Travelling from Los Angeles to Tampa: what you need to know
Your next great adventure starts at one of Los Angeles's main airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Check out your options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to Tampa taking off from either of these bases.
The major entry paths to Tampa are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Jump on a direct Los Angeles to Tampa flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 45 minutes.
Tampa is three hours ahead of Los Angeles and is in the UTC-4 timezone.
With 19 flights a week between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Los Angeles to Tampa with United Airlines at 08:45. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the last flight from LAX to TPA is with Delta Air Lines at 22:30.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Los Angeles to Tampa flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling over a peak time like July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Tampa
To secure cheap Los Angeles to Tampa flights, reserve your trip two months before your planned departure.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for landing a great bargain on plane tickets from Los Angeles to Tampa. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Tampa by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Lock in a cheap Los Angeles to Tampa flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Jet off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Tampa. From LAX, you can fly directly to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Check out the deals with Delta Air Lines. This carrier offers direct Los Angeles to Tampa plane tickets from LAX.
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Los Angeles to Tampa or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
81.05% of flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport reach their destination as planned. With its dependable on-time performance, you're unlikely to be delayed when flying out of LAX.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is roughly 8 kilometres. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Los Angeles to Tampa. Check in to one of these accommodation options near TPA instead:
Explore without limits with a Tampa International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and chase adventure across Tampa and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Tampa International Airport about one week before your departure date.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is roughly 24 kilometres from the centre of Tampa. Following your flight from Los Angeles to Tampa, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You can expect the trip to take about 2 hours 10 minutes on public transport.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Alamo or Avis and be off and running.
Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Secure your ride from PIE as soon as your plans are confirmed.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is located at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
July is the busiest month for flights from Los Angeles to Tampa. To avoid the crowds, go to Tampa in May.
Before locking in your Los Angeles to Tampa tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Tampa, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Tampa in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 9ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about Tampa
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Tampa right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Tampa:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are attractions you won't want to skip in Tampa.
Explore more of United States
Jacksonville is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Tampa. Around 274 kilometres to the north, its top attractions include Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain.
Miami is another well-known destination in United States and is around 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa. No trip is complete without experiencing Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena.