Cheapest Flights to Tampa
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About Tampa
Tampa, located in the Southern U.S state of Florida, is located on the shores of a lake which shares its name. It's also located quite close to the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa is a tropical city and major regional business center that is home to 100 North Tampa, Bank of America Plaza, the Element Building, and Park Tower among other skyscrapers.
The city was founded in the 17th century by Spanish explorers; it grew rapidly after becoming part of the U.S in 1819. In the 1900s it's population was only 30,000 ; now it is one of the largest cities in the U.S south.
Weather in Tampa is generally hot, reaching up to 35°C in the summer. It rarely dips belowing freezing, even in the winter. In addition to its businesses, Tampa is also home to several interesting museums and cultural activities, as well as nearby beaches.
Transportation to Tampa City Center from Airport
MacDill Airport
If you want to travel by public transportation in Tampa, you can prefer bus. One-way bus ride costs 2 dollars. If you want, you can also buy daily or weekly tickets according to the duration of your stay to make your transportation more economical. Daily ticket price is 16 dollars. Renting a car is a frequently preferred option to discover the city. You can easily find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. By renting an affordable car, you can see the surrounding cities as well as you can go to the beaches comfortably.
The traffic is very safe and steady all across Tampa and you will not have any difficulty. However, you should keep in mind that you need to have an international driver's license to rent a car. The taxi service is also widely used in urban transportation. You can easily get a taxi. All taxis have a taximeter and taxi fares are fixed.
Clearwater International Airport is located only 15 kilometers away. Lakeland Airport, which serves only for domestic flights, is 51 kilometers away and Sarasota Airport is 64 kilometers away. Orlando International Airport is 129 km away for the transfers in exceptional situations. There are 5 different transportation options to reach the city center from Tampa International Airport.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the municipal buses. Airport shuttle services are a bit more costly but a more comfortable alternative. Taxi service is available for those who want a more private and comfortable transportation option. If you want to maximize your comfort, you can rent a car from car rental companies. The last alternative is the airport shuttle services provided by the hotels.
Bus
You can find the bus stops at the west point of the red luggage delivery area of the airport. You can get to the city center by the bus number 15. Bus ticket price is 2 dollars.
Taxi
You can easily see the taxi ranks right at the exit of the luggage delivery area. Two different taxi companies - Yellow Cab and United Cab – provide taxi service at the airport. Both companies apply the same price tariff. Taxi initial fare is 2.5 dollars and you need to pay 2.4 dollars per mile.
The minimum amount you will pay for transportation from the airport to anywhere is 15 dollars regardless of distance. Taxi transportation from Tampa International Airport to the city center or the marina costs about 25 dollars.
Rent a car
You can see the offices of 8 different car rental companies on the opposite road of Tampa International Airport. These companies also have their service points at the end of the luggage delivery area. You can also rent a car online before your flight if you want. In this case, your car will be ready for your arrival time and you won't waste your time.
Airport Shuttle Services
Airport shuttle regularly run at certain times and follows a standard route. There are specially prepared air-conditioned waiting areas for passengers so that you can comfortably wait for the departure time of the shuttles. Shuttle service charge includes up to 3 pieces of luggage. You may be charged extra for more luggages.
The route of shuttle service mostly passes through the hotels and the service charge is based on the distance covered. Prices range from 25$ to 90$, but transportation to the city center costs about 25 or 35 dollars.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Many hotels in Tampa have their own shuttle services. Before making your reservation, you should contact your hotel in advance to make sure that this service is available or not.
The difference of this service, which is a little more costly compared to taxi, is that the shuttle is ready for you when you take your luggage and it takes you directly to your hotel. You should contact your hotel and make a reservation in advance in order to benefit from this service. You should remember that you will be asked some information such as how many passengers will benefit from this service and your flight's arrival time.
Tampa Intl. Airport
You can easily reach Tampa International Airport from the city centre by taxi or by bus. There are airport shuttle buses available and some hotels can arrange it for you in advance. If you rented a car during your trip, it is also possible to reach the airport with this vehicle.
Bus
Bus route 15 transports passengers from the city centre to the airport in a short time. A one-way ticket costs 2 dollars.
Taxi
Taxis are quite easy to come by in Tampa. You can comfortably find one in the city centre, and reach the airport for an average cost of 25 dollars. Be confident about the amount you will pay as all taxis are equipped with taximeters. You can speak to hotel staff to pre-arrange a taxi for you.
Car Rental
There are a lot of car rental agencies in Tampa city centre and for a more comfortable trip, including your journeys to and from the airport, you can hire a vehicle that is suitable to your budget. You can rent a car online, or you can ask for assistance from your hotel. International travellers must have a valid foreign driver’s license and an international driving permit. You must always carry these documents if you wish to drive a car or ride a motorbike in Tampa.
Airport Shuttle Service
Airport shuttle services are modern and comfortable buses with air-conditioning systems, which operate on a specific route and have certain departure times. It is recommended that you check the closest shuttle station near you, and the shuttle departure times in advance. You may also ask for assistance from your hotel representative. You will have to pay an additional fee per baggage beyond the limit of 3 baggages per passenger. The prices for the shuttle bus services are based on distance travelled. Airport shuttle services from the city centre to the airport is approximately 25 to 35 dollars.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Many hotels in Tampa provide airport shuttle services. Contact your hotel beforehand to confirm whether they provide this service, and book in advance if they do so.
Airport Information
Tampa International Airport was called the Drew Field Military Airport prior to the 1960s and used for military flights only. It underwent major changes since and began commercial flights. During the Second World War, the airport had undertaken important duties. Nowadays, Tampa International Airport is a modern, large airport located about 6 miles west from Downtown Tampa. Serious air traffic is encountered during the tourism season as it is often used as a transit hub. More than 100 flights a day take off from the airport. There are many bars, restaurants and cafes located at different points of the airport that appeal to different tastes. You can also find many souvenir shops, accessory shops, clothing stores, cosmetics shops and duty-free shops inside the airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport building.
