Travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa: what you need to know
Planning your trip begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is the city's main base, so explore your options for booking a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa departing from here.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the primary point of entry to Tampa.
The timezone in Tampa is UTC-5, which is two hours behind Rio de Janeiro.
To ensure you get on your Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as December, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flights.
Flying from Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flights leaving from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Located around 13 kilometres from central Rio de Janeiro, GIG can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa, these accommodation options will have you moments from your check-in counter:
79% of flights that leave from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport touch down at their destination on time.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is approximately 8 kilometres. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 35 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa. Stay at one of these accommodation options near TPA instead:
Travel at your own pace 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.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week ahead of your Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flight.
TPA is situated at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
After your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 35 minutes by car. Central Tampa is approximately 24 kilometres from St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
The journey will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near PIE. Settle in and get cosy after your Rio de Janeiro to Tampa flight at any of these well-located options:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Alamo or Avis and be on your way in a flash.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left, by securing your ride from PIE before your arrival. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when the airport is busy.
You can find St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
March is the quietest month for flights from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa, while April is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Tampa based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Rio de Janeiro to Tampa ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
January has average temperatures of between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Look for cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Tampa
Start your Tampa trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Tampa, browse our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are highlights which should be on every Tampa itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Tampa will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of the United States waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometres north of Tampa, a trip to Jacksonville will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with popular sights like St. John's Cathedral, MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in the United States, head for Miami, roughly 338 kilometres southeast of Tampa. Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami are among the biggest draws.