There are two major airports serving St. Petersburg: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Pie). I recommend Tampa International (TPA) but St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) is a good option if your travel stay is restricted to St. Petersburg and/or you’re flying in from one of the smaller markets served by Allegiant Airlines.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport serves discount airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, and Jet Blue along with major carriers such as Delta, Southwest and United. The airport is about 20 miles northeast of St. Petersburg.
Flights to Tampa International Airport
Ground Transportation from Tampa Airport to St. Pete
Rental Cars – TPA – St. Petersburg
If you’re staying in St. Petersburg, a rental car can come in handy if you plan on attending a Buccaneers football or a Lightning hockey game but not as necessary if you’re going to a Rays baseball game. If you’re traveling in the winter, it is a good idea to book early from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
SuperShuttle from TPA to St. Petersburg
From Tampa International Airport (TPA), SuperShuttle is probably your best value to St. Pete if you’re flying solo and don’t mind riding with others. For about $27, they’ll pick you up in the shuttle area of TPA and drop you at your hotel in St. Petersburg.
ExecuCar from TPA to St. Petersburg
From Tampa International Airport, ExecuCar is probably your best value for getting to Downtown St. Petersburg if you’re traveling with others. Up to 3 people can get to St. Petersburg for about $50 or up to 5 people can get to the Burg for about $60
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Pie) is basically a hub for Allegiant Airlines with service to secondary markets in the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard. The airport is about 13 miles north of St. Petersburg.
Flights to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
Ground Transportation from PIE Airport to Downtown St. Pete
ExecuCar From PIE to St. Petersburg
From St. Petersburg-Clearwater International (PIE) to downtown St. Petersburg, ExecuCar has a “Business Express Service” for up to 4 people for only $35.
Rental Cars – PIE – St. Petersburg
If you’re staying in St. Petersburg, a rental car can come in handy if you plan on attending a Buccaneers football or a Lightning hockey game but not as necessary if you’re going to a Rays baseball game. If you’re traveling in the winter, it is a good idea to book early from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Pie).
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) (From PIE to St. Petersburg)
If you have the time and want to save a little money, grab a quick taxi or Uber from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Pie) to the PSTA 34th Street Transfer Center. From the transfer center, you can grab the Route 97 commuter service to downtown St. Pete between 3:25PM & 5:25PM Mon-Fri. You can also grab the Route 59 bus from the 34th Street Transfer Center to downtown St. Petersburg. Route 59 is actually a little quicker (45 minutes) and runs all day 7 days a week.