Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Tampa Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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The ticket agent was like: ‘Hey you are the one with the Spongebob Pajama pants on! A t.v. reporter came through. You were on the news earlier! They were going to interview you but did not want to wake you.’ -Matthew
TPA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Tampa International Airport.
What to Expect
Tampa Airport (Code: TPA) is a large airport with an efficient hub-and-spoke layout: the Main Terminal is the hub, and four airside concourses (A, C, E, and F) comprise the spokes. Each terminal has its own food court, shops, and gate areas. The SkyConnect automated monorail connects the Main Terminal with parking garages and rental car areas. Once inside, you’ll find a selection of local and well-known eateries and shops, with a landside Starbucks open 24 hours. WiFi is free and unlimited. Economy-class travellers who want to upgrade their airport experience can pay to enter a few of the airport lounges.
Sleeping in Tampa Airport
The airport is generally friendly to overnight sleepers. You’ll likely have no problem grabbing a seat, but don’t expect much in the way of comfort, as most are equipped with armrests. There are some flat bed benches near the car rentals and check-in counters. Quiet corners do exist if you prefer to stretch out on the carpeted floor. An extra blanket, sleeping bag, or sleep mat will help with the comfort factor.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Landside – from Baggage Claim, head to Floor 3 for space and privacy.
- Airside – follow signs for Gates 1-45 for some couches and lie-down furniture.
For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is located inside the Main Terminal, and other nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.
Read the latest airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Tampa Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside. Airline check-in and baggage drop typically open around 4:00 AM, at which point landside passengers can proceed through security.
TSA Checkpoint Hours
- A: 4:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- C: 4:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- E: 4:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- F: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
These hours align with publicly posted TPA checkpoint information, though travellers should expect occasional changes due to staffing or flight demand.
What this means for airport sleepers:
Overnight airside access is restricted unless you are in transit with a valid boarding pass. If you’re staying overnight, expect to remain landside. Security closes overnight, and you won’t be able to access the gate areas until checkpoints reopen in the early morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping rooms, quiet areas, or official rest zones. That said, travellers will find scattered padded benches and standard seating throughout the terminal, mainly landside.
If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Tampa Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping on the floor or in a chair isn’t appealing, there is one onsite hotel connected to the terminal. Access requires exiting the secure area. Several additional hotels are located within a short drive and offer free airport shuttles, which may be a better option for overnight stays.
Hotel inside the Airport
- Marriott Tampa Airport – Located inside the main terminal and accessible from the Transfer Level. No airport shuttle is available. Day use rooms are available 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. » Check Rates
Hotels near Tampa Airport with free shuttles
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore » Check Rates
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport – Westshore » Check Rates
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Bay Airport » Check Rates
- TownePlace Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Tampa Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside, Concourse F, Gate 85. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges (members only)
- Delta Sky Club – Location: Concourse E, Airside, Gate 68. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.
Military Lounge
- USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Level 2, Ticketing Level – near the British Airways Ticket Counter.
Drinking Water
Free water bottle refill stations are available both landside and airside, often located near or integrated with drinking fountains. One reader notes that refill stations are located above most, if not all, fountains throughout the terminal (June 2024).
Food & Drinks
Food concessions operate on varying schedules, and most close overnight.
Starbucks (Landside, Main Terminal, Level 3 / Transfer Level) is typically open 24 hours, making it one of the few reliable overnight food and drink options.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations with power outlets and USB ports are available airside, and some seating includes built-in outlets. Availability varies by area.
Showers
Public showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available throughout Tampa Airport.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Tampa Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Art in the Airport – Art exhibits and occasional live music performances are featured throughout the airport, offering a light distraction during your walk through the terminal. [ read more ]
Chapel – An interfaith chapel is available on the Transfer Level for quiet reflection or prayer.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international fees before travelling.
- Banking Services – A full-service SunTrust Bank branch operates inside the Tampa Airport Marriott, with limited weekday hours.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex provides currency exchange services in the Main Terminal and a 24-hour exchange ATM airside.
Information Desk – Information desks are located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, near the escalators at both ends. Airport Ambassadors also circulate throughout the terminal to assist travellers.
Massage – Rick’s Massage offers chair and table massage services inside the Tampa Airport Marriott, with daytime hours.
Shoe Shine – Cole’s Shoe Shines provides traditional shoe shine services in Concourse E.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in Concourses E and F (hours vary). A landside Newslink shop is open 24 hours for newspapers, snacks, and travel essentials. [ read more ]
Smoking – Designated smoking areas are available in all airside terminals. Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal beyond these areas.
Spa – Terminal Getaway Spa locations are available in each airside concourse, offering a range of spa and relaxation services during daytime and early evening hours.
Traveler’s Aid – Traveler’s Aid volunteers assist stranded or distressed travellers with general questions, resources, and referrals. The office is located in the Main Terminal, Level 3, near the Airside F monorail, with limited daily hours.
Bus
Tampa Airport is served by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus route 30. For route maps, schedules and fare information, visit the HART website.
Car Rentals
Car rental services are available on-site and accessible with the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal. On-site car rental agencies include Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty and more.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Airport • Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay • Hampton Inn Tampa International Airport / Westshore • Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore • Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore • Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore • Homewood Suites Tampa Airport – Westshore • La Quinta Inn Tampa Bay Airport • Ramada Tampa Airport Westshore • Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza • Tampa Marriott Westshore • TownePlace Suites Tampa Westshore / Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Shuttles
SuperShuttle offers shared-ride, door-to-door shuttle service between the airport and destinations within Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties.
Taxis
Taxis are available outside of the baggage claim area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. The minimum fare for rides from the airport is $15. At the time of this update, a flat fare of $28 is available for rides to the cruise terminal and downtown Tampa.
Related Pages: 8 things to do on a layover at Tampa Airport
Last updated: 2025-12-14
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.