Parking at Tampa Airport | Short-Term, Long-Term, and Economy Options at TPA

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As one of the largest airports in Florida, Tampa International Airport sees thousands of visitors and hundreds of flights daily. From snowbirds to vacationers, people across the country use Tampa as a hub to get from the north to the Sunshine State. 

And it’s not just a hub for tourists. For locals like you, there are several different TPA airport parking lots to choose from, perfect for parking your vehicle before your flight. 

If you’re looking for Tampa Airport parking, don’t choose just any parking option. Choose the one that’s right for you. 

Overview of Tampa Airport Parking Costs

Tampa International Airport offers some of the most affordable and accessible parking options in the country. Whether you require long-term, short-term, or economy parking, TPA has options for you. There’s even free parking if you’re simply waiting to pick someone up after their plane lands! 

Onsite Parking Rates

Onsite parking offers the easiest and most convenient way to get to and from your terminal at TPA. There are hourly and daily rates for each of the parking lots, and they range from a few bucks to a maximum of $28 per day. 

Parking Location Duration/TypeEV Charging StationHandicap Accessible
Short-Term Garage Hourly/DailyYesYes
Long-Term Garage Hourly/DailyYesYes
Economy Parking Hourly/DailyYes Yes

Not only are these lots handicap-accessible, they also have EV charging stations. Each of the parking lots at TPA also offers a pay-with SunPass Plus feature. This is available to SunPass Plus holders, so you don’t have to worry about those easy-to-lose parking reminder cards.  

Offsite Parking Rates

While on-site parking options are convenient and close to the terminal, off-site parking options are affordable, especially for long-term parking. Several hotels within one to four miles of TPA offer airport parking, whether you stay at the hotel or not. 

However, unlike other airports, there isn’t always a free shuttle that takes you from the hotel to the airport. As such, you may be responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. 

Onsite Parking Options at Tampa Airport

If you’re leaning toward on-site parking at Tampa Airport, we’ll go over your options in more detail. That way, you can decide which parking lot is right for you. 

We’ll evaluate these lots according to price, amenities, length of stay, and the convenience factor. 

Economy Garage

Duration Rate per hour
First 15 minutes Free 
15 – 20 minutes $1 
Each additional 20 minutes $1 
24 hours $18

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly parking option at Tampa Airport, the economy garage is the way to go. The economy garage is located to the south of the airport terminal, which is a short distance away. However, because of how far the walking distance is, TPA’s SkyConnect train offers free transport from the economy lot to the terminal. 

The pricing system the economy lot uses is unique, to say the least. While the first 15 minutes are free, it costs $1 if you park for 15 to 20 minutes. Each additional 20-minute stretch is another $1, with a daily maximum of $18

The economy lot is the best parking option for long-term travelers. For $18 per day, you can leave your car in the lot for up to 45 days. 

Short Term Garage 

If you’re picking someone up from the airport and only need parking for a short period, then the Tampa International Airport short-term parking is a good option. Short-term parking is also a good option if you love convenience and don’t want a long walk from the parking garage to the terminal. 

In fact, the short-term garage is located on levels 4-9 directly above the TPA terminal. To get from the parking lot to the airport, just enter one of the elevators inside the garage, ride it down to the main terminal, and voila! 

Duration Rate per hour
First hour Free 
60 to 80 minutes $4 
Each additional 20 minutes $2 
24 hours $28 

You can leave your vehicle parked in the short-term garage for up to 45 days, if necessary. However, access to the short-term garage is limited to low-clearance vehicles, as the maximum clearance is 6 feet 8 inches. 

Long Term Garage 

Although not quite as close to the terminal as the short-term garage, the long-term garage is a close second. It’s located adjacent to the airport terminal, and you can take the moving walkway from level 4 of the garage to enter the terminal. 

Although the long-term garage requires a little bit more walking than the short-term garage, it’s worth the hassle for long-term stays. The rate is $6 less per day, making it a much more affordable option. 

Duration Rate per hour
First hour Free 
60 – 80 minutes $4
Each additional 20 minutes $2 
24 hours $22

The long-term garage is also more accessible for taller vehicles, as its maximum height clearance is 7 feet 10 inches. 

Offsite Parking Options Near Tampa Airport 

In addition to the numerous parking lots and options at TPA, there are also several convenient offsite parking options near Tampa Airport. 

Here are some of the best: 

Location Distance to Airport Cost per day 
Extended Stay America TPA Airport Parking 2 miles $5.00
Double Tree by Hilton TPA Airport Parking 3.5 miles $3.50 
West Shore Plaza Tampa Long-Term Parking 2.2 miles $3.99 
Hampton Inn by Hilton Tampa Airport Parking 1.5 miles $6.95
Memorial Long-Term Parking Tampa1.5 miles $7.00
West Shore Grand Long-Term Parking 3 miles $3.99

While long-term parking offsite at these locations is cheaper than parking at Tampa Airport, it’s also less convenient. You’ll have to catch a shuttle or Uber to the airport, which means running the risk of missing your flight if your shuttle or Uber is late. 

Additional Services and Amenities at Tampa Airport Parking

In addition to having numerous parking options to choose from, the Tampa International Airport parking system also has additional services and amenities to make life easier for travelers. 

EV Charging Stations

All on-site parking lots at Tampa Airport are equipped with EV charging stations. They are located on Level 1 of the Economy Garage, Level 4 of the Long-Term Garage, and Level 5 of the Short-Term Garage. There’s also an EV Charging station in the Cell Phone Lot, and each station is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

SunPass Plus Access

If you have a Sunpass, Florida’s toll road EZ pass system, you have access to exclusive parking lanes and an automated fee calculation. This makes the parking process much faster and easier and ensures you won’t face penalties for losing your parking ticket. 

Free Cell Phone Lot

As with most large airports, TPA has a cell phone lot where you can park and wait for your plane to land. The lot is roughly four minutes from the terminal and is perfect for people who need to wait for a few minutes or several hours. 

Final Thoughts 

While the TPA airport is great for parking your car for a few days (or even a few weeks), it’s not a good option for long-term parking. Each lot has a maximum stay of 45 days, and you can find cheaper rates outside of the airport. 

If you want safe and affordable long-term parking for your car, van, or truck, consider Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with hundreds of car storage options throughout Florida, many of them in the Tampa area! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There EV Charging Stations Available at Tampa Airport?

Yes, there are EV charging stations available in all onsite parking lots at Tampa Airport, including in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.

What Is Sunpass Plus, and How Does It Work?

SunPass Plus is an electronic toll collection system that provides quick access and automated fee calculations. Because you don’t have to wait for a physical parking ticket, you can park quickly (and effortlessly). 

Can I Book My Parking Spot in Advance at Tampa Airport?

Yes, you can book your parking spot in advance at Tampa Airport online, which ensures availability and potentially lower rates.

Neighboring Airports

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (Atlanta Airport) (ATL)

Louisville Airport (SDF)

Birmingham, Alabama Airport (BHM)

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