Clearwater Beach Vacations: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Clearwater Beach, Florida, has been ranked as the #1 Best Beach in the United States and one of the best beaches globally in 2018. Its soft white sand, beautiful sunsets, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a popular vacation spot. The beach is conveniently located just 12 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which offers non-stop flights to approximately 65 cities. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is also a nearby option, about a 45-minute drive from Clearwater Beach.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is the closest airport to Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida, has been ranked as the best beach in the United States and one of the best beaches globally. It is easily accessible and convenient to get to, with two airports nearby offering direct flights from a large number of airlines.

The airport has recently undergone improvements, including the Gateway Express road project, which added express toll lanes and a direct exit to the airport, making it even easier to access. The airport is also well-connected to the beach, with ridesharing services like Uber readily available. The cost of an Uber ride from the airport to Clearwater Beach is typically around $15.00, making it an affordable option for travellers.

In addition to its convenience, the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport offers stunning views of the surrounding area during the flight descent. The airport is also known for its low-cost, non-stop flights, making it a popular choice for travellers on a budget.

While Tampa International Airport (TPA) is another option located about 45 minutes from Clearwater Beach, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport's proximity, ease of access, and affordability make it the preferred choice for travellers visiting Clearwater Beach.

Tampa International Airport is a major airport near Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida, has been ranked as the best beach in the United States and one of the best beaches in the world. It is easily accessible, with two airports nearby offering direct flights from a large number of airlines. These airports are St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Tampa International Airport is served by most major airlines and offers more than 100 non-stop flights, depending on the time of year. There are approximately 250 daily departures by 24 airlines, with flights to 20 international destinations. The airport also has a mix of more than 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars. Local food options include Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill, and Ducky's. Chargrilled oysters at Ulele and locally brewed beer at Cigar City Brewing are also popular choices.

The airport has convenient transportation options, with Uber Eats now available for food orders from most restaurants. The Shoppes at Bayshore, a 6,300-square-foot mini shopping mall in the Main Terminal, offers a range of national and local boutique brands. For those travelling to Clearwater Beach, ridesharing services like Uber are readily available, with trips costing around $40. The return trip to the airport is usually less than $30.

Clearwater Beach is ranked as the #1 Best Beach in the United States

Clearwater Beach in Florida has been ranked as the #1 Best Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019. It was also named the #1 Beach in the South by USA Today in 2023. In addition to its countless beach accolades, Clearwater ranked #6 on Tripadvisor's list of “Top Trending Destinations in the U.S.” for 2022.

Clearwater Beach boasts soft white sand, beautiful sunsets, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great vacation destination. The beach is conveniently located just 12 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which offers non-stop flights to approximately 65 cities. The airport is served primarily by low-cost domestic carrier Allegiant Air and is known for its quick and easy access to Clearwater Beach.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a smaller, less crowded alternative to Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 45 minutes from Clearwater Beach. TPA is a major airport served by most major airlines, offering over 100 non-stop flights and approximately 250 daily departures to 20 international destinations. It is also home to a variety of dining and shopping options, including local brands such as Columbia Café and Goody Goody.

Clearwater Beach is spread across five islands, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy long stretches of white sand beaches, a leash-free dog beach, historic forts, fishing piers, shaded picnic areas, and miles of cycling and kayaking trails. The state-of-the-art Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also just a short five-minute drive from the beach.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a small, less crowded airport

Clearwater Beach, Florida, has been ranked as the best beach in the United States and one of the best beaches globally. It is easily accessible, with two airports nearby offering direct flights from a large number of airlines. The closest of these two airports is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, located just 12 miles from Clearwater Beach.

The airport has been continually improving its services, and in 2023, it set an annual passenger record of 2.49 million. To accommodate this increasing demand, the airport has a $110 million Terminal Improvement Project planned, which will merge two TSA checkpoints into one and add two gates, seven passenger-loading bridges, restrooms, and concessions. Construction is set to begin in late 2025. The airport is also reviewing sites for a planned parking garage.

Transportation options from the airport to Clearwater Beach include the Grouper Airport Express, which provides on-demand service between the airport and any location on Clearwater Beach. The airport also has easy-to-access rental car services, and ridesharing services like Uber are allowed.

Tampa International Airport is ranked as one of America's best-loved airports

Clearwater Beach, Florida, has been ranked as the best beach in the United States and one of the best in the world. Conveniently, it is easily accessible from two nearby airports. The closest is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which is just 12 miles from Clearwater Beach. The other is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 45 minutes from Clearwater Beach.

TPA was also recognised as America's Best Large Airport and the #1 Best Airport for Dining in USA TODAY's 2024 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Local dining concepts at the airport, such as Airside C's Bavaro's, Cigar City Brewing, and Ulele, were ranked among the nation's best in the Airport Grab-and-Go Food or Airport Sit-Down Restaurant categories. TPA offers a mix of over 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks, and bars, featuring distinctive local brands like Columbia Café, Goody Goody, and RumFish Grill.

In addition to its dining and shopping options, TPA provides convenient travel options. It is served by most major airlines, offering over 100 non-stop flights and approximately 250 daily departures to 20 international destinations. The airport's location allows easy access to Clearwater Beach and the theme parks in Orlando. TPA has continued to expand and improve its facilities, including the Red Express Curbs, shuttle replacements, and security checkpoint area expansions, to enhance the travel experience for its growing number of passengers.

Tampa International Airport's high rankings and recognition as one of America's best-loved airports make it a popular choice for travellers visiting Clearwater Beach and the surrounding areas. With its convenient location, diverse dining and shopping options, and efficient operations, TPA contributes to a positive travel experience for those seeking the beauty and charm of Clearwater Beach.

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