Tampa International Airport Car Rental

Parking at Tampa International Airport

• Paid parking is available at Tampa International Airport, though the airport is six miles from the city center.
• The 717-Parking company has paid lots throughout the city center.
• There are 1,600 on-street parking space in the central Tampa area. Many are paid using credit or debit cards, cash, or via an app.

Traffic in Tampa

The peak traffic times in Tampa are 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, throughout the week, during morning and evening rush hour. Central Tampa can get quite busy, so afford yourself plenty of time for travel. The city’s grid layout makes navigating quite easy.

Tampa International Airport to downtown Tampa

The journey from Tampa Airport to downtown is less than nine miles and should take around 15 minutes:

1. Exit the Hertz Tampa International Airport office and head east on West Spruce Street.
2. Join the I-275, continuing eastbound.
3. Leave the I-275 for the North Franklin Street Historic District, following the exit to the right.
4. Turn right onto East Zack Street to enter central Tampa.

Roads and motorways

• Interstate 4 (I-4) runs eastwards from Tampa to Orlando. The entire journey takes around one-and-a-half hours.
• For trips to Jacksonville, follow the I-4 to Orlando and join the Interstate 95 (I-95), heading northwards along the coast. Jacksonville can be reached in just over three hours.

Tampa to Miami

Take the Interstate 75 (I-75) southbound for Miami and the Everglades. The beaches of Miami are a little over four hours away, with the interstate travelling through the northern reaches of the Everglades.

What to see and do in Tampa

Stroll through Ybor City

Lively Ybor City is the place to go for colorful architecture, a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of delicious food. It’s the center of Tampa’s ethnic communities, where you’ll find historic Spanish, Italian and Cuban influences. Try tapas and tasty Caribbean-style curries or explore the city’s cigar-making past at the Tampa Cigar Museum (FL 33605).

Explore Tampa by streetcar

Hop aboard one of Tampa’s traditional streetcars for an open-air sightseeing journey through the city’s historic quarter. Many of the streetcars are replicas of original builds that carried Tampa residents through the city in the early 20^th century. The streetcar routes run through Ybor City and the historic quarter, passing by many of the city’s key attractions.

Florida Aquarium

Visit an underwater world at the Florida Aquarium (FL 33602). Chart a journey through one of the state’s larger aquariums, with exhibits focused on deep sea life from the freshwaters of the Everglades, to the coastal waters off the Gulf of Mexico. Come face-to-face with colorful coral residents, playful otters and lemurs from the island of Madagascar.

Where to stay in Tampa

Tampa Marriott Water Street

Sleek and stylish, the four-star Tampa Marriott Water Street (FL 33602) features modern rooms and excellent amenities. Dine over views of the waterfront, take a dip in the private pool or simply enjoy the atmospheric bar and events space.

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

Colorful and artistic, the vibrant Epicurean Hotel (FL 33606) is well-located in central Tampa. A great base for exploring the city, this four-star hotel is features modern decor and excellent spa facilities.

The Westshore Grand

The upmarket The Westshore Grand (FL 33609) is just a short drive from Tampa International Airport. This four-star spot is perfect for exploring the city and also features a private pool and fitness suite.

Where to eat and drink in Tampa

Due Amici

No visit to Tampa’s Ybor City district is complete without visiting Due Amici. This popular family-owned spot cooks up delicious pizza, fresh pasta dishes and other Italian classics from the Mediterranean.

Wright’s Gourmet House

Wright’s Gourmet House in South Tampa has been serving up stacked sandwiches to Tampa residents for over 50 years. Whether you’re after a comforting grilled cheese or something a little fancier, Wright’s is the go-to spot for lunch on the move.

BurgerFi

Burger fans should head to BurgerFi in the Hyde Park neighborhood – the self-professed royalty of the Tampa burger bar scene. You’ll find a massive range of classic and contemporary burgers, from Angus beef to their famous beef and veggie burger combo. There are also hot dogs and fried chicken dishes for those after something a little lighter.