Flying from Orlando to Tampa: what you need to know
Your next great adventure starts at one of Orlando's main airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Explore your options for booking a flight from Orlando to Tampa leaving from either of these.
The primary hubs where you can touch down in Tampa are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Tampa's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Orlando.
To ensure you get on your Orlando to Tampa flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Orlando to Tampa
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap Orlando to Tampa flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Orlando to Tampa.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Orlando to Tampa.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Orlando to Tampa flights.
Flying from Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is about 14 kilometres from central Orlando. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Catching an early flight from Orlando to Tampa? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to Orlando International Airport:
78.28% of flights departing from Orlando International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
You'll find MCO at One Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 8 kilometres from the centre of Tampa. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport typically takes 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Orlando to Tampa. Book one of these accommodation options near TPA instead:
Grab a Tampa International Airport rental car and discover Tampa and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Budget and Thrifty are top outlets to choose from here.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week in advance of your Orlando to Tampa flight.
The street address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
After your flight from Orlando to Tampa has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in about 25 minutes by car. Central Tampa is roughly 24 kilometres from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours 10 minutes or so.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Budget, Alamo or Avis and make a speedy getaway.
Typically, the sooner you book, the better the deals and choice of vehicles. Secure your ride from PIE the moment you know your dates.
You'll find St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
July is the most popular month for flights from Orlando to Tampa. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Tampa in May.
Book an Orlando to Tampa ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Tampa to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Search for cheap flights from Orlando to Tampa around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Tampa
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Tampa right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Orlando to Tampa:
Ybor City Tattoo Company and Tampa Riverwalk are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Tampa itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to The Florida Aquarium.
Explore more of United States
Tampa has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of United States waiting to be explored. About 274 kilometres north of Tampa, a visit to Jacksonville will keep you busy. Start with popular sights like Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain.
If you're looking to explore another side of United States, head for Miami, about 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa. Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena are among its highlights.
