Tampa
Also referred to by the full name of Tampa International Airport, Tampa Airport (TPA) serves the greater Tampa Bay Area including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon and Palm Harbor. It also serves as a secondary airport for Bradenton and Sarasota and is a travel hub for much Central Florida and the State’s West Coast.
The Airport was originally known as Drew Field until being transformed into Tampa Airport with commercial flights in the mid 1940s. Tampa was the first place in the United States to offer commercial air travel. The terminal saw major construction in 1971 resulting in many of the same facilities that are utilized today, however many have been updated and modernized since that time.
Today the airport boasts dozens of non-stop routes, both domestic and international, along with all of the modern facilities that weary travelers may desire including plenty of shopping, food and drink options, banking and currency exchange, ATMs and business lounges.
Tampa Guide
Set on Florida’s sunny Gulf Coast, the greater Tampa Bay area is home to nearly 3 million people. The city of Tampa itself is one of the two largest cities in the metropolitan area. Tampa sits on the inland side of Tampa Bay while Clearwater and St. Petersburg make up the seaward side.
The Tampa Bay area enjoys a sub-tropical climate, characterized by sunny, mild winters and hot, wet summers. This has made the city popular with retirees as well as those who enjoy water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. In fact in 2008, Forbes Magazine named Tampa as America’s 5th best city for outdoor activities.
In addition to water sports, Tampa draws sports fans of all kinds. The city is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a championship NFL team that plays throughout the autumn at Raymond James Stadium. There’s also plenty of action to catch at Tampa Bay Lightning NHL games as well as Major League Baseball games from the Tampa Rays. Numerous other baseball fans from around the United States make their way to Tampa each spring to watch things unfold at MLB Spring Training.
Tampa Airport Directions
Car hire customers can make their way to Tampa Airport (TPA) via the Memorial Highway (Route 60). Those coming from downtown Tampa or St. Petersburg should take interstate 275 and exit at northbound Route 60 (Memorial Highway).
Tampa Airport Parking
Tampa Airport (TPA) has ample parking space available in numerous fare methods. Hourly parking is available in both the short-term and long-term garages while valet is available per half hour and daily maximums. There are also economy lot options as well as the Cell Phone Lot, which offers the most economical parking option for passengers.
Tampa Airport Flight Information
Tampa Airport (TPA) offers passengers a good selection of routes to points around the United States and beyond. The airport serves as one of Southwest Airlines’ focus cities. Popular non-stop routes from Tampa Airport (TPA) include Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, Montreal and Houston.
Hotels Near Tampa Airport
Nearby favorite hotels include the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza, La Quinta Tampa Bay Airport and Hyatt Place Tampa Airport Westshore.
Tampa Time Zone
United States Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5)