St Petersburg, Florida: Which Airport To Choose?

St. Petersburg, Florida, is served by St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is the closest option, sitting 9.5 miles from St. Petersburg. The airport is also referred to as St. Petersburg Airport and is located 9 or 13 miles from the city centre. It is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is frequently used by pilots of private planes and executive jets. Tampa International Airport is a major airport, located 16.9 miles or 22 miles from St. Petersburg.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

The airport is frequently used by pilots of private planes and executive jets, and is known for its advertising slogan, "Tampa Bay The Easy Way". It is also marketed as Fly2PIE, in reference to its three-letter IATA and FAA codes.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is served primarily by low-cost domestic carrier Allegiant Air, with non-stop routes to approximately 65 cities. The airport also offers over 60 non-stop, low-cost destinations. Sun Country Airlines provides seasonal service to Minneapolis-St. Paul and charter services as part of casino-resort packages to Gulf Port-Biloxi, Mississippi, and Atlantic City.

The airport has improved its services over the years, setting an annual passenger record of 2.49 million in 2023. To accommodate increasing demand, a $110 million Terminal Improvement Project has been planned to merge two TSA checkpoints into one, add two gates, seven passenger-loading bridges, restrooms, and concessions. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a privacy room for nursing mothers, pet relief areas, kids' play zones, visitor information, and assistance for passengers with disabilities. The airport also has three restaurant/bar options, including The District Pub, Mazzaro's Italian Market, and 3 Daughters Brewing.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

TPA served more than 24 million passengers in 2023 and offers over 100 non-stop flights, depending on the time of year. There are approximately 250 daily departures by 24 airlines, and the airport offers flights to 20 international destinations. The airport is served by most major airlines, including AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet.

TPA is also home to a mix of over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars, featuring a variety of local brands such as Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill, and Ducky's. Foodies can also enjoy chargrilled oysters at Ulele and sample locally brewed beer at Cigar City Brewing. The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini shopping mall located on the third level of the Main Terminal, showcases national and local boutique brands.

The airport has also been recognised for its accessibility services, with parking for passengers with disabilities available 24 hours a day in all parking areas. Airlines provide wheelchair service from curbside to ticket counters and gates, and elevators reach all passenger areas. All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Tampa International Airport is conveniently located for visits to both the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the theme parks in Orlando.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

SRQ offers a range of nonstop destinations and is continually expanding its services. In November 2024, Allegiant Air announced eight new direct routes to cities such as Albany, New York, and Knoxville, Tennessee, with introductory one-way fares starting as low as $49. The airport also offers a variety of amenities, including an EV charging station and a memorial tribute to Tennis Hall of Famer Nick Bollettieri, who was honoured at the airport in August 2024.

SRQ has received positive reviews from travellers, with many praising its ease of access and convenience. Some travellers specifically prefer flying directly into SRQ rather than opting for nearby airports in Tampa. The airport has also received recognition for its safety measures during the COVID-19 restrictions.

SRQ is continually enhancing its facilities, with a $110 million Terminal Improvement Project in the works to merge TSA checkpoints, add gates, and improve overall services. The airport is committed to making travel a pleasant and stress-free experience for its passengers.

Albert Whitted Airport

The airport consists of two runways and is surrounded by the Albert Whitted Park, which is part of the city's waterfront park system. The park features observation areas and an aviation-themed playground, providing recreational opportunities for visitors and residents.

The airport is also home to the Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society, which organises airport tours, educational programs, and special events. The Society operates the National Airlines Museum, showcasing the history of aviation in the region. Furthermore, the airport hosts the Young Eagles program, which offers free flights for children between the ages of 8 and 17, introducing them to the experience of flight.

Clearwater Air Park

The airport has a long history, with the land originally owned by the Fugazzis, who, in 1934-36, gave parts of it to the city. In April 1939, Clearwater Executive Airpark opened, catering to transient aircraft. During World War II, the airport was closed, but it reopened in 1945, continuing to cater primarily to transient aircraft. At that time, it was a grass airstrip on 185 acres.

The current airport was established in 1954 through an agreement between Clearwater and the Clearwater Flying Company, Inc. The airport experienced significant growth in the mid-1960s due to the development of the downtown area and the industrial park. The site has undergone several design changes over the years, with the most recent refresh happening in the late 1970s.

The airport is served by one full-service fixed-base operator, FlyUSA Inc., which provides services such as fuel, aircraft sales, flight instruction, aerial sightseeing, and aerial photography. Clearwater Air Park is estimated to handle approximately 50,000 operations annually, with about 125 aircraft based at the airport.

Frequently asked questions