Airports in St. Pete-Clearwater

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is continually improving its services and, in 2023, set an annual passenger record of 2.49 million. To accommodate the increasing demand, PIE’s $110 million Terminal Improvement Project will merge two TSA checkpoints into one and will also add two gates, seven passenger-loading bridges, restrooms and concessions. Construction is planned to begin in late 2025. The airport is reviewing sites for a planned parking garage.

The Gateway Express road project has made it easier and quicker to get to the airport by adding express toll lanes and a direct exit to PIE. More information about the Expressway is available on the Florida Department of Transportation website.

Need transportation from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and your hotel on Clearwater Beach (and back again)? The Grouper Airport Express provides on-demand service between the airport and any location on Clearwater Beach (as well as Sheraton Sand Key or Marriott Sand Key). The shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs, and have room for nine people and their luggage. If your flight is delayed, you may reschedule or rebook at no charge. Fares are very reasonable.

---

AIRLINES SERVING ST. PETE-CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which is served primarily by low-cost domestic carrier Allegiant Air, has non-stop routes to approximately 65 cities. It operates on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sun County Airlines provides seasonal service to Minneapolis-St. Paul and charter services as part of casino-resort packages to Gulf Port-Biloxi, Mississippi, and Atlantic City.

PARKING INFORMATION FOR PIE

Because parking spaces are limited, airport management suggests travelers arrange rides and be dropped off curbside at the terminal. For arrivals, a free cellphone waiting lot is available. 

Parking lots within walking distance – designated short-term and long-term parking – fill up quickly. 

Two economy parking remote lots are reached by free shuttles, with pickups an average of every 20 minutes. They are open from two hours before the first departure of the day to one hour after the last flight arrives. If a flight is delayed, the shuttles will continue to operate for 30 minutes after its arrival. A map shows the lots’ locations. The shuttles serve specific lots, so be sure to board the one going to the correct one.

The Economy parking lots are named Key Lime and Strawberry. Key Lime is across the street from the airport entrance. If it becomes full, signs will direct drivers to Strawberry and, if that is full, to Overflow. Strawberry is on Fairchild Drive west of the Terminal. Cars will be directed to Overflow Parking adjacent to Key Lime if those lots fill up. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted at Key Lime; only credit/debit cards are accepted at Strawberry. Parking also is available at nearby hotels. Contact them directly for availability and rates. They are: a Holiday Inn at 3535 Ulmerton Road, 727-220-1184, and a Sleep Inn at 3939 Ulmerton Road, 727-573-5049. Shuttles to the airport can be arranged.

The airport recommends that people who have difficulty walking with luggage to use the remote economy parking lots and the shuttles.

Details on rates and other parking information is available on the PIE website.

CURBSIDE BAGGAGE CHECK-IN & PICK-UPS

The curbside area is for active loading and unloading only. To avoid circling the airport, drivers should wait in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot until their passengers are at the curb.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION & RENTAL CARS

The Ground Transportation Lot, outside Baggage Claim, is used for shuttles to and from Economy Parking lots as well as for taxis, ride-shares and shuttles for hotels and off-site rental car companies.

Taxi and shuttle transportation services are outside Baggage Claim in the Ground Transportation Lot.

Rental car options on site are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and National. Rental counters are in the baggage claim area, although, pickups and drop-offs are sometimes handled in the Ground Transportation Lot.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The airport has three restaurant/bars. The full-service restaurant and bar The District Pub is before security. After security, branches of two local favorites, the famed St. Pete delicatessen Mazzaro’s Italian Market is found near Gates 7-11 and 3 Daughters Brewing is by Gates 2-6. 3 Daughters offers a variety of sandwiches and wings for lunch as well as breakfast sandwiches in the morning, plus a full liquor bar that also offers signature brews. 

SERVICES & AMENITIES

PIE offers numerous services and amenities to make travel more comfortable and convenient. These include:

Free Wi-Fi — Simply log on to Airport_Guest.

Privacy Room for Nursing Mothers — Mamava pods are available for nursing mothers. To access one, download the Mamava app to your phone or call the number posted on the door for an access code.

Pet Relief Areas and Pet Therapy — PIE’s Pets Uplifting People therapy dog program provides therapy dogs who visit travelers waiting to board flights. The airport also has “Bark Parks” — fenced pet-relief areas for dogs traveling with passengers. The Bark Parks are cleaned regularly and feature benches, watering stations and other amenities.

Kids' Play Zones  — An aviation-themed play area for children is available at Gates 7 through 11. At Gates 2 through 6, children can explore travel destinations and learn more about their environment, wildlife and culture via video selections.

Visitor Information —  Learn about the area’s award-winning beaches and other fun family attractions at the Visitor Information Booth located near Baggage Claim.

Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities — Airlines will provide wheelchairs to passengers from curbside to boarding on request. Alert the airline at the check-in counter. PIE offers visually impaired guests the option to access an agent by using Aira Services for the Visually Impaired. Aira also provides audio guidance to navigate the airport. Travelers can sign up online. American Sign Language translation services are available in the Airport Reception Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Foreign Language Assistance — Foreign language and American Sign Language translation services are available in the Airport Reception Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Foreign language assistance is available at the Visitor Information Booth near Baggage Claim.

ATMs —  ATMs are in the concourse outside Ticketing A and at the west end of Baggage Claim. Information on exchanging currency is available through the Florida Currency Exchange. 

HOTELS NEAR ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Accommodations close to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport include: 

St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater: Airport Shuttle service is available. Contact the hotel for pick-up.

Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater-Ulmerton Road: A seven-minute taxi or ride-share trip.

Holiday Inn St. Petersburg North/Clearwater: Airport Shuttle service is available. Contact the hotel for pick-up.

Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater: Airport Shuttle service is available. Contact the hotel for pick-up.

Holiday Inn Express Clearwater East ICOT Center: An eight-minute taxi or ride-share trip. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

• 14700 Terminal Blvd. Suite 221, Clearwater, Florida 33762
• [email protected]
• (727) 453-7800
• https://www.fly2pie.com/

See FAQs for St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

 

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a major airport about 45 minutes from St. Pete-Clearwater's award-winning beaches and 30 minutes from downtown St. Pete.

TPA is consistently ranked as one of America's best-loved airports. J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study ranked the airport No. 1 among large airports for a second consecutive year. USA TODAY named Tampa International Airport as America’s Best Large Airport and as the #1 Best Airport for Dining in its annual 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024.

TPA, which served more than 24 million passengers in 2023, is working to accommodate growth with a three-phase construction program, expanding its Main Terminal, adding a state-of-the-art rental car facility and a SkyConnect train system. In late 2024, it broke ground on Airside D, a 16-gate international and domestic terminal that is planned to open in 2028. In mid-2025, it will add "Red Express Curbsides" for passengers without checked bags (the Blue Express Curbsides have been open for several years).

TPA’s location allows convenient visits to both the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater and the theme parks in Orlando. It is served by most major airlines, with more than 100 non-stop flights, depending on the time of year. It has approximately 250 daily departures by 24 airlines and offers flights to 20 international destinations.  

TPA also is home to a mix of more than 65 shops, restaurants, kiosks and bars. Some of the distinctive local brands include Columbia Café, Cafe by Mise en Place, Goody Goody, RumFish Grill (from TradeWinds St. Pete Beach) and Ducky's. Foodies can also try chargrilled oysters at Ulele and sample locally brewed beer at Cigar City Brewing. Customers now can now use Uber Eats to order food from most of TPA’s restaurants so they can pick it up without standing in line.

The Shoppes at Bayshore is a 6,300-square-foot mini shopping mall on the third level of the Main Terminal that showcases national and local boutique brands. 

A 21-foot flamingo sculpture is a huge hit among travelers (be sure to save a few minutes for a selfie with "Phoebe"). 

AIRLINES SERVING TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Most major airlines serve TPA, including AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. The TPA website has a full list of airlines. 

PARKING INFORMATION

A relatively new and popular feature is the ability to pre-book a space in the passengers’ preferred parking lot at TPA. During holidays and other times of heavy air travel, booking parking ahead of time is the only way to guarantee a space in the garage of your choice. On the TPA website, travelers can enter the time and date of their arrival at the lot and when they plan to leave and which lot — economy, long-term or short-term. 

Short-Term Parking

Location: Levels 4-9 above the Main Terminal

Access to Terminal: Via elevator

Vehicle Clearance: 6 feet, 8 inches

Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Parking Level 5); maximum length of stay is 45 days.

Long-Term Parking

Location: Garage is adjacent to the Main Terminal

Access to Terminal: Pedestrian moving walkway to the terminal is on Level 4.

Vehicle Clearance: 7 feet, 10 inches

More Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Parking Level 4; maximum length of stay is 45 days

Economy Garage & Lot

Location: South of the Main Terminal on airport property

Access to Terminal: SkyConnect train to the Main Terminal. Access station from elevators is on Level 1 of the garage.

Vehicle Clearance: Levels 2-6, 8 feet; Level 1 and surface lot, 13 feet

More Details: SunPass accepted; Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Parking Level 1; maximum stay is 45 days

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Free

Location: South of the Main Terminal on airport property, adjacent to the SkyCenter One office building near the U.S. Post Office.

Access to Terminal: Wait until arriving guests are ready for pick-up; five-minute drive to the Main Terminal curbside pick-up area

Vehicle Clearance: No limit

More Details: Restrooms; vending machines; free Wi-Fi; real-time flight information display; electric vehicle charging stations

Green Parking

Rates: No charging cost is added to regular parking fees.

Location: Available at all Parking Facilities – Short-Term (Level 5), Long-Term (Level 4), Economy (Level 1) and Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Details on number and types of charging stations are available on the TPA website.

Nearby Lots Outside Tampa International Airport

A1 Express Parking: One of the most popular off-site parking options, offers free shuttle service from the airport 24 hours a day.

Memorial Airport Parking: A good budget option just west of TPA, includes free shuttle service to and from the airport 24 hours a day. 

PASSENGER PICK-UP & DROP-OFF

The airport offers a Blue Express Curb for departing and arriving passengers who do not need to go to ticketing or baggage claim. The area is less congested and a quicker option for those without checked bags. The Blue Express Curb serves airlines in TPA’s blue group. A Red Express Curb is scheduled to be available in 2025. 

Arriving passengers with checked bags follow signs to "Ground Transportation" and "Baggage Claim." When ready, walk outside and look for the sign for "Passenger Pickups" or an area labeled "Ride Shares." 

Departing Passengers – The airlines offer curbside bag checking for most domestic passengers. 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION & RENTAL CARS

Ride-shares: Services such as Uber and Lyft can drop off at any public access location, including Ticketing, Baggage Claim and the Remote Curbside at the SkyCenter One office building. Passengers must notify their driver of their airline to ensure smooth drop-off and pick-up. Arriving passengers can be picked up at Red Baggage Claim, the Blue Express Curbside or the Remote Curbside at the SkyCenter One office building. A service fee will be added to the cost of the fare.

Taxis: Taxi service by Yellow Cab (813-253-0121) is available at the curbside outside the Baggage Claim level.

Rental Cars: Reach the on-airport rental car services by taking the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.

Shared Passenger Van Services: Airport limos and shared passenger van services are available through reservations or walk-in bookings. Passengers can wait to board in enclosed, air-conditioned lobbies at either end of the Baggage Claim areas.

Bus/Public Transportation: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus stops are at the Rental Car Center; follow signs to "Remote Curbside." The Greyhound bus terminal is in downtown Tampa at the Marion Transit Center North Platform. The closest address is 1209 N. Marion St. Chartered bus services are also an option – passenger pickups are in the bus spaces in the Ground Transportation Centers. 

SERVICES & AMENITIES

Guest Services

The information kiosk is staffed from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. The kiosk is in the center of Level 3 in the Main Terminal.

Accessibility Services: Parking for passengers with disabilities is available 24 hours a day in all airport parking areas. Airlines provide wheelchair service from curbside to ticket counters and gates with their skycaps. Elevators reach all passenger areas of the airport, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. See the airport’s website for more information on accessibility services at TPA.

Currency Exchange 

For international travelers, Travelex Currency Services is on Level 3 in the Main Terminal.

Animal Relief Areas

Service animals used by disabled individuals as defined by Florida law are permitted throughout the airport. Non-service animals are only permitted if they have been or will be transported by air. Post-security check animal relief areas are at each of the airside buildings. Pet relief areas in the Main Terminal are just outside the building on the Baggage Claim level and at the Blue Express Arrivals area. See the airport’s website for more information on animals at TPA.

Additional Amenities & Services

TPA has water-bottle-refilling stations near the restrooms on each of the four airside terminals; mothers’ nursing rooms; a nondenominational chapel in the Main Terminal and a Marriott hotel attached to the airport. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33607
• 813-870-8770
• www.tampaairport.com

 

Albert Whitted Airport
107 8th Ave. S.E., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
StPete.org/airport
727-893-7657
 

Clearwater Airpark Airport
1000 N. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, Florida 33765
flyusa.com/clearwater-airpark
727-443-3433