Tampa Travel Forum

Hello all. I have searched the forums and tips but am still unable to determine if 3.5 hour layover is enough time to leave the airport. I have read in the VT tips that "Tampa" is only 5 miles from the airport but I have also read that cabs and public transport are scarce and traffic can be a bear.
We will arrive at 2:30 and then fly out at 6pm on a Saturday. I was hoping we could at least get out of the airport for an hour or two. Maybe see something or grab a quick bite and get back to the airport at 5pm.
Any input?

At that time of day the traffic can be horrible. If I were you I would not leave the airport with that short a time. If it is a busy time in the airport, which it usually is, you might need more than 1 hour to get to your gate. You can get plenty of eats in the Airport.

There is the International mall close by the airport, about 5-10 minutes or so. However, I don't think it is worth it to leave the airport. Tampa airport can be tricky with lines, and the tram to get to and from the terminals. Also as mentioned, the public transportation and cabs in Tampa are not what you would normally see in a decent size city. I think you would be better off just staying in the airport, bring a good book or portable dvd player. There is also plenty of food if you get hungry. In 3.5 hours there is definitely nothing to SEE in Tampa.

Thank you for all of your input.
Somehow I had thought TPA was a smaller airport. I certainly did not imagine that it could take an hour to get to a gate. That I expect at Miami or New York...

I appreciate your posts. We will certainly stay within the airport.

Tampa Airport is a large airport and very efficient one too. But, There are large amounts of people going thru there every day. At the present time there is some construction on the access roads to the airport. I live 35 miles away and depending on time of day for my flight, I sometimes leave home 3 1/2 hours prior to flight time just to be sure. There is plenty of things to look at and do in the Airport. DO NOT take a chance at going outside. BTW, Tampa Airport is NOT 9 miles from Tampa. I am afraid Tampa has grown right up to the Airport. There is no farmland or rural areas between the Airport and City center. It is all City right up to the airport

Thank you Jon.
I am spoiled living near smaller airports, I can get in and out of them in a moment, I cannot imagine having to leave 3 hours for a 35 mile trip on a domestic flight. Thats the price you pay to have access to a wonderful part of the country though.

Jill

I see that you have several replies already. Here are my two cents. Becasue of homeland security cabs can be a rare finding at the airport. It also depends on what you'd like to see. I am not certain if you'd like downtown because of Architecture or events. The Ben T. Davis beach is near the airport. There is also the international mall complete with great restaurants but, downtown maybe a bit dissapointing to you unless you see channel side in the evening. for the most part if its the afternoon when you will visit, your best bet would be the nearby beach and the nearby restaurants there, where you may enjoy a few drinks or a nice diner in the sun.
: )

It's not quite as bleak a picture as is being painted for you. You most certainly would have time to get a taxi and go to the International Mall,which is right next to the airport. There is excellent shopping{Nordstrom, Neiman-Marcus} and quite a number of restaurants for your enjoyment. If you are more adventuresome you might ask the cabby to take you to La Teresita, which is on the same road as the airport to sample some wonderful Cuban food. Here is the website: http://cuban-food-usa.com/tampa_teresita.html Enjoy your stay!