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Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is an international airport located six miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The airport is publicly owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) and has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings over the years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tampa International Airport |
| IATA | TPA |
| ICAO | KTPA |
| FAA LID | TPA |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Downtown Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, US |
| Owner | Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) |
| Destinations | 100 non-stop destinations in North America, South America, the Caribbean and Europe |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Concourses | 4 (A, C, E, F) |
| Amenities | Dining, shopping, 3 lounges |
| Accolades | 6th among ten of the world's most loved airports (CNN, 2011); Top 3 airport in the US (Conde Nast, 2016); Best airport in North America for its size (Airports Council International, 2020); 8th best domestic airport in the US (Travel+Leisure, 2024) |
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What You'll Learn
Tampa International Airport's history
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. The airport is publicly 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 the late 1920s, Tampa's Drew Field was established as an airport and was later renamed Tampa International Airport. During World War II, the airport was expanded by the United States Army Air Forces, leading to it becoming the main Tampa airport after the war. In 1950, Trans Canada Airlines began operating international flights from the airport, and in 1952, a second terminal was built with a design resembling a bus station.
On April 15, 1971, Tampa International Airport opened its modern terminal complex, an $80 million innovation that revolutionised airport design by prioritising passenger convenience. The airport's hub-and-spoke design, conceived by airport consultant Leigh Fisher, featured a central terminal connected to multiple satellite terminals via a computer-run tram system. This reduced walking distances, allowing passengers to park above the main terminal and easily access their gates. The airport's logo, known as the "Spirit of Flight", was created in the 1970s and symbolises the jetliners of that era.
Tampa International Airport has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings and has been recognised for its design, functionality, and convenience. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a billion-dollar update announced in 2018. In 2024, plans were unveiled for a new Airside D, which will enhance the airport's capacity for international and domestic flights.
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Tampa International Airport's terminal
Tampa International Airport (TPA) serves the city of Tampa, Florida, and is located just 8 miles from the city. The airport has a Main Terminal, with Airsides A, C, E, and F, each of which has its own amenities and gates.
The Main Terminal is where you'll find the main security checkpoint and passport and immigration control. Tampa International Airport has multiple security checkpoints, including standard TSA checkpoints and TSA PreCheck checkpoints. The main checkpoint is located on the third level, near Airsides A, C, and F. There are also additional checkpoints in Airsides A, C, and E.
Each Airside is accessible via the APM and has its own food courts, gift shops, and smoking patios. Airsides E and F also offer duty-free shopping for international travellers. Airside A and C each have 16 gates, Airside E has 13, and Airside F has 14.
To navigate the airport efficiently, you can refer to the signage or seek assistance from airport staff. Additionally, the automated people mover between Airsides A and C can help you save time during peak hours.
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Tampa International Airport's parking
Tampa International Airport offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport's parking garages are well-lit, covered, and provide easy access to the terminal via foot or the SkyConnect train. The maximum length of parking at any airport facility is 45 days.
Parking is available for short-term, long-term, and economy stays. Additionally, the airport provides accessible parking for passengers with disabilities 24 hours a day across all parking areas. These spaces are located near elevators in the parking garages. However, it is not possible to book a specific disabled parking space. The airport also offers free electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in most parking facilities. Both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are available, catering to different types of electric vehicles.
To book parking, travellers can make reservations online and pay via credit card. Upon arrival, a confirmation email with a QR code must be scanned to enter and exit the garage. It is recommended to bring this confirmation for a seamless parking experience. While parking, reminder cards are available near elevator call buttons to help locate vehicles upon return.
Motorcycle parking is not available at Tampa International Airport. The airport is also not responsible for any vehicle damage or theft that may occur while travellers are away. However, in such cases, travellers can contact the Airport Police Department to file a report. For parking-related inquiries or assistance, travellers can contact the parking operator via phone or email the airport directly.
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Tampa International Airport's awards
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located 8 miles from Tampa, Florida. The airport has received several awards and recognitions for its excellence in customer experience and satisfaction.
In 2023, Tampa International Airport was named the best large airport in North America for the second consecutive year by J.D. Power in its North American Airport Satisfaction Survey. The airport was also a finalist in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards program in the same year, nominated for the Best Large Airport category.
Additionally, Tampa International Airport has consistently ranked highly in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, conducted by Airports Council International. In 2023, the airport was ranked #1 in its size category among North American airports with 15-25 million passengers. The ASQ Awards use passenger survey data to evaluate airports based on 30 key indicators, including cleanliness, amenities, helpfulness of staff, wayfinding, and security. Tampa International Airport has received this top recognition several times over the past decade, sharing the honour with Dallas Love Field Airport in 2023.
The airport's popular flamingo sculpture, Phoebe, also received recognition, winning the CODAworx People's Choice Award. This award reflects the support and love the airport has received from its travellers, residents, and partners.
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Hotels near Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located 5.2 miles from Tampa city centre. There are several hotels near the airport, including:
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore
This hotel is conveniently located in the Tampa Airport, making early morning departures easier. The hotel offers a quiet stay, reasonable prices, and a great shuttle service.
Tampa Airport Marriott
Tampa Airport Marriott is a favourite for those visiting Tampa every year. The hotel staff are amazing, and they go above and beyond to help their guests.
Hyatt House Tampa Airport
Hyatt House Tampa Airport offers outstanding service from all team members. The hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and incredible shopping.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore
This hotel is located near the airport and offers a positive experience with quiet rooms, great prices, and a shuttle service.
The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa
The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa is a favourite for those visiting Tampa for medical care. The hotel turns a not-so-great trip into fun, according to a guest review.
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Frequently asked questions
Tampa International Airport.
TPA.
It is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) west of downtown Tampa.
The Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport/Westshore is an excellent hotel option that is close to the airport and attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida Aquarium.
