Petersburg City Guide: Best Places to Visit, Stay, and Explore Petersburg Travel Guide: History, Attractions, and Hidden Gems
If you’re flying into St. Petersburg, Florida, which airport should you use? There are two airports that serve the area: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Both airports offer flights to major cities across the United States, but there are some key differences between the two.
Editor’s Note: This guide on “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida” was published on [Date] to provide valuable information for travelers.
To help you make the best decision for your travel needs, we’ve put together this guide to the two airports near St. Petersburg, Florida. We’ll cover the key differences between the two airports, as well as the pros and cons of each one.
Key Differences
| Feature | TPA | PIE |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 10 miles from downtown St. Petersburg | 12 miles from downtown St. Petersburg |
| Number of airlines | 12 | 6 |
| Number of flights per day | Over 500 | Around 100 |
| Average ticket price | $200 | $150 |
Main Article Topics
- A more detailed look at the key differences between TPA and PIE
- The pros and cons of each airport
- How to choose the right airport for your needs
- Additional tips for flying into St. Petersburg, Florida
What Airport is Near St. Petersburg, Florida?
When flying into St. Petersburg, Florida, there are two airports to choose from: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Both airports have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider the key aspects of each one before making a decision.
- Location: TPA is located about 10 miles from downtown St. Petersburg, while PIE is located about 12 miles away.
- Size: TPA is a much larger airport than PIE, with more airlines and flights to choose from.
- Cost: On average, flights into TPA are more expensive than flights into PIE.
- Convenience: TPA is more convenient for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg or who need to connect to other flights.
- Amenities: TPA has a wider variety of amenities than PIE, including more restaurants, shops, and lounges.
- Parking: TPA has more parking spaces than PIE, but the rates are also higher.
- Ground transportation: There are more ground transportation options available at TPA than at PIE, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.
- Security: Both TPA and PIE have TSA security checkpoints, but the lines at TPA can be longer, especially during peak travel times.
- Wi-Fi: Both TPA and PIE offer free Wi-Fi to passengers.
- Food and drinks: There are a variety of food and beverage options available at both TPA and PIE.
- Shopping: There are a variety of shops available at both TPA and PIE, including newsstands, gift shops, and duty-free stores.
- Currency exchange: Both TPA and PIE have currency exchange services available.
Ultimately, the best airport for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a large airport with a wide variety of amenities and flights, then TPA is a good option. If you’re looking for a smaller airport with lower fares and shorter lines, then PIE is a good option.
Location
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the location of the airports is a key factor to consider. TPA is located closer to downtown St. Petersburg than PIE, which may be a more convenient option for travelers who are staying in the city center. However, PIE is still a viable option for travelers who are staying in other parts of St. Petersburg or who are looking for a more affordable option.
- Convenience: TPA’s closer proximity to downtown St. Petersburg makes it a more convenient option for travelers who are staying in the city center. This can save travelers time and money on transportation to and from the airport.
- Cost: PIE is generally a more affordable option than TPA, especially for travelers who are flying on budget airlines. This can be a significant consideration for travelers who are on a tight budget.
- Other factors: In addition to convenience and cost, travelers may also want to consider other factors when choosing an airport, such as the number of flights available, the size of the airport, and the amenities offered.
Ultimately, the best airport for travelers will depend on their individual needs and preferences. Travelers who are looking for a convenient and affordable option may want to consider PIE, while travelers who are looking for a larger airport with more flights and amenities may want to consider TPA.
Size
The size of an airport is an important factor to consider when choosing which airport to fly into, especially for travelers who are looking for a wide variety of flights and airlines to choose from. TPA is a much larger airport than PIE, with more than double the number of airlines and flights to choose from. This means that travelers who fly into TPA are more likely to find a flight that meets their needs, including flights to smaller cities and towns that may not be served by PIE.
For example, TPA offers direct flights to over 70 domestic destinations and 20 international destinations, while PIE offers direct flights to only about 30 domestic destinations and 5 international destinations.
The larger size of TPA also means that it has more amenities and services to offer travelers, such as a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and lounges. TPA also has more ground transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.
Overall, the larger size of TPA makes it a more convenient and attractive option for travelers who are looking for a wide variety of flights and amenities.
Cost
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the cost of flights is an important factor to consider, especially for travelers who are on a tight budget. On average, flights into TPA are more expensive than flights into PIE. This is because TPA is a larger airport with more airlines and flights to choose from, which means that there is more competition among airlines and lower fares for travelers.
- Competition: TPA is a much larger airport than PIE, with more than double the number of airlines and flights to choose from. This means that there is more competition among airlines, which can lead to lower fares for travelers.
- Demand: TPA is also a more popular airport than PIE, with more passengers flying in and out each year. This means that there is more demand for flights into TPA, which can also lead to higher fares.
- Location: TPA is located closer to downtown St. Petersburg than PIE, which makes it a more convenient option for travelers who are staying in the city center. This convenience can also lead to higher fares for flights into TPA.
Overall, the cost of flights is an important factor to consider when choosing which airport to fly into. Travelers who are on a tight budget may want to consider flying into PIE instead of TPA, as flights into PIE are generally more affordable.
Convenience
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the convenience of the airport is an important factor to consider, especially for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg or who need to connect to other flights.
TPA is more convenient for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg because it is located closer to the city center than PIE. This means that travelers can save time and money on transportation to and from the airport. For example, a taxi ride from TPA to downtown St. Petersburg costs around $25 and takes about 20 minutes, while a taxi ride from PIE to downtown St. Petersburg costs around $30 and takes about 25 minutes.
TPA is also more convenient for travelers who need to connect to other flights because it is a larger airport with more airlines and flights to choose from. This means that travelers are more likely to be able to find a connecting flight that meets their needs. For example, TPA offers direct flights to over 70 domestic destinations and 20 international destinations, while PIE offers direct flights to only about 30 domestic destinations and 5 international destinations.
Overall, the convenience of TPA makes it a more attractive option for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg or who need to connect to other flights.
Amenities
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the amenities offered by the airport are an important factor to consider, especially for travelers who are looking for a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
TPA has a wider variety of amenities than PIE, including more restaurants, shops, and lounges. This means that travelers who fly into TPA are more likely to be able to find the amenities they need, such as a place to eat, a place to shop, or a place to relax before their flight.
For example, TPA offers a variety of dining options, including fast food restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and fine dining restaurants. TPA also offers a variety of shopping options, including newsstands, gift shops, and duty-free stores. In addition, TPA offers a variety of lounges, including airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges.
PIE, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of amenities. PIE offers a few fast food restaurants and a few gift shops, but it does not have any fine dining restaurants or duty-free stores. PIE also has a limited number of lounges, and most of them are airline lounges that are only accessible to members of certain airlines.
Overall, the wider variety of amenities at TPA makes it a more attractive option for travelers who are looking for a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
| Amenity | TPA | PIE |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Fast food, casual dining, fine dining | Fast food only |
| Shops | Newsstands, gift shops, duty-free stores | Gift shops only |
| Lounges | Airline lounges, pay-per-use lounges | Airline lounges only |
Parking
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the availability and cost of parking is an important factor to consider, especially for travelers who are driving to the airport.
TPA has more parking spaces than PIE, with over 10,000 parking spaces available. This means that travelers are more likely to be able to find a parking space at TPA, even during peak travel times. However, the parking rates at TPA are also higher than the parking rates at PIE. For example, the daily parking rate at TPA is $20, while the daily parking rate at PIE is $15.
The higher parking rates at TPA are likely due to the fact that it is a larger airport with more amenities and services to offer travelers. TPA also has a higher demand for parking, as it is the primary airport for the Tampa Bay area.
Overall, the availability and cost of parking is an important factor to consider when choosing which airport to fly into. Travelers who are driving to the airport should compare the parking rates at TPA and PIE before making a decision.
Key Insights
- TPA has more parking spaces than PIE, but the rates are also higher.
- The higher parking rates at TPA are likely due to the fact that it is a larger airport with more amenities and services to offer travelers.
- Travelers who are driving to the airport should compare the parking rates at TPA and PIE before making a decision.
| Parking | TPA | PIE |
|---|---|---|
| Number of parking spaces | 10,000+ | 2,000+ |
| Daily parking rate | $20 | $15 |
Ground transportation
The availability of ground transportation is a key factor to consider when choosing an airport, especially for travelers who are not driving to the airport. TPA has more ground transportation options available than PIE, including taxis, buses, and rental cars. This means that travelers who fly into TPA are more likely to be able to find a ground transportation option that meets their needs.
For example, TPA has a dedicated ground transportation center where travelers can easily access taxis, buses, and rental cars. TPA also has a number of shuttle services that can take travelers to and from the airport and popular destinations in the Tampa Bay area.
PIE, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of ground transportation options. PIE does have a few taxi companies that serve the airport, but there are no buses or rental cars available at the airport. This means that travelers who fly into PIE may have to take a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to their final destination.
Overall, the availability of ground transportation is an important factor to consider when choosing which airport to fly into. Travelers who are not driving to the airport should compare the ground transportation options at TPA and PIE before making a decision.
Key Insights
- TPA has more ground transportation options available than PIE, including taxis, buses, and rental cars.
- Travelers who fly into TPA are more likely to be able to find a ground transportation option that meets their needs.
- Travelers who are not driving to the airport should compare the ground transportation options at TPA and PIE before making a decision.
| Ground Transportation | TPA | PIE |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis | Yes | Yes |
| Buses | Yes | No |
| Rental cars | Yes | No |
| Shuttle services | Yes | No |
Security
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the security of the airport is an important factor to consider, especially for travelers who are concerned about safety and efficiency.
-
Facet 1: Security measures
Both TPA and PIE have TSA security checkpoints, which means that all passengers must go through the same security screening process. This includes removing shoes, jackets, and laptops, and placing them in a bin to be x-rayed. Passengers may also be subject to a pat-down or additional screening. -
Facet 2: Wait times
The wait times at TPA can be longer than the wait times at PIE, especially during peak travel times. This is because TPA is a larger airport with more passengers. Travelers who are flying during peak travel times should allow extra time for security screening. -
Facet 3: Security staff
The security staff at both TPA and PIE are professional and courteous. They are there to ensure the safety of all passengers and are committed to providing a positive travel experience. -
Facet 4: Tips for getting through security quickly
There are a few things that travelers can do to help get through security quickly. These include: arriving at the airport early, wearing shoes that are easy to remove, and placing all loose items in a carry-on bag. Travelers should also be aware of the TSA’s prohibited items list and avoid bringing any prohibited items to the airport.
Overall, the security at both TPA and PIE is good. Travelers should be aware of the potential for longer wait times at TPA, especially during peak travel times, and should allow extra time for security screening.
Wi-Fi
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the availability of free Wi-Fi is an important factor for many travelers, especially those who rely on the internet to stay connected while traveling.
Both TPA and PIE offer free Wi-Fi to passengers, which is a valuable amenity for both business and leisure travelers. Travelers can use the free Wi-Fi to check email, browse the internet, or stay connected with family and friends on social media.
The availability of free Wi-Fi at both TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers. It allows travelers to stay connected while traveling, which can be especially helpful for travelers who are unfamiliar with the area or who are traveling for business.
Key Insights:
- Both TPA and PIE offer free Wi-Fi to passengers.
- Free Wi-Fi is a valuable amenity for both business and leisure travelers.
- The availability of free Wi-Fi at both TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers.
| Airport | Free Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| TPA | Yes |
| PIE | Yes |
Food and drinks
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the availability of food and drinks is an important factor for many travelers, especially those who are traveling for long periods of time or who have dietary restrictions.
Both TPA and PIE offer a variety of food and beverage options to passengers, including restaurants, cafes, and vending machines. This means that travelers are likely to be able to find something to eat and drink that meets their needs.
The availability of food and drinks at TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers. It allows travelers to stay nourished and hydrated while traveling, which can be especially helpful for travelers who are unfamiliar with the area or who are traveling for business.
Key Insights:
- Both TPA and PIE offer a variety of food and beverage options to passengers.
- The availability of food and drinks at TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers.
- Travelers who are traveling for long periods of time or who have dietary restrictions should consider the availability of food and drinks when choosing an airport.
Table: Food and beverage options at TPA and PIE
| Airport | Food and beverage options |
|---|---|
| TPA | Restaurants, cafes, vending machines |
| PIE | Restaurants, cafes, vending machines |
Shopping
The availability of shopping options at an airport is an important factor to consider when choosing an airport, especially for travelers who are looking to purchase souvenirs, gifts, or other items.
Both TPA and PIE offer a variety of shops to passengers, including newsstands, gift shops, and duty-free stores. This means that travelers are likely to be able to find the items they need at either airport.
The availability of shopping options at TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers. It allows travelers to purchase last-minute items, souvenirs, or gifts without having to leave the airport. This can be especially helpful for travelers who are unfamiliar with the area or who are traveling for business.
Key Insights:
- Both TPA and PIE offer a variety of shopping options to passengers.
- The availability of shopping options at TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers.
- Travelers who are looking to purchase souvenirs, gifts, or other items should consider the availability of shopping options when choosing an airport.
Table: Shopping options at TPA and PIE
| Airport | Shopping options |
|---|---|
| TPA | Newsstands, gift shops, duty-free stores |
| PIE | Newsstands, gift shops, duty-free stores |
Currency exchange
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, the availability of currency exchange services is an important factor to consider, especially for international travelers who need to exchange their currency before traveling.
Both TPA and PIE offer currency exchange services to passengers, which is a convenient and important amenity for travelers. It allows travelers to exchange their currency quickly and easily without having to leave the airport. This can be especially helpful for travelers who are unfamiliar with the area or who are traveling for business.
The availability of currency exchange services at TPA and PIE is a valuable asset to travelers, as it allows them to avoid the hassle and expense of exchanging currency at a bank or other financial institution. Travelers who are planning to exchange currency should consider the availability of currency exchange services when choosing an airport.
Key Insights:
- Both TPA and PIE offer currency exchange services to passengers.
- The availability of currency exchange services at TPA and PIE is a convenient and important amenity for travelers.
- Travelers who are planning to exchange currency should consider the availability of currency exchange services when choosing an airport.
Table: Currency exchange services at TPA and PIE
| Airport | Currency exchange services |
|---|---|
| TPA | Yes |
| PIE | Yes |
FAQs About Airports Near St. Petersburg, Florida
If you’re planning a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, you may be wondering which airport is the best option for you. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make a decision:
Question 1: Which airport is closer to downtown St. Petersburg, Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)?
Answer: PIE is closer to downtown St. Petersburg than TPA. PIE is located about 12 miles from downtown St. Petersburg, while TPA is located about 25 miles away.
Question 2: Which airport has more flights and airlines to choose from, TPA or PIE?
Answer: TPA has more flights and airlines to choose from than PIE. TPA is a larger airport with more than 500 flights per day, while PIE has around 100 flights per day. TPA also has more airlines to choose from, with 12 airlines serving the airport compared to 6 airlines at PIE.
Question 3: Which airport is more expensive to fly into, TPA or PIE?
Answer: On average, flights into TPA are more expensive than flights into PIE. This is because TPA is a larger airport with more demand for flights.
Question 4: Which airport is more convenient for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg?
Answer: PIE is more convenient for travelers who are staying in downtown St. Petersburg. PIE is located closer to downtown St. Petersburg than TPA, and there are more ground transportation options available at PIE.
Question 5: Which airport has more amenities and services to offer travelers?
Answer: TPA has more amenities and services to offer travelers than PIE. TPA has a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and lounges, as well as more ground transportation options.
Question 6: Which airport is better for international travelers?
Answer: TPA is better for international travelers than PIE. TPA has more international flights and airlines to choose from, and it also has more amenities and services to offer international travelers, such as currency exchange and duty-free shops.
Ultimately, the best airport for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as location, cost, convenience, amenities, and international travel when making your decision.
Tips for Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip to St. Petersburg, Florida
When planning a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, choosing the right airport can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:
Tip 1: Consider your destination. If you are staying in downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is the closest airport and may be the most convenient option. However, if you are staying in a different part of the Tampa Bay area, Tampa International Airport (TPA) may be a better choice.
Tip 2: Compare flight prices and availability. TPA is a larger airport with more airlines and flights to choose from, so you may be able to find cheaper flights or more convenient flight times. However, PIE is often a more affordable option, especially for budget airlines.
Tip 3: Consider the amenities and services offered by each airport. TPA has a wider variety of amenities and services to offer travelers, including more restaurants, shops, and lounges. PIE has a more limited selection of amenities, but it does offer some basic services, such as a food court and a few shops.
Tip 4: Think about your ground transportation needs. If you are renting a car, both TPA and PIE have rental car facilities on-site. However, if you are relying on public transportation or ride-sharing services, TPA may be a more convenient option, as it has more ground transportation options available.
Tip 5: Consider your travel preferences. If you are a frequent traveler or prefer a larger airport with more amenities, TPA may be a better choice. If you are looking for a smaller airport with lower fares and shorter lines, PIE may be a better option.
Summary:
- Consider your destination and travel preferences.
- Compare flight prices and availability.
- Think about the amenities and services offered by each airport.
- Consider your ground transportation needs.
- Make a decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
By following these tips, you can choose the best airport for your trip to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Conclusion
When considering “what airport is near St. Petersburg, Florida”, there are two main options: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). TPA is a larger airport with more airlines and flights to choose from, as well as more amenities and services. PIE is a smaller airport with lower fares and shorter lines, but it has a more limited selection of amenities and services. Ultimately, the best airport for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a large airport with a wide variety of amenities and services, TPA is a good option. If you are looking for a smaller airport with lower fares and shorter lines, PIE is a good option. No matter which airport you choose, you will be able to easily access St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas.
