Tampa Bay Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a bustling transportation hub located approximately six miles west of downtown Tampa, Florida, United States. The airport covers a significant area, with multiple terminals and a range of amenities to facilitate both domestic and international travel. TPA is publicly owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and offers connections to 100 non-stop destinations across the globe. With a rich history dating back to the early days of commercial airline service, Tampa International Airport has undergone expansions and modernisations over the years, including the addition of new terminals and the implementation of innovative people mover systems.

Tampa International Airport's location

Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The airport is situated just six miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa. The airport entrance is easily accessible from the Veterans Expressway, joining Highway 60 eastbound.

Tampa International Airport is a mere stone's throw from the vibrant heart of Tampa. It is a convenient gateway for travellers, offering non-stop flights to 100 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The airport covers a substantial area of 3,300 acres (13 km2), with an elevation of 26 feet (7.9 m) above mean sea level.

Tampa Bay holds a significant place in the history of commercial airline service. On January 1, 1914, pioneer aviator Tony Jannus made history by flying the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line from St. Petersburg to Tampa. This marked the first-ever scheduled commercial airline flight using a heavier-than-air airplane.

In the years following World War II, the airport landscape in Tampa underwent a transformation. The Peter O. Knight Airport, located on Davis Islands near Downtown Tampa, had served as the primary airport until then. However, with the introduction of larger aircraft models in the mid-1940s, the Peter O. Knight Airport faced limitations.

As a result, in 1950, airlines Eastern Air Lines and National Airlines relocated to Drew Field, which had been expanded by the United States Army Air Forces during the war. This marked a turning point, and Drew Field was renamed Tampa International Airport, embracing its new role as the main airport serving the Tampa area.

The airport's terminals and shuttles

Tampa International Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, is easily accessible by several transport options. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with garages and lots within walking distance of the terminals. For those who prefer a more economical option, off-site parking is also available, with shuttle services connecting to the airport.

The airport has six terminals: Airside A, B, C, E, and F, and Landside. The Landside Terminal is where baggage and ticketing functions take place, and it is surrounded by four Airside satellites where passengers embark and disembark. Each Airside terminal is connected to Landside via an elevated automated people mover (APM) system, with the exception of Airside E and F, which are accessible via a shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes. Alternatively, it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk between the Landside and Airside A terminals, and 5-10 minutes between Airside A, B, and C.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus is a budget-friendly transportation option, with a fare of only $2 per ride, and the bus stop is conveniently located at the Red Baggage Claim curbside. For those travelling by taxi to downtown Tampa or the cruise port, there is a maximum flat rate of $35. Guests can also use ride-sharing services such as Lyft or Uber, which have a designated pickup area at Red Baggage Claim or the Blue Express Curbside.

The airport's rental car centre can be reached by taking the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal, and it houses several on-site rental car companies. The HART and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stop is also located at the Rental Car Centre, and the route map and schedule are posted at the bus stop.

History of the airport

Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is located six miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The airport is owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA).

Tampa Bay is considered the birthplace of commercial airline service. On January 1, 1914, pioneer aviator Tony Jannus flew the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line from St. Petersburg to Tampa using a Benoist Flying Boat. This was the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight using a heavier-than-air airplane.

In 1928, the city of Tampa completed the 160-acre (65 ha) Drew Field, located six miles west of Downtown Tampa. It was named after local developer John H. Drew, the former owner of the land. In 1935, the more popular Peter O. Knight Airport was opened on Davis Islands near Downtown Tampa, where both Eastern and National Airlines operated until 1946.

In 1939, the United States Army Air Corps began negotiating for the use of Drew Field during the buildup of military forces prior to World War II. The City of Tampa leased Drew Field to the U.S. Government for 25 years, or until the end of the "national emergency". During the war, the airfield was used by the Third Air Force, which renamed it Drew Army Airfield. The airfield served as a training centre for 120,000 combat air crews, primarily in bomber aircraft for the European and Pacific theatres.

After World War II, the Army Air Forces vacated the facility, and Drew Field was returned to the City of Tampa. The Peter O. Knight Airport and Drew Field reversed roles as the main Tampa airport, as Drew Field had been expanded during the war years and could accommodate larger aircraft. Eastern Air Lines and National Airlines moved their operations to Drew Field in the mid-1940s. In 1950, Trans Canada Airlines began offering international flights from Drew Field, and the airfield was renamed Tampa International Airport. The airport's second terminal opened in 1952 near the intersection of Columbus Drive and West Shore Blvd.

The current Tampa International Airport terminal was opened in 1971 and featured a logo known as the "Spirit of Flight", depicting a jetliner flying into the downtown Tampa sunset over the blue waters of Tampa Bay. The airport's landside/airside terminal design was the first of its kind in the world, with a central Landside Terminal for ticketing and baggage functions surrounded by airside satellites for embarkment and disembarkment.

Tampa International Airport's parking

Tampa International Airport, located 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport's parking garages are well-lit, covered, and provide easy access to the terminal by foot or via the SkyConnect train.

There are multiple parking options available at Tampa International Airport, including Short Term, Long Term, and Economy Parking. Each parking option has designated spaces for passengers with disabilities, located near elevators for convenient access. Additionally, the airport provides free electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in most parking facilities, including both Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers.

The Short Term Garage is located just a 3-minute walk from the Main Terminal, making it a convenient choice for travellers who need to park for a short duration. The Long Term Garage is also within walking distance, just a 5-minute walk from the Main Terminal. For those opting for Economy Parking, it's important to note that it takes about 12 minutes to get to the Main Terminal via the SkyConnect train.

To ensure a smooth parking experience, Tampa International Airport provides parking reminder cards near the elevator call buttons to help travellers locate their vehicles upon their return. Additionally, in the event of a lost vehicle or any other parking-related inquiries, the airport offers assistance through the Parking Operations team, accessible via the Assistance Phone located near the elevators.

When it comes to payment methods, Tampa International Airport offers flexibility. The airport accepts various forms of payment, including cash, major credit cards such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as digital payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. SunPass Plus is also accepted for parking payments, except when booking online. It's important to note that refunds are not provided for shorter stays than expected.

Food and dining options

Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers a wide range of dining options for travellers, with over 40 restaurants and eateries located on the concourses, a massive food court, and a programme called 'TPA To Go' that allows you to order food from 20+ restaurants and have it delivered to you anywhere in the airport.

For a quick bite, there are several fast-food options available, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Panda Express, and Starbucks. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, P.F. Chang's China Bistro offers a unique airport dining experience with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. The Hard Rock Café is another option, known for its rock and roll theme and classic American menu. For a taste of local cuisine, Four Green Fields serves up authentic Irish food and drinks, and Ulele offers artfully spiced Native American dishes.

If you're in the mood for a coffee or tea, Bay Coffee and Tea Co. is a local favourite, offering specialty coffees and teas, as well as pastries and sandwiches. Goody Goody, a beloved local diner, is another great option for a quick bite. Potbelly, a counter-style sandwich shop, is also popular for made-to-order subs, salads, soups, and shakes.

Tampa International Airport also has various shops located within the terminals, including BookLink, a bookstore and gift shop, and MindWorks, which offers brain-boosting games and puzzles. You can also find travel essentials, snacks, and souvenirs at shops like Stellar Bay and Shoppes at Bayshore.

Frequently asked questions