Flying from Houston to Tampa: what you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Houston to Tampa. Explore your options for leaving from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), two of the city's main airports.
The primary hubs where you can touch down in Tampa are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Around 2 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Houston to Tampa flight.
Tampa is one hour ahead of Houston and is in the UTC-4 timezone.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 32 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Houston to Tampa is with Frontier Airlines at 21:33. Choose the first IAH to TPA departure with United Airlines at 07:20 to maximise your time in Tampa.
Leave enough time to make your Houston to Tampa flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Houston to Tampa
R 483 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Houston to Tampa. A return flight starts at R 1,220. These prices can change depending on availability and demand.
To secure cheap Houston to Tampa flights, book your journey three months ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Houston to Tampa is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Houston to Tampa by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Lock in a cheap Houston to Tampa flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Houston to Tampa, you can depart from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Fly from IAH to Tampa International Airport (TPA) without making any stops.
You can choose from a range of carriers offering direct Houston to Tampa plane tickets with departures from IAH, including:
IAH is about 21 kilometres from central Houston. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your break? Stay near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Houston to Tampa or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to the on-time performance of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 78.42% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
IAH is located at 16930 JFK Boulevard.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Houston to Tampa leaving from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Begin your travels at HOU and disembark at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
You can book a direct Houston to Tampa plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines that operates this route out of HOU.
You can get to HOU from central Houston in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to travel the 16 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Houston to Tampa? Relax in a hotel near William P. Hobby Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
Flights from William P. Hobby Airport have a reputation for punctuality, with 81% of them landing on schedule.
The street address for HOU is 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa takes about 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 8 kilometres away.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Houston to Tampa, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near TPA:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Tampa International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and experience the lesser-explored corners of Tampa and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from Tampa International Airport about one week in advance of your trip.
The address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 24 kilometres from central Tampa. Once you've disembarked your flight from Houston to Tampa, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 2 hours 10 minutes or so.
Budget, Alamo and Avis make picking up a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid filling out paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from PIE ahead of time so you can simply pick up the keys and get on your way.
The address for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Houston to Tampa. July is the most popular month to visit Tampa. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in May.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Houston to Tampa ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Look for cheap flights from Houston to Tampa in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF) on average.
More about Tampa
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Tampa right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Houston to Tampa:
Every great adventure has to include a little 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
You've seen Tampa, now it's time to discover more of United States. Travel about 274 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its must-visit sights. From Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in United States, consider Miami, about 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa. Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena are highlights.