Car Rental at Tampa Airport

Airport travel guide

Although Tampa may not be as popular a destination as Miami or Orlando, it’s the largest metropolis on Florida’s west coast and generates plenty of excitement. From notable landmarks and fun nightlife to access to beautiful beaches and nature, it has plenty to keep a traveler entertained. These are five of the most interesting attractions in and around Tampa:

• The Florida Aquarium. One of the largest of its kind in the United States, The Florida Aquarium is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tampa. The aquarium is home to some 7,000 marine animal and plant species from around the world and lists leafy sea dragons, bonnethead sharks, and giant pacific octopuses among its most famous inhabitants. There are also fascinating exhibitions on native Florida coral reef research and sea turtle and other wildlife conservation.
• Busch Gardens. With more than four million visitors each year, the Busch Gardens theme park is definitely one of the most emblematic points of interest in Tampa. With roller coasters, drop towers, and the next-door Adventure Island water park, it arguably packs in more excitement than any other attraction in the city. Visit the gardens’ official website to learn more.
• Museum of Science and Industry. An interactive institution that’s another beloved attraction for families, the MOSI is, for many, the most interesting museum in Tampa. It includes a planetarium, a simulated moon base, a ropes course (not for those afraid of heights), and a number of other permanent exhibitions dedicated to science and discovery.
• Armature Works. This hip food hall also has an event space and co-working space. Most visitors go to Armature Works for a drink or a meal. They have plenty of cuisines to choose from, whether you are in the mood for tacos, ramen, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, southern food like fried chicken or macaroni and cheese, or ice cream and cookies. For drinks, you’ll find coffee here or cocktails. We suggest enjoying their rooftop bar! For dining, you can sit inside or outdoors on the waterfront of Hillsborough River, depending on the weather and your preferences. There’s also a sit-down restaurant inside if you prefer that over quick-service kiosks.
• Amerlie Arena. One of America’s most successful NHL hockey teams is located in Tampa. If you’re a sports fan – or enjoy the energy of a live sporting event – don’t miss the opportunity to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play at Amelie Arena in Downtown Tampa if you’re visiting during hockey season, between October and April. If you’re there in the off-season, check out their calendar. They host many concerts year-round; everyone from Madonna to the Jonas Brothers performs at the arena.

Top international routes

• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Charlotte
• Denver
• New York City
• Chicago
• Philadelphia
• Boston

Main airlines

Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines

Terminals

The single airport terminal is divided into Airsides A, C, E, and F, the latter serving all international departures (except for Airside E, which serves all flights to and from Canada). The check-in counters are split into two groups: red and blue, with separate entrances.

Location

Tampa Airport is about 9 mi (14.4 km) northwest of Tampa. The George J Bean Parkway, FL-60, I-275, and Tampa Street are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Medium cars - from $18 per day
• Large cars - from $19 per day
• Small cars - from $24 per day
• SUVs - from $20 per day
• Premium cars - from $71 per day
• Vans - from $82 per day
• Convertibles - from $108 per day
• Station wagons - from $31 per day

Car rental desks

All of our car rental suppliers except Carl’s Van Rentals are located in the airport’s Rental Car Center which can be reached with the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal When returning your car, you can use the remote bag check and not have to carry your luggage with your to the terminal.

Carl’s Van Rentals is located off-airport and provides a shuttle for its customers. Head to the Red or Blue Baggage Claim to catch it.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many shops, including newsstands, gift shops, and convenience stores. Duty-free outlets are located in the international departures areas of Terminals E and F. There are coffee shops and cocktail bars and a variety of places to eat, including fast food outlets, full-service restaurants, and snack bars. You’ll also find ATMs, a currency exchange, a first aid room, baby changing rooms, a children’s play area, an on-site hotel, a spa, a massage salon, a Travelers Aid office (Travelers Aid is an organization that helps travelers in difficult situations), and a chapel. Tampa Airport frequently hosts art exhibits and live music performances. The airport is well equipped for travelers with reduced mobility; special assistance can also be requested, but make sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

Unfortunately, there are no gas stations at the airport nor on the way if coming from Clearwater or St. Petersburg. You will have to exit the highway before you get to the airport (and not follow the Rental Car Return signs). The best option for those coming from St. Petersburg is probably to exit I-275 onto W. Kenedy Bvd. just after crossing the bay and take a right at the first traffic light. The next major intersection will be Westshore Blvd. which you will want to turn left onto to head toward the airport. There are a couple of gas stations on this road.

For those coming from Clearwater, it is best to not follow the signs to the airport and instead exit onto W. Spruce St. and then take a right when you reach Westshore Blvd. where you will find a Shell station on your right two blocks down.

If approaching the airport from Tampa on I-275 you will likewise want to exit onto Westshore Blvd. and take a right. There will be a Shell station on your left. Continue on Westshore Blvd. afterwards and look at Google Maps to see how to get to the Rental Car Center.

Finally, if you are approaching from Tampa along W. Kennedy Blvd., you will pass multiple gas stations on your way.

Popular one-way rentals

• Fort Lauderdale (269 mi / 433 km)
• Orlando (92 mi / 148 km)
• Miami (285 mi / 458 km)
• Sarasota (56 mi / 90 km)
• Fort Myers (130 mi / 209 km)
• Atlanta (464 mi / 747 km)