Travelling from San Diego to Tampa: what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Explore your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Tampa departing from either of these.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) are the major arrival points in Tampa.
Around 4 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct San Diego to Tampa flight.
The timezone in Tampa is UTC-4, which is three hours ahead of San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are seven departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from San Diego to Tampa is with Southwest Airlines at 12:50. Choose the first SAN to TPA departure operated by Alaska Airlines at 08:15 to maximise your time in Tampa.
To ensure you make it on your San Diego to Tampa flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Going away during a peak month like July? High seasons (like spring break, Christmas and Thanksgiving) can easily add an hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Tampa
£65 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Tampa. Return flights start at £144. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
To score cheap San Diego to Tampa flights, book your journey three months before your departure.
Organise your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from San Diego to Tampa. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from San Diego to Tampa by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' San Diego to Tampa flights.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from San Diego to Tampa, you can depart from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to Tampa International Airport (TPA) in one seamless journey.
Lock in your San Diego to Tampa plane tickets with Alaska Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from SAN.
SAN is about 2 miles from central San Diego. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 20 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel near San Diego International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from San Diego to Tampa, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
71.38% of flights that leave from San Diego International Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 5 miles from central Tampa. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there on public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to TPA if you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego to Tampa. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Tampa International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and explore beyond Tampa's main sights.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week ahead of your trip.
The street address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
As soon as your flight from San Diego to Tampa has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 25 minutes by car. Central Tampa is roughly 15 miles from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 2 hours 10 minutes.
Budget, Alamo and Avis make picking up a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid filling out forms at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from PIE in advance so you can just collect the keys and drive away.
The address for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from San Diego to Tampa. July is the busiest month to travel to Tampa. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in May.
Lock in a San Diego to Tampa ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Tampa to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from San Diego to Tampa in January when temperatures average between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
More about Tampa
After booking your flight from San Diego to Tampa, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Tampa:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are must-visits when exploring Tampa.
Explore more of United States
Tampa is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be discovered. About 170 miles north of Tampa, a trip to Jacksonville will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain.
Miami is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 210 miles south-east of Tampa. No journey is complete without experiencing Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena.
