Flying from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP): What you need to know
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located in Panama City. The city is in the UTC-6 timezone and is one hour behind Tampa.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Get to the airport on time to board your flight from Tampa to ECP.
Getting away during a peak time like March? Busy periods (like Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year and spring break) can add another hour at check-in and security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
TPA is around 11 kilometres from central Tampa. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by staying at one of these hotels close to Tampa International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Tampa International Airport, 78% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
On public transport, you can travel from central Tampa to PIE in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 32 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 35 minutes.
Got an early start? You might like to check in to one of these hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport the day before your Tampa to ECP flight:
77% of all departures from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
PIE is located at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
About Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Get off your flight from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and be sprawled out in your hotel bed soon after. If you need a comfortable option a short drive from ECP, stay at Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Airport.
To get the best deal, reserve your ride around one week ahead of your Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport flight.
Getting from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) to central Panama City
From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, central Panama City is around 32 kilometres away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the city centre by car.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
R 3,218 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. A return flight starts at R 5,055. These fares may change depending on availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Tampa to ECP. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Affordable Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport tickets are easier to find if you're not locked into specific dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares across each month and then choose the cheapest day.
You don't need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a better deal comes up on plane tickets from Tampa to ECP.
Filters make it easier to save some cash on your flight from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Pick the airlines, flight times and number of stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to find the best price quickly.
The best time to fly from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
Picture the kind of break you want when planning your trip dates. January is the quietest month to go to Panama City. July is when most people book flights from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which may be ideal if you enjoy travelling when it's busier.
Lock in a Tampa to ECP plane ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Panama City to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in January when temperatures are between 5ºC (41ºF) and 18ºC (64ºF).
More about Panama City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Panama City right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Tampa to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport:
Your Panama City visit wouldn't be complete without a bit of sightseeing. Big-name attractions that belong on your itinerary include Gulf Coast Aquarium, Inc, Panama City Centre for the ARTS and The Historic McKenzie House.
Explore more of the United States
Montgomery is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Panama City. Around 225 kilometres away to the north, top sights here include Civil Rights Memorial, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Rosa Parks Arrest Site.
If there's time to check out another side of the United States, head for Columbus, about 241 kilometres north of Panama City. The National Infantry Museum, Columbus Collective Museums and Columbus Museum are highlights.
