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Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is an international airport located six miles west of downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The airport is known for its red/blue colour scheme, which guides drivers to the correct drop-off areas and passengers to their gates. The airport covers 3,300 acres and has a single terminal and four concourses, with short walking distances to all gates. The airport offers various amenities, including dining, shopping, charging stations, and accessibility programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 6 miles west of downtown Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, United States |
| Address | 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, USA |
| Size | 3,300 acres (13 square kilometers) |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Number of Concourses | 4 (A, C, E, F) |
| Parking | Short Term Garage, Long Term Garage, Economy Garage, Offsite Lots |
| Transportation | Shuttle service, bus service, rental cars, taxis, ride-share |
| Amenities | 1,300-gallon aquarium, restaurants, shopping, charging stations |
| Recognition | Ranked highly in passenger satisfaction, named America's Best Large Airport in 2024 |
| Code | TPA (IATA), KTPA (ICAO), TPA (FAA LID) |
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What You'll Learn
Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA)
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. Tampa International Airport is easily accessible, just five miles west of downtown Tampa on the eastern shore of Tampa Bay. The airport is publicly owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA). Tampa Bay is known as 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, marking the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight with a heavier-than-air airplane.
The airport currently serves 100 non-stop destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, with multiple carriers. The Landside/Airside terminal at Tampa International Airport was the first of its kind in the world. It features a central Landside Terminal for baggage and ticketing, surrounded by four Airside satellites where embarkment and disembarkment take place. Each Airside is connected to the Landside Terminal by an elevated automated people mover (APM) system, with 16 Bombardier Innovia APM 100 Shuttle Cars. Tampa International Airport was the first airport in the world to implement a fully automated and driverless people mover system, and it currently hosts Bombardier Transportation's longest-running APM system. There are four active airsides (A, C, E, and F), all constructed after 1985, with a total of 59 gates. Each airside includes a food court and gift shop, as well as outdoor smoking patios.
Tampa International Airport has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings and has been recognised as one of the best airports in North America for its size. The airport is also known for its innovative use of colour-coded wayfinding signage, guiding drivers to the correct drop-off areas and passengers to their gates efficiently. This system reduced the number of signs required and improved safety. The airport's logo, known as the "Spirit of Flight," represents the blue waters of Tampa Bay and a jetliner flying into the downtown Tampa sunset.
Tampa International Airport has a rich history, with the 160-acre Drew Field, located six miles west of downtown Tampa, playing a significant role. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces expanded and modernised the airfield, and it was used extensively for training and antisubmarine patrols. After the war, the field was returned to the City of Tampa, and it became the main Tampa airport due to its expansion and the ability to accommodate larger aircraft. The airport has continued to evolve, with plans for a new Airside D in the northwest area, featuring 16 gates for international and domestic flights and two new airline lounges.
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TPA All Access program
The TPA All Access program at Tampa International Airport allows guests to visit the airport's airside restaurants and shops without a boarding pass. Up to 100 people per day, seven days a week, can sign up for the program online and are then subject to the same security screening regulations as passengers boarding a plane. The program is currently suspended while the airport evaluates passenger volumes at security checkpoints.
The program was designed to give people the opportunity to shop, dine, and relax at one of America's favourite airports without having to fly anywhere. TPA CEO Joe Lopano said:
> "Now families, foodies or even couples looking for a unique date experience can come try our chargrilled oysters at Ulele, sample locally brewed beer at Cigar City and shop for unique gifts and items at our duty-free and fine retail stores without having to buy a ticket."
The program has also been used by local groups for creative purposes. A Tampa Bay-based social network that hosts open mic and writing events, Wordier Than Thou, visited TPA to tour some of the airport's artwork, write about it, and use the airport as a unique backdrop for creative conversation.
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History of Tampa Airport
Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is an international airport located about six miles west of Downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida. The airport is owned by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) and serves 100 non-stop destinations across multiple carriers. Tampa Bay is known as the birthplace of commercial airline service, with pioneer aviator Tony Jannus flying the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line on January 1, 1914, marking the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight using a heavier-than-air airplane.
In 1928, the city completed the 160-acre Drew Field, named after local developer John H. Drew, who previously owned the land. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces expanded and modernised the airport, using it as a training centre for 120,000 combat air crews. It was renamed the Drew Army Airfield and played a significant role in the war effort.
After World War II, the Army Air Forces vacated Drew Field, returning it to the City of Tampa. The expansion of the airport during the war made it more suitable for larger airlines, and it became the main Tampa airport. Eastern Air Lines and National Airlines moved their operations from the Peter O. Knight Airport to Drew Field, which could accommodate larger aircraft like the Douglas DC-4 and DC-6.
In 1950, Drew Field was renamed Tampa International Airport, and a second terminal opened in 1952 near Columbus Drive and West Shore Blvd. The growth in airlines and the introduction of jet flights led to congestion, prompting the aviation authority to plan a replacement terminal. The new airport, featuring the innovative red/blue colour-coded wayfinding signage system, opened in 1971, with the iconic "Spirit of Flight" logo.
Today, Tampa International Airport continues to be a significant transportation hub, offering a range of domestic and international travel options and serving millions of passengers each year.
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Location and directions
Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is located 6 miles west of downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The airport is easily accessible from multiple directions:
From the East
Take I-4 West to I-275 South to exit 39 and follow the signs to the airport entrance.
From St. Petersburg and the West
Take I-275 North to exit 39B and follow the signs to the airport entrance.
From the North
Take I-75 South to I-275 South to exit 39 and follow the signs to the airport entrance.
From the South
Take I-75 North to I-4 West, then take I-275 South to exit 39 and follow the signs to the airport entrance.
From Spruce Street
Take any local road to Columbus Drive or Spruce Street and head westbound. The airport entrance is west of Westshore Boulevard.
From Highway 60
Highway 60 passes by the airport entrance just east of the start of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
From the Veterans Expressway
The airport entrance is just south of the termination of the Veterans Expressway as you join Highway 60 eastbound.
Tampa International Airport is well-connected to downtown Tampa via various transportation options, including public buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars. The airport is known for its innovative colour-coded wayfinding signage system, which makes it easy for drivers to navigate and find the correct drop-off and pickup areas.
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Parking and transportation
Tampa International Airport offers a range of parking and transportation options for travellers. The airport is located just five miles west of downtown Tampa, with easy access from several highways and local roads.
Driving Directions:
When driving to the airport, you can approach from multiple directions:
- From the East: Take I-4 West to I-275 South to exit 39, and follow the signs to the airport entrance.
- From St. Petersburg and the West: Take I-275 North to exit 39B, and follow the airport entrance signs.
- From the North: Take I-75 South to I-275 South to exit 39, and follow the signs to reach the airport.
- From the South: Take I-75 North to I-4 West, then switch to I-275 South to exit 39, and follow the airport entrance signs.
- From Spruce Street: Head west on Columbus Drive or Spruce Street to reach the airport entrance west of Westshore Boulevard.
- From Highway 60: The airport entrance is easily accessible just east of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
- From the Veterans Expressway: Join Highway 60 eastbound, and the airport entrance will be south of the expressway's end.
Parking Options:
Tampa International Airport provides multiple convenient parking options, all of which are covered, well-lit, and offer easy access to the Main Terminal. The parking garages are located adjacent to or above the Main Terminal, with levels 2-9 offering access to the terminal via elevators, moving walkways, or the SkyConnect train. The airport provides free electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at most parking facilities.
Disabled Parking is available on all levels of the parking garages, as well as next to the elevators in the Economy Parking Garage. Parking under one hour is free in the Short Term Garage, and the maximum parking duration at any airport facility is 45 days. Various payment methods are accepted, including major credit cards, cash, and mobile payment options.
Drop-off and Pick-up:
Vehicles can pull up to the Departures area in front of the Main Terminal for active unloading of passengers and luggage. No vehicles are allowed to be left unattended during drop-offs, and they will be towed if unattended. For accompanying departing passengers inside, the Short Term Garage can be utilised, with free parking under one hour.
For arrivals, vehicles should not approach the Arrivals area until the arriving party is waiting curbside. To avoid circling the airport, the Cell Phone Waiting Lot can be used, offering free WiFi, restrooms, and flight information. The Lot allows waiting for arriving passengers, who can call once they are outside with their luggage.
Off-Airport Parking:
Several off-site parking services are available near Tampa International Airport, offering affordable rates, convenience, and additional services such as car wash, car detailing, and oil changes. These include A1 Express Airport Parking, located 1.5 miles from the airport, and Memorial Airport Parking, which provides fast shuttles for pick-up and drop-off, along with luggage assistance.
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