Travelling from Washington DC to Tampa: what you need to know
Your next great adventure starts at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Tampa setting off from either of these.
The chief entry points to Tampa are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Around 2 hours 25 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Washington DC to Tampa flight.
Washington DC and Tampa are in the same timezone, UTC-4.
The busiest route for flights from Washington DC to Tampa is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Tampa International Airport (TPA). You can select from 34 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DCA to TPA is the 06:55 Southwest Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last departure is at 20:01 with American Airlines.
To ensure you make it on your Washington DC to Tampa flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Tampa
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Tampa is R 483. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 970. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Book two months before you want to fly. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Washington DC to Tampa flights.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Washington DC to Tampa is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Getting a cheap flight from Washington DC to Tampa is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Washington DC to Tampa flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Washington DC to Tampa, you can depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Fly from DCA to Tampa International Airport (TPA) in one seamless journey.
Lock in your Washington DC to Tampa plane tickets with American Airlines. This airline is a top pick for direct flights from DCA.
Located around 6 kilometres from central Washington DC, DCA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Washington DC to Tampa or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of all flights departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport, 76.44% land on schedule at their destination.
DCA's address is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Tampa departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Kick off your travels at IAD and come in for landing at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
From IAD, you can book a direct Washington DC to Tampa plane ticket with United Airlines.
IAD is around 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. It takes 50 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your flight from Washington DC to Tampa:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 74%.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can jump on a direct flight from Washington DC to Tampa leaving from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Book your ticket from BWI and travel straight to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Select your preferred airline and prepare to jet away to your destination. These carriers offer direct Washington DC to Tampa plane tickets from BWI:
From the centre of Washington DC, BWI is around 40 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 50 minutes to reach the airport by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so if you use public transport.
Make catching an early Washington DC to Tampa flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels close to Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and get to your gate feeling relaxed and unhurried:
The on-time performance record of BWI is 77.13%. To put it simply, that's how frequently flights departing this airport arrive as planned.
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.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near TPA if you're coming in on a late flight from Washington DC to Tampa. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go where the road takes you with a Tampa International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and find adventure across Tampa and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
After your flight from Washington DC to Tampa has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 25 minutes by car. Central Tampa is approximately 24 kilometres from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
The journey will take about 2 hours 10 minutes on public transport.
Budget, Alamo and Avis make collecting a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from PIE a few weeks in advance so you can just grab the keys and be on your way.
The address for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
May is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Tampa, while July is the most popular. Work out the best time to visit Tampa based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Washington DC to Tampa ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Tampa in January when temperatures average between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
More about Tampa
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Tampa right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Washington DC to Tampa:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are must-visits when exploring Tampa.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Tampa, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Travel about 274 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its top attractions. From Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Miami is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa. No trip is complete without visiting Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena.