Clearwater Florida: Which Airport Is The Closest?

Clearwater, Florida is served by two major airports: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is located 10 miles from Clearwater, while Tampa International Airport is 18 miles away. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport 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, on the other hand, is a major airport that is about 45 minutes from Clearwater's beaches and 30 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg.

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

The airport is right on the northeast municipal boundary of Pinellas Park, 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown St. Petersburg, and 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa. It is also 10 miles from the centre of Clearwater, FL. St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is a convenient option for those travelling to Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater.

The airport is served primarily by low-cost domestic carrier Allegiant Air, with non-stop routes to approximately 65 cities. It operates on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 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 two asphalt runways: 18/36 is 9,730 by 150 feet (2,966 x 46 m) with an ILS approach, and 04/22 is 6,000 by 150 feet (1,829 x 46 m). The airport covers 1900 acres (769 ha) at an elevation of 11 feet (3 m).

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport has one terminal with two gate areas, known as A-Side & B-Side. A-Side has gates 1-6 and B-Side has gates 7-12. Gates 1 & 12 are Arrivals Only gates, with gate 1 exiting into the Ticketing A lobby and gate 12 exiting into the baggage claim.

The airport has a variety of services and amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a privacy room for nursing mothers, pet relief areas, kids' play zones, visitor information, assistance for passengers with disabilities, foreign language assistance, and ATMs.

The airport also has a few dining options, including The District Pub, Mazzaro's Italian Market, and 3 Daughters Brewing.

Parking at the airport can be limited, so it is recommended that travellers arrange to be dropped off curbside at the terminal. There are, however, parking lots within walking distance and two economy parking remote lots served by free shuttles.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

TPA is well-regarded by its users, consistently ranking as one of America's best-loved airports. It was rated the No. 1 large airport by J.D. Power's 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study for the second year in a row, and USA TODAY named it America's Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining in its 2024 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The airport served over 24 million passengers in 2023 and is undergoing a three-phase construction programme to accommodate its growth. The programme includes expanding the Main Terminal, adding a rental car facility, and introducing a SkyConnect train system. In late 2024, construction began on Airside D, a 16-gate international and domestic terminal that is expected to open in 2028.

TPA offers approximately 250 daily departures by 24 airlines, with more than 100 non-stop flights depending on the season. It provides flights to 20 international destinations and 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.

The airport features a mix of over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars, showcasing 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 local craft beer at Cigar City Brewing. TPA also offers a unique 21-foot flamingo sculpture, beloved by travellers, and "Phoebe" is a popular spot for selfies.

For parking, TPA offers a range of options, including economy, long-term, and short-term parking garages with electric vehicle charging stations. The airport provides easy access to ground transportation, with options such as ride-sharing services, taxis, rental cars, shared passenger van services, and bus/public transportation.

Clearwater Air Park (CLW)

Clearwater Air Park is a convenient option for pilots, located just outside the city. In comparison, the nearest major airports, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport, are 10 and 18 miles from Clearwater, respectively.

The Air Park is also known as Clearwater Airpark Airport and is situated at 1000 N. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, Florida 33765. It can be contacted via phone at 727-443-3433 or online at flyusa.com/clearwater-airpark.

The airport is a general aviation facility, catering to private pilots and small aircraft. It does not offer commercial services or scheduled passenger flights. The Air Park is a base for private planes and is also used for aviation training and recreational flying.

Clearwater Air Park has a single asphalt runway, designated 18/36. The runway measures 9,730 feet in length and 150 feet in width. The airport covers an area of 1,900 acres and sits at an elevation of 11 feet. It is equipped with a control tower, operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In addition to recreational flying, the Air Park is also utilised by the U.S. Army Reserve, which maintains an Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) at the airport. Companies A and F, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, and a Medical Evacuation Unit operate UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from this facility.

Albert Whitted Airport (SPG)

Albert Whitted Airport primarily serves small aircraft and private planes. It is a popular choice for recreational pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area. The airport has a single runway designated 07/25, with a length of 3,604 feet and a width of 100 feet. The runway is paved with asphalt and is equipped with lighting and navigational aids for safe takeoffs and landings.

The airport offers various amenities and services for pilots and passengers. These include fuel services, aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, and a small terminal building with a pilot lounge and restrooms. There may also be flight schools and aircraft rental options available on-site, catering to those interested in learning to fly or renting planes for personal use.

Albert Whitted Airport is conveniently located near several attractions in the area. It is just a short drive from downtown St. Petersburg, where visitors can explore museums, enjoy waterfront dining, and experience the vibrant local culture. The airport is also within close proximity to award-winning beaches, offering easy access to Clearwater's renowned sandy shores and scenic coastal views.

In addition to its aviation services, Albert Whitted Airport contributes to the community by hosting events and educational programs. The airport occasionally organises air shows, fly-ins, and aviation-themed community gatherings. It also collaborates with local schools and organisations to promote STEM education and provide hands-on learning experiences related to aviation and aerospace.

MacDill Air Force Base (MCF)

MCF is a United States Air Force facility that is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing of the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the 927th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). The 6th Air Mobility Wing is responsible for providing global air mobility and the 927th Air Refueling Wing provides air-to-air refuelling capabilities to the United States and allied nations' aircraft.

The base covers an area of over 5,000 acres and is located along the shores of Tampa Bay. It has a rich history, dating back to 1939 when it was established as a United States Army Air Corps basic flying school. During World War II, it served as a training base for pilots and aircrews. In the post-war years, MacDill Air Force Base transitioned to a strategic air command base and played a crucial role in the Cold War.

Today, MCF is a vital part of the United States military's global reach and power projection capabilities. It houses a variety of aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, the C-37A Gulfstream, and the UH-1N Huey helicopter. The base also supports a wide range of missions, such as aerial refuelling, airlift, and special operations.

MCF is also known for its strong community engagement and support. It hosts various events throughout the year, including air shows, family days, and community outreach programmes. The base has a significant economic impact on the surrounding area, providing thousands of jobs and contributing to the local economy.

In addition to its military functions, MacDill Air Force Base offers a range of amenities and services for military personnel and their families. These include housing, medical facilities, educational opportunities, and recreational activities. The base is committed to the well-being and development of its community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among its residents.

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