSA security screening overview
- Navigating airport amenities
- International travel preparation
- Developed in partnership with the TSA, TPA 360 may include:
- Self-Guided Tours: Guests who prefer flexibility or are traveling with younger children may enjoy a self-guided tour. An itinerary highlighting points of interest is provided in advance, allowing exploration at any time, any day of the week.
- Animals in the Airport: Due to safety concerns, TPA permits only service animals and pets accompanying ticketed passengers inside the airport. Non-service animals are required to be kept in pet carriers at all times, except when they use the designated pet relief areas in the Main Terminal and each airside. Pets without carriers must always be leashed and kept within five feet of their owner and under control.
- USO Center: Visitors can access the USO Center at Tampa International Airport daily between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The spot is on Level 2 (Ticketing Level) right by the British Airways ticket counter. If you want to get help, feel free to dial (813) 676-4311.
- Marriott Hotel: Marriott Hotel is located inside the Tampa International Airport, thus giving travelers extremely easy, stress-free access to a cozy and convenient stay right next to the Main Terminal. Whether you have an early flight, a late check-in, or if you are staying for business purposes, the hotel features up-to-date rooms, restaurants, spaces for meetings, and the airport facilities are only a step away.
Airlines Operating at Tampa International Airport (TPA)
It is quite a simple task to get around Tampa International Airport (TPA) once you have figured out which side, Red or Blue, your airline operates from. The use of these colors indicates which parking garage, check-in counters, and baggage carousel you should use.
| Airline | Terminal Side | Airside | Phone Number | Special Notes |
| Aeromexico | Blue | F | — | Visit website |
| Air Canada | Red | E | (888) 247-2262 | |
| Alaska Airlines | Red | A | (800) 252-7522 | |
| American Airlines | Blue | F | (800) 433-7300 | Curbside check-in |
| Avelo Airlines | Red | A | (346) 616-9500 | |
| Avianca | Blue | F | (866) 919-0081 | |
| Breeze Airways | Red | C | — | Visit website |
| British Airways | Red | F | (800) 247-9297 | |
| Cayman Airways | Blue | F | (800) 422-9626 | |
| Copa Airlines | Blue | F | (786) 840-2672 | |
| Delta Air Lines | Blue | E | (800) 221-1212 | Curbside check-in |
| Discover Airlines | Red | F | (800) 645-3880 | Book via Lufthansa |
| Edelweiss Air | Red | F | (669) 272-1225 | Book via SWISS |
| Frontier | Red | E | — | Curbside check-in |
| Havana Air | Blue | F | (305) 447-2300 | |
| JetBlue | Blue | A | (800) 538-2583 | Curbside check-in |
| Porter Airlines | Blue | F | (888) 619-8622 | |
| Southwest | Red | C | (800) 435-9792 | Curbside check-in |
| Spirit Airlines | Red | A | — | Visit website |
| Sun Country | Red | A | (651) 905-2737 | |
| United | Blue | A | (800) 864-8331 | Curbside check-in |
| Virgin Atlantic | Blue | F | (800) 862-8621 | |
| WestJet | Red | F | (888) 937-8538 |
Conclusion:
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is well-known for its passenger-friendly design, quality amenities, and its focus on customer comfort. The airport is equipped with convenient transport options, a wide range of dining and shopping facilities, efficient security, accessibility, and a friendly customer service team. All these features make your trip smoother. Using this comprehensive guide, you will be able to find your way around the airport with confidence and ease, whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or just a through connection in Tampa. The guide guarantees a stress-free start or end of your trip.
Faqs:
Yes, TPA offers free Wi-Fi all over the Main Terminal, airside, and public areas. Travelers can quickly connect their mobile devices or laptops, allowing them to check emails, stream their favorite content, or get travel-related information, even while waiting for their flights.
The Rental Car Center is situated off the Main Terminal and can be reached via the SkyConnect automated train. All the car rental companies on the airport are located in it, and remote bag check services for selected domestic flights during the specified hours are available.
Yes, Tampa International Airport is equipped with pet relief areas in the Main Terminal and at each airside. These spaces are specifically for the use of service animals and friendly pets of traveling passengers to provide comfort and make their trip easier, even during long flights or layovers.
Yes, the Marriott Hotel located within the premises at Tampa International Airport is directly linked to the Main Terminal. The hotel provides cozy rooms, amenities like a restaurant, meeting rooms, and a gym. It can be a perfect place for early departures, late arrivals, or business travelers.
TPA has various accessibility services available for the passengers, which cover mobility assistance, wheelchairs, accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms. Through TPA 360, people with disabilities and sensory sensitivities are able to be prepared for a flight as they can take an airport tour and get personalized help.
Yes, all four airside areas at TPA have TSA PreCheck available. Passengers who have joined the program can go through the security process quickly by not taking off their shoes, belts, and jackets, and leaving their carry-on bags with liquids and electronics without separating them, having a faster and more efficient security experience.