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TPA

Tampa International Airport

Tampa, Florida 5 terminals Updated Oct. 15, 2026

TPA Airport Guide: Terminals, Airlines, Map, Food and Wi-Fi

Tampa International Airport has one Main Terminal and four airsides, A, C, E and F. You check in and claim bags in the Main Terminal, which is split into a Red side and a Blue side, then take a shuttle to your airside. Southwest, the airline with the largest market share at TPA (24 percent in 2025, per TPA's fact sheet), is at Airside C. Delta is at Airside E, United at Airside A and American at Airside F. TPA lists 21 airlines.

An American Airlines jet tail on the wet apron at Tampa International Airport, with the terminal behind
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash

Key facts

Terminals 5 Main Terminal, Airside A, Airside C, Airside E, Airside F
Airlines 21 In the official directory
To Downtown Tampa 5 mi By road
Last checked 10/15/2026 Checked by our team

What do you need?

ParkingOfficial lots, cheaper off-site options and where to wait for pickups. HotelsHotels at and near the airport, shuttles and sleeping in the terminal. To the cityTrains, buses, taxis, rideshare and private transfers. LoungesWhich lounge is in your terminal and how to get in without status. SecurityWait times by terminal, fast lanes and what to have ready. FoodBest bites terminal by terminal, before or after security. Lost and foundWho to contact: your airline, the terminal or the airport. Car rentalWhere the rental counters are and how to reach them. WifiHow to connect, charging spots and an eSIM if you land abroad.

Terminals at a glance

  • Main Terminal
    Open

    Main airlines: No airline gates here. Ticketing and baggage claim for every airline, split into a Red side (north) and a Blue side (south). Red airlines: Air Canada, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, British Airways, Discover, Edelweiss, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country and WestJet. Blue airlines: Aeromexico, American, Avianca, Cayman Airways, Copa, Delta, JetBlue, Porter, United and Virgin Atlantic. Ticketing is on Level 2, baggage claim on Level 1, and shops and restaurants on Level 3. TPA's airlines page lists 21 airlines. Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026 and no longer flies from TPA, even though an old Level 1 baggage map still shows its bag belt 12.

    Where you check in, claim bags and take the shuttle to your airside. Your airline decides whether you use the Red or Blue side.

    Official Main Terminal map
  • Airside A
    Open

    Main airlines: Breeze Airways, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines and United.

    16 gates for JetBlue, United, Breeze and Sun Country. Security opens at 3:45 a.m. (eGates 3:30 a.m.).

    Official Airside A map
  • Airside C
    Open

    Main airlines: Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

    16 gates for Southwest, Alaska and Avelo. Security opens at 3:30 a.m. (eGates 3:15 a.m.).

    Official Airside C map
  • Airside E
    Open

    Main airlines: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and Frontier.

    13 gates for Delta, Frontier, Air Canada and Aeromexico. Security opens at 3:30 a.m. (eGates 3:15 a.m.).

    Official Airside E map
  • Airside F
    Open

    Main airlines: American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Porter Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet, plus the charter airline World Atlantic (Invicta Air).

    14 gates for American and most international airlines. Security opens at 4:00 a.m. (eGates 3:45 a.m.).

    Official Airside F map

TPA terminals and airlines by airside

TPA has one Main Terminal and four airsides, A, C, E and F. Everyone checks in and claims bags in the Main Terminal, then rides a shuttle to the airside for their gates. Main Terminal ticketing and baggage claim are split into a Red side to the north and a Blue side to the south. Here is where each airline in TPA's airline list operates:

  • Airside A (16 gates): Breeze (Red), JetBlue (Blue), Sun Country (Red), United (Blue).
  • Airside C (16 gates): Alaska (Red), Avelo (Red), Southwest (Red).
  • Airside E (13 gates): Aeromexico (Blue), Air Canada (Red), Delta (Blue), Frontier (Red).
  • Airside F (14 gates): American (Blue), Avianca (Blue), British Airways (Red), Cayman Airways (Blue), Copa (Blue), Discover (Red), Edelweiss (Red), Porter (Blue), Virgin Atlantic (Blue), WestJet (Red).

The airport's list has 21 airlines. TPA's 2026 fact sheet also lists World Atlantic (Invicta Air), a charter airline, at Airside F. Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026 and no longer flies from TPA, even though an old Level 1 baggage map still shows its bag belt 12. TPA's 2026 fact sheet lists Aeromexico at Airside F, while its airlines page lists it at Airside E, so confirm that one on your boarding pass. Airlines move, so check your boarding pass or tampaairport.com/airlines before you leave.

What's changing at TPA right now

Check these before you fly (as of October 15, 2026):

  • The Red Departures drop-off lanes are closed for road resurfacing. TPA says the work takes several weeks and no end date was posted. If you fly a Red side airline, follow the detour signs to the Red Express departures lanes. Blue side drop-off is not affected in TPA's notice.
  • Parking garage entrance and exit lanes are getting new equipment, with some lane closures. TPA posted no dates.
  • The SkyConnect people mover, which links the Main Terminal, the Economy Garage and the Rental Car Center, runs less often every night from 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Expect about a 10 minute wait for a train.
  • CLEAR+ lanes and automated eGates: TPA's board approved a contract on August 6, 2026 to bring CLEAR+ lanes and eGates (they match your face to your ID and boarding pass) to all four airside checkpoints. TPA said launch was expected this fall. No opening date was posted, so check the CLEAR app.
  • Airside D: TPA is building a new 16-gate Airside D. TPA's 2026 fact sheet says it is scheduled to open in 2029, while an older airport page said late 2028. Plan on neither date until TPA confirms.

Arrivals, departures and getting to the curb

For flight times and gate changes, check your airline or the flight status box at tampaairport.com. We don't repost flight information here.

TPA suggests arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one.

How the Main Terminal works:

  • Ticketing is on Level 2 and baggage claim on Level 1. Red airlines are on the north side and Blue airlines on the south side. The signs over the escalators and elevators tell you which side your airline uses.
  • Taxis (Yellow Cab) pick up outside baggage claim at the Ground Transportation areas Red 1 and Blue 2. Lyft, Uber and Wridz pick up at the Red Express Curbside, the Blue Express Curbside or the SkyCenter One remote curbside.
  • From Red baggage claim, ground transportation is at the exit nearest baggage belt 9. From Blue baggage claim, it is the exit nearest belt 7.
  • Hotel and charter buses use the four Ground Transportation areas on Level 1 (Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 1 and Red 2).
  • Short Term Garage parking is free for the first hour.

Getting between the Main Terminal and the airsides

Security checkpoints are at each of the four airsides, so you clear security after you arrive at the airside. TPA says only ticketed passengers can go past the entrances to the shuttles that lead to the airsides and gates. TPA does not publish how often those airside shuttles run or how long the ride takes, so allow extra time and be at your gate about 30 minutes before departure.

Security checkpoint hours posted by TPA:

  • Airside A: eGates 3:30 a.m., TSA 3:45 a.m.
  • Airside C: eGates 3:15 a.m., TSA 3:30 a.m.
  • Airside E: eGates 3:15 a.m., TSA 3:30 a.m.
  • Airside F: eGates 3:45 a.m., TSA 4:00 a.m.

TSA PreCheck is offered at all four airsides. TPA says to allow about 20 minutes to clear security off peak and about 45 minutes at peak times, which are usually 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the days around holidays.

The SkyConnect people mover is separate. It runs from the Main Terminal to the Economy Garage and the Rental Car Center, 24 hours a day, with a train about every 2 minutes. The trip to the Rental Car Center takes less than 5 minutes, including the Economy Garage stop. It is before security, bag carts are allowed, and you can board from Levels 1 to 3 of the Main Terminal.

Food and shopping at TPA

TPA's service directory lists dining and shops in the Main Terminal and in Airsides A, C, E and F. Examples in the Main Terminal include Hard Rock Cafe, P.F. Chang's, Wendy's, Qdoba and Chick-fil-A, plus a Starbucks near Red bag belt 14 on Level 1 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the airport map). Airside A has Chick-fil-A, Burger 21 and Starbucks. Airside C has Cigar City Brewing, RumFish, PDQ and Marche C. Airside E has Panda Express, Potbelly and illy Caffe.

Airside F has the most detail on TPA's map. Hours on the airport map on October 15, 2026:

  • The Gasparilla Bar, near Gate F78: 4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • illy Caffe, near Gate F84: 4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • Starbucks Reserve, near Gate F87: 4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • Buddy Brew, near Gate F85: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cigar City Taproom, near Gate F88: 5 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • The Cafe by Mise en Place, near the Airside F checkpoint: 6 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • Square One, near Gate F85: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Yogurtology, near Gate F85: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Liquid Provisions, near Gate F85: 7 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • Bella's Cafe, near Gate F85: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Marche F, The Eatery is also listed in the Airside F directory. Hours for Airsides A, C and E are on the TPA airport map at tampaairport.com/airport-maps. Starbucks Reserve, Buddy Brew, Bella's Cafe, Square One, illy Caffe and The Gasparilla Bar at Airside F, and the Main Terminal Starbucks, offer mobile ordering through the airport map.

  • Hard Rock Cafe

    Main Terminal

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • P.F. Chang's

    Main Terminal

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Wendy's

    Main Terminal

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Qdoba

    Main Terminal

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Chick-fil-A

    Main Terminal

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Burger 21

    Airside A

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Starbucks

    Airside A

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Cigar City Brewing

    Airside C

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • RumFish

    Airside C

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • PDQ

    Airside C

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Marche C

    Airside C

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Panda Express

    Airside E

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • Potbelly

    Airside E

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • illy Caffe

    Airside E

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • The Cafe by Mise en Place

    Airside F After security

    Open 6 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. on the airport map, near Airside F checkpoint.

    Hours
    6 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Cigar City Taproom

    Airside F After security

    Open 5 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. on the airport map, near Gate F88.

    Hours
    5 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Marche F-The Eatery

    Airside F

    Listed in TPA's official service directory. Check hours with the airport.

    Open in Maps

  • The Gasparilla Bar

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F78. Open 4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. on the airport map. Mobile ordering is offered.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Starbucks Reserve

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F87. Open 4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. on the airport map. Mobile ordering is offered.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Buddy Brew

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F85. Open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the airport map. Mobile ordering is offered.

    Hours
    5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Square One

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F85. Open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the airport map. Mobile ordering is offered.

    Hours
    5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Yogurtology

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F85. Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the airport map.

    Hours
    6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Liquid Provisions

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F85. Open 7 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. on the airport map.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Bella's Cafe

    Airside F After security

    Airside F, near Gate F85. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the airport map. Mobile ordering is offered.

    Hours
    10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Bella's Café

    Airside F After security

    Brick-oven pizza and local Italian food. Near Gate F85, Airside F. Order-ahead link on the airport map.

    Hours
    10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Beach Market

    Before security

    Grab-and-go food, snacks and drinks at the north end of the Rental Car Center.

    Hours
    12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Pei Wei

    Airside A After security

    Fast casual Asian cuisine. Near Gate A14, Airside A.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 10:55 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Bay Coffee & Tea Company

    Airside A After security

    Artisan coffee and fresh pastries. Near Gate A3, Airside A.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 10:55 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Auntie Anne's

    Airside A After security

    Freshly baked soft pretzels. Near Gate A5, Airside A.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Ducky's

    Airside A After security

    Bar fare, described as a local favorite. Near Gate A9, Airside A.

    Hours
    6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • New York New York Pizza

    Airside A After security

    Pizza, pasta and salads. Near Gate A12, Airside A.

    Hours
    9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Bavaro's

    Airside C After security

    Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches. Near Gate C34, Airside C.

    Hours
    10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Cafe con Leche

    Airside C After security

    Locally roasted coffee drinks, pastries and sandwiches. Near Gate C34, Airside C.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Goody Goody

    Airside C After security

    Tampa favorite for burgers, pies and milkshakes. Near Gate C34, Airside C.

    Hours
    5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Louis Pappas

    Airside C After security

    Greek cuisine featuring the local Greek salad. Near Gate C34, Airside C.

    Hours
    10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Ulele

    Airside C After security

    Charbroiled and raw oysters, craft beers and cocktails. Near Gate C34, Airside C.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • RumFish Grill

    Airside C After security

    Locally caught seafood, with an aquarium feature. Near Gate C37, Airside C.

    Hours
    6 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop

    Airside E After security

    Made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, shakes and desserts. Near Gate E69, Airside E.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 10:22 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Columbia Cafe

    Airside E After security

    Spanish and Cuban flavors from century-old recipes. Near Gate E68, Airside E.

    Hours
    4 a.m. to 10:22 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Four Green Fields

    Airside E After security

    Irish pub with Guinness beer and traditional Irish fare. Near Gate E62, Airside E.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • 1942 Tequila Lounge

    Airside E After security

    Mexican menu and cocktails. Near Gate E70, Airside E.

    Hours
    7 a.m. to 10:22 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Qdoba Mexican Grill

    Main Terminal Before security

    Level 3 of the Main Terminal, before security.

    Hours
    10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    Open in Maps

  • Starbucks Evenings

    Main Terminal Before security

    Level 3 of the Main Terminal, before security. Map lists it on the Transfer Level.

    Hours
    12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
    Open in Maps

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is free in the Main Terminal and in the airsides. Connect to the network named TPA on your phone or laptop.

Lost and found

For something you lost at TPA, TPA's FAQ sends you to the lost and found page at tampaairport.com/lost-and-found. If you need help right away, call the Airport Operations Center at (813) 870-8770, which is staffed 24 hours a day, or the airport information line at (813) 870-8700. Lost checked luggage is handled by your airline, so contact the airline directly.

International arrivals and customs

TPA has nonstop international flights, and most international airlines use Airside F (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Edelweiss, Copa, Avianca, Cayman Airways, Porter and WestJet). TPA does not publish where passengers clear customs, so follow the signs after you land and allow extra time before you meet a ride or a connecting flight.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection at TPA lists (813) 676-4590 in TPA's service directory. Global Entry is a CBP program for pre-approved travelers, and TPA's Global Entry enrollment center is near Red bag belt 9 on Level 1. Global Entry costs $120 for a new application, according to CBP.

Other services

  • Luggage storage: TPA does not offer it. The Tampa Airport Marriott sells day passes that include luggage storage.
  • Remote Bag Check: most domestic passengers on American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United can check bags at the Rental Car Center, currently from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (hours may vary). Arrive 90 minutes before departure. Travelers with firearms in checked bags must go to the airline counter.
  • Gate passes: ask the airline ticketing counter on Level 2 of the Main Terminal.
  • Baggage carts: SmarteCarte rentals are at each garage and at the Main Terminal.
  • Wheelchair help: ask your airline.
  • TPA 360 tours for travelers with physical, intellectual or developmental challenges: request at least 48 hours ahead through Guest Services at (813) 870-8759.
  • Global Entry enrollment center: Red side baggage claim level, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (813) 676-4929.
  • Hotel on airport grounds: Tampa Airport Marriott, 4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607, (813) 879-5151. Marriott says it connects to the Main Terminal on Level 3, so you can walk from the terminal to the lobby.

Exchange rates today

1 USD = 0.893 EUR · 0.748 GBP · 1.400 CAD · 18.782 MXN · 156.800 JPY · 6.670 CNY

ECB reference rates via Frankfurter (2026-10-23), for information only. Exchange desks apply their own rates.

Questions travelers ask

How many terminals does TPA have?

TPA has one Main Terminal and four airsides, Airside A, C, E and F. You check in and claim bags in the Main Terminal and take a shuttle to your airside.

What are the Red and Blue sides at TPA?

Main Terminal ticketing and baggage claim are split into a Red side to the north and a Blue side to the south. Each airline uses one side, and the signs over the escalators and elevators show which one.

Which airside is my airline at TPA?

Southwest, Alaska and Avelo are at Airside C. Delta, Frontier, Air Canada and Aeromexico are at Airside E. United, JetBlue, Breeze and Sun Country are at Airside A. American and most international airlines are at Airside F. Check your boarding pass, since airlines move (TPA's fact sheet lists Aeromexico at Airside F, its airlines page at Airside E).

Does TPA have free Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is free in the Main Terminal and the airsides. Connect to the network named TPA.

Does TPA have luggage storage?

No. TPA says it does not offer luggage storage. The Tampa Airport Marriott sells day passes that include luggage storage.

How early should I get to TPA?

TPA suggests two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. It says to allow about 20 minutes for security off peak and about 45 minutes at peak times.

When does security open at TPA?

TSA opens at 3:30 a.m. at Airsides C and E, 3:45 a.m. at Airside A and 4:00 a.m. at Airside F, according to TPA's posted hours.

How far is TPA from downtown Tampa?

TPA says it is about five miles west of downtown Tampa on the east shore of Tampa Bay. By road to downtown it is about 9 miles, according to the distances on TPA's ground transportation page.

Sources and last check

Checked by our team on Oct. 15, 2026 against these official sources: