Tampa International Airport Guide
Contact information and flight status
- tampaairport.com; 813-870-8700; staffed weekdays, 8 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 813-870-8770; 24-hour airport paging/information.
- Terminal maps
- Current departures
- Current arrivals
Checkpoint savvy
Busiest times: Weekday mornings, 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Checkpoint workarounds: Each concourse has its own security checkpoint, with TSA PreCheck.
PreCheck enrollment offices in Main Terminal and Red and Blue Baggage Claim.
Parking
Parking information: 813-870-8791; 24 hours.
Most convenient: Valet: Blue departure curbside, $25/day. Short Term Garage, Levels 4-9 of the Main Terminal, $22/day. Parking less than one hour free in both Short Term and Long Term garages..
Least expensive: Economy parking, just south of the Main Terminal Building, $10/day. Shuttle to terminal. See more options.
Cellphone lot located just south of the Main Terminal (follow signs from airport entrance). Lot has a flight display board, restrooms, vending machines, EV charging station and free Wi-Fi.
Transportation to/from city
Most convenient: Taxi, $25 flat rate to downtown and the cruise terminal. See more options.
Least expensive: HART Regional Transit (west end of the Red Baggage Claim curbside by Belt #15.) Route 30 runs between the airport and downtown Tampa. Fare, $2. See more options.
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and in the cellphone waiting lot.
Power outlets at Airsides near workstations; power pylons at gate areas. In Main Terminal: outlets at all seating areas and, on Level 3, at each seating and countertop work area.
Go local
Good choice for local gifts: Tampa! (Tampa and Florida-themed items), also limited-production Tampa clothing and merchandise at Ron Jon Surf Shop and Harley Davidson, all located on Level 3, Main Terminal. See more options.
Good choice for local food: Airside A: Ducky’s. Airside C (Southwest): Café Con Leche Ybor City, Ulele’s (chili, oysters, burgers), Goody Goody Burgers, Cigar Brewing, RumFish Grill. Airside E: Columbia Café, Four Green Fields. Main Terminal: First Flight, a wine bar by Mise en Place. See more options.
Tips and tidbits
Smoking is allowed at outdoor smoking patios at all airsides past the screening checkpoint and outside the Main Terminal on Levels 1 and 2. There are children's play areas at each airside and an extensive art program with permanent pieces and rotating exhibits. Of special note are seven restored aviation-themed WPA murals on display in Airside E and the large saltwater aquariums in the Main Terminal at the Red and Blue Baggage Claim area. The Master Plan Gallery (between the Main Terminal and the Airport Marriott Hotel) offers a historical perspective on the airport and aviation in the Tampa Bay area, including the Tony Jannus Award.
Nearby layover option
WestShore Plaza Mall, 3 miles from the airport, has restaurants, shops and a 16-screen movie theater. International Plaza, 2 miles from the airport, offers shopping and Bay Street, a dining and entertainment district.
Your tips and picks?
Please share your time-and money-saving tips, favorite restaurants, bars and stores in comments below.
These guides are written by Harriet Baskas, who is the author of six books, including the airport guidebook Stuck at the Airport and a blog of the same name.