Tampa, located in the Southern U.S state of Florida, is located on the shores of a lake which shares its name. It's also located quite close to the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa is a tropical city and major regional business center that is home to 100 North Tampa, Bank of America Plaza, the Element Building, and Park Tower among other skyscrapers.
The city was founded in the 17th century by Spanish explorers; it grew rapidly after becoming part of the U.S in 1819. In the 1900s it's population was only 30,000 ; now it is one of the largest cities in the U.S south.
Weather in Tampa is generally hot, reaching up to 35°C in the summer. It rarely dips belowing freezing, even in the winter. In addition to its businesses, Tampa is also home to several interesting museums and cultural activities, as well as nearby beaches.
You can easily reach Tampa International Airport from the city centre by taxi or by bus. There are airport shuttle buses available and some hotels can arrange it for you in advance. If you rented a car during your trip, it is also possible to reach the airport with this vehicle.
Bus route 15 transports passengers from the city centre to the airport in a short time. A one-way ticket costs 2 dollars.
Taxi
Taxis are quite easy to come by in Tampa. You can comfortably find one in the city centre, and reach the airport for an average cost of 25 dollars. Be confident about the amount you will pay as all taxis are equipped with taximeters. You can speak to hotel staff to pre-arrange a taxi for you.
There are a lot of car rental agencies in Tampa city centre and for a more comfortable trip, including your journeys to and from the airport, you can hire a vehicle that is suitable to your budget. You can rent a car online, or you can ask for assistance from your hotel. International travellers must have a valid foreign driver’s license and an international driving permit. You must always carry these documents if you wish to drive a car or ride a motorbike in Tampa.
Airport shuttle services are modern and comfortable buses with air-conditioning systems, which operate on a specific route and have certain departure times. It is recommended that you check the closest shuttle station near you, and the shuttle departure times in advance. You may also ask for assistance from your hotel representative. You will have to pay an additional fee per baggage beyond the limit of 3 baggages per passenger. The prices for the shuttle bus services are based on distance travelled. Airport shuttle services from the city centre to the airport is approximately 25 to 35 dollars.
Many hotels in Tampa provide airport shuttle services. Contact your hotel beforehand to confirm whether they provide this service, and book in advance if they do so.
Tampa International Airport was called the Drew Field Military Airport prior to the 1960s and used for military flights only. It underwent major changes since and began commercial flights. During the Second World War, the airport had undertaken important duties. Nowadays, Tampa International Airport is a modern, large airport located about 6 miles west from Downtown Tampa. Serious air traffic is encountered during the tourism season as it is often used as a transit hub. More than 100 flights a day take off from the airport. There are many bars, restaurants and cafes located at different points of the airport that appeal to different tastes. You can also find many souvenir shops, accessory shops, clothing stores, cosmetics shops and duty-free shops inside the airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport building.
