Tampa International Airport [TPA] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Dr. Erin Miller

- UPDATED: April 26, 2021

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Tampa International Airport (TPA) served over 22.1 million passengers in the airport’s 2019 financial year.

TPA was named the best airport in North America (for its size category) in 2019 by Airports Council International, based on airport service quality.

Quick Info

Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Terminals: 1 terminal with 4 concourses — A, C, E, and F
Airport Address: 4100 George J. Bean Pkwy., Tampa, FL 33607
Distance From Downtown Tampa: 8 miles (9 km)
Website: tampaairport.com
Phone Number: 813-870-8700
Passengers Served: 22.1 million annually
Destinations: 67 domestic and 16 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

TPA Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From TPA

TPA Airport Terminal

Tampa International Airport has quite a unique layout with the entire airport encircled by the aircraft runway and taxi areas. Public road access is beneath 1 such taxiway leading into the terminal and parking areas.

The airport has 1 terminal that is located in the center of the airport with separate monorail lines that run to/from 4 airside concourses. A large parking lot is connected at the south of the terminal, and to the north is the Tampa Airport Marriott hotel.

Landside Airport Levels

The terminal at Tampa Airport has 3 levels.

Level 1 — Baggage Claim

Baggage claim is split into 2 sections — 1 that has carousels for red category airlines and 1 for blue. Categories are shown in the airline table above.

On this level, there are also Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Enrollment Centers.

Level 2 — Ticketing

As with the level below, the ticketing level is also color-coordinated depending on the airline. Both sides of the airport have curbside drop-off labeled Blue Departures Drive and Red Departures Drive so that passengers can select the best entry point for their specific airline.

A USO Lounge is also located on this level.

Level 3 — Transfer Level

Level 3 is the transfer level where passengers can pick-up the relevant monorail to their departure concourse. Passengers will clear security on arrival at the departure concourse.

The transfer level has a good selection of shops and restaurants and access to the Tampa Airport Marriott.

Passengers can also access the SkyConnect train to reach the economy parking lot, rental car center, and public bus stops.

Airside Satellite Concourses

Concourse A

Concourse A has 16 gates numbered 1, 3-12, and 14-18 located in the southeast corner of the airport. JetBlue, Silver Airways, Spirit, and United operate from Concourse A. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants, plus a Terminal Gateway Spa.

Concourse C

Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines operate from Concourse C’s 16 gates, numbered 30-45. The concourse is located in the northeast corner of the airport and has a good range of restaurants and shops and a Terminal Gateway Spa.

There are also a couple of smoking areas in Concourse C — 1 located near the food court and 1 opposite gate 45.

Concourse E

Concourse E is located in the northwest corner of the airport and has 13 gates numbered 62 and 64-75. Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier operate from Concourse E, and there’s a Terminal Gateway Spa and Delta Sky Club.

The concourse has a small selection of shops and restaurants and 2 smoking areas near Four Green Fields (T11) and gate 75.

Concourse F

Concourse F is located in the southwest corner of the airport and is the main international terminal. The concourse has 14 gates numbered 77-90 and a good selection of restaurants and shops, including Duty Free.

An American Airlines Admirals Club is adjacent to gate 85 and a Terminal Gateway Spa is near gate 77.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Concourse Monorails

TPA has 4 monorail lines that transport passengers from the transfer level of the main terminal to the individual concourses. Passengers are not required to clear security until they reach the concourse, however, only ticketed passengers are allowed to take the monorail to the concourses.

SkyConnect

SkyConnect is TPA’s newer people mover that runs between the main terminal, economy parking garage, and rental car center. Trains operate every 2 minutes, and the entire journey takes under 5 minutes.

Security and Customs at TPA

TPA has 4 security checkpoints located at the entrance to each concourse after riding the monorail.

Concourses C, E, and F security checkpoints open at 4 a.m., and Concourse A opens at 4:15 a.m. Closing times vary based on the flight schedule.

The airport states that passengers should allow around 20 minutes to clear security during non-peak hours and 40 minutes during peak times (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the day before and after public holidays).

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at all 4 security checkpoints, and an enrollment center is located on the red side of baggage claim.

The enrollment center is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.).

Global Entry Program

TPA has Global Entry kiosks for expedited immigration for pre-approved passengers. TPA has an enrollment center located on the red side of baggage claim that is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enrollment on Arrival, without an appointment, is also available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at booth 14 of Concourse F.

Mobile Passport

TPA accepts mobile passport for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors entering the U.S. Passengers can complete their information in the app on arrival and present their electronic receipt to a CBP agent.

TPA Airport Lounges

TPA has 3 lounges with 2 located inside the secure area and 1 in the main terminal. Only the Admirals Club is available to purchase a day pass.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Take a look at the best credit cards for complimentary airport lounge access and avoid paying day pass fees.

Priority Pass Access

Non-American Express Priority Pass members can receive money off their bill at The Café by Mise en Place.

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best rewards cards for Priority Pass access that’s included as a benefit.

Dining and Drinks at TPA

TPA has 4o restaurants, bars, cafes, and fast-food counters, from Starbucks to Hard Rock Cafe. There’s a good choice in the main terminal and throughout each concourse so passengers can grab a bite before or after clearing security.

TPA Wi-Fi and Charging Points

TPA provides passengers and visitors with free Wi-Fi in the terminal and concourse areas. To connect, select “TPA free Wi-Fi” from the available connections and accept the terms and conditions.

Charging Stations: TPA has more than 7,000 charging points throughout the airport with plug sockets and USB points.

Hot Tip: On a long-haul and wondering where to charge your phone after TPA? Take a look at the best portable power bank chargers so you’re never disconnected.

TPA Airport Lost and Found

TPA has a lost and found office on level 2 across the red departures drive opposite the terminal. The office is open Sunday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and passengers can visit the office or submit a claim online for a missing item.

Items lost in any of the public areas of the airport will be sent here, but if an item was lost on an aircraft, passengers need to contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

An information counter is located in the center of the terminal on level 3 and is staffed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.

Children’s Play Areas

TPA doesn’t have a children’s play area; however, an interesting feature that children will enjoy is the airport’s 6-foot aquarium, filled with fish indigenous to Tampa Bay.

Hot Tip: Looking for the most kid-friendly U.S. airports? We’ve got you covered so you and the family can make your trip less stressful.

Baby Facilities

TPA is currently in the process of installing nursing rooms with estimated completion in July 2020.

Traveling with a Pet

4 pet relief areas are currently located across from the curbside pick-up areas outside of baggage claim. More are currently in development inside the secure area and due for completion in July 2020.

Duty Free

TPA has 2 duty-free shops located:

• Concourse E, opposite gate 74
• Concourse F, near gate 85

Smoking Areas

Smoking is permitted outside of the terminals on levels 1 and 2. There are also designated smoking areas in the airside concourses, located at:

• Concourse A: near gate 18
• Concourse C: opposite gates 30 and 45
• Concourse E: opposite gate 62 and near gate 75
• Concourse F: opposite gate 88

Money

ATMs are located at:

• Main terminal level 2:
  • Opposite the Lufthansa ticketing desk
  • Opposite the Spirit Airlines ticketing desk
• Transfer level 3: central area
• Concourse A: just after security
• Concourse C: near gates 37 and 38 and near gate 34
• Concourse E: just after security
• Concourse F: just after security

Foreign currency services are available at:

• Main terminal level 2: between Shops at Bayshore and the elevator
• Concourse F: just after security

Important TPA Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 813-870-8700

Paging: 813-870-8770

Ground Transportation: 813-870-8718

Parking: 813-870-8790

Travel to and From TPA

Transport Options

Bus

The stops for HART and PSTA buses are located at the rental car center, and passengers can ride the SkyConnect train to access these.

• HART Buses:
  • Routes 30: operates every 30 minutes between downtown Tampa and TPA
  • Route 32: operates every 30 minutes between Netpark Transfer Center and TPA
  • Route 35: operates every 30 minutes between Northwest Transfer Center and TPA
  • Route 60LX: operates hourly between downtown Tampa (and Brandon Mall Monday to Saturday) and TPA
  • Route 275LX: operates hourly between Wesley Chapel and TPA
• PSTA: Route 300X Airport Express bus operating from Pinellas to TPA
• Greyhound: Buses depart from the Greyhound bus terminal located in downtown Tampa at 610 Polk St.
• Chartered bus: Buses may pick-up from designated bus spaces in the 4 ground transportation areas

Shuttles

Shared shuttles are provided by Alora Transportation and can be booked by calling 866-276-0882.

Taxi

Taxis are located outside of baggage claim and all charge a flat rate of $29 to downtown Tampa or the cruise terminal. A minimum fee of $19 applies for rides from the airport.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, operate from TPA and are permitted to pick-up passengers from outside of baggage claim or the rental car center at remote curbside.

Operators can drop-off passengers on any level at any public drop-off point outside the terminal.

Directions by Car to TPA

Arriving From Downtown Tampa

Take I-275 S from N. Florida Avenue until exit 39. Merge onto FL-60 W towards Clearwater/Tampa Airport. Use the middle lane to continue on George J. Bean Inbound Parkway and then the left lane to take the exit for rental cars/cell phone lot. Keep left at the fork and merge onto Bessie Coleman Boulevard to the terminal.

Arriving From Clearwater

Take Gulf to Bay Boulevard and continue onto W. Courtney Campbell Causeway. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for FL-60 E/FL-616/Spruce St and merge onto FL-60 E. Take the right 2 lanes to take exit 1A towards Tampa International Airport. Turn right onto Economy Parking Road and Bessie Coleman Boulevard to the terminal.

TPA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

TPA provides various options for parking, depending on how long you’re away for and how much you’re willing to spend.

The short-term parking lot is in the same building as the main terminal on levels 4-9. Maximum vehicle clearance is 6-feet-8-inches with electric vehicle charging points available on level 5.

Short-Term Parking Lot Fees:

• First hour: Free
• 60-80 minutes: $4
• Each additional 20 minutes: $2
• Maximum charge per 24 hours: $22

Hot Tip: Valet parking is available in the short-term garage and costs $2 per 30 minutes ($30 per 24 hours).

The long-term parking lot is located across from the terminal, connected by a bridge from the transfer level. Maximum vehicle clearance is 7-feet-10-inches, and electric charging points are located on level 4.

A monorail operates between the long-term parking lot and the terminal on level 7.

Long-Term Parking Lot Fees:

• First hour: Free
• 60-80 minutes: $4
• Each additional 20 minutes: $2
• Maximum charge per 24-hours: $18

The economy parking lot is located south of the terminal near the rental car center and the cell phone waiting lot. Covered and uncovered parking is available with a maximum clearance of 8 feet and 13 feet, respectively.

The SkyConnect train runs between the terminal and the economy parking lot every couple of minutes.

Economy Parking Lot Fees:

• Per 20 minutes: $1
• Max charge per 24-hours: $10

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

TPA has a cell phone waiting lot that is south of the airport near the economy parking lot.

Visitors picking up passengers may wait for free until they receive a call for pick-up. The cell phone waiting lot has free Wi-Fi, restrooms, vending machines, and electric vehicle charging points.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Official airport parking at TPA is not the most expensive that we’ve seen, but choosing to park off-airport property can save money.

Off-site parking starts at $6.50 per day when booked with airportparkingreservations.com. Many hotels offer accommodation and parking packages and provide courtesy shuttles to and from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all official airport parking lots closest to the pedestrian walkways or elevators to the SkyConnect train.

Phones are available throughout the parking facilities to call for assistance, and the SkyConnect train is wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 813-870-8790

Car Rental at TPA Airport

The rental car center is located south of the airport near the economy parking lot and provides remote bag drop for nearly all domestic passengers. The SkyConnect train operates between the terminal and the rental car center every couple of minutes.

The following companies are located in the rental car center:

Hot Tip: Avoid excessive rental insurance fees with these credit cards that include rental insurance as a benefit.

TPA Airport Hotels

The Tampa Airport Marriott is on-airport property, ideal for pre or post-flight stays or long layovers. Other 2- to 4-star hotels can be found from 1 mile away with many offering courtesy shuttles to/from the airport.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is a beautiful property situated right off the bay and with close proximity to the airport. The hotel offers an airport shuttle, 2 outdoor pools, a fitness center, 3 on-site dining options, and an executive club. Better yet, the property is a Category 3 Hyatt hotel meaning award nights cost just 12,000 points per night.

For those looking to be close to the airport, you can’t get much closer than the Tampa Airport Marriott located inside the airport itself. The hotel offers guests an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and a heated outdoor pool. The property is a Category 5 Marriott hotel, so award nights start at 30,000 points for off-peak nights, 35,000 points for standard nights, and 40,000 points for peak nights.

The Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport/Westshore is an excellent hotel option that is both close to the airport and attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida Aquarium. Amenities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, a 24-hour business center, and a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and other nearby destinations. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but expect award nights to cost between 30,000 to 35,000 points per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points, World of Hyatt points, or Marriott points.

Final Thoughts

With ever-increasing passenger numbers, Tampa International Airport has embarked on a 3-phase development project to raise future capacity to 34 million. The first phase was completed in 2018 and has reduced congestion on the airport roads, curbside areas, and within the main terminal.

The second phase started in 2019 and will expand curbside areas and build a new development around the rental car center, including a hotel, gas station, and ground transportation area.

The third phase will see a new Concourse D constructed with 16 gates for domestic and international flights.