Travelling from Chicago to Tampa: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Tampa taking off from either of these.
When it comes to landing in Tampa, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a key hub. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is another.
Around 2 hours 35 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Chicago to Tampa flight.
Tampa is one hour ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC-4 timezone.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to {"defaultCase":"Tampa International Airport","accusativeCase":"Tampa International Airport","nominativeCase":"Tampa International Airport","dativeCase":"Tampa International Airport"} (TPA) is the most traveled route. When searching for your flight from Chicago to Tampa, you can pick from 54 weekly services between ORD and TPA.
To ensure you get on your Chicago to Tampa flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Popular months like August or holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean bigger queues at security and check-in. Travelling then? Play it safe and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of an international departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Tampa
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Tampa is Rs10,753. For a return flight on this route, the best price is Rs23,809. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares can change.
Lock in cheap Chicago to Tampa flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Chicago to Tampa. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Tampa by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Tampa flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Tampa, you can leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Get from ORD to Tampa International Airport (TPA) without any stops.
Choose from a variety of carriers offering direct Chicago to Tampa plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Tampa? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to O'Hare International Airport:
74.85% of flights that depart O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on time.
ORD's address is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Consider booking your direct flight from Chicago to Tampa departing Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will take you to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Southwest Airlines offers direct Chicago to Tampa plane tickets from MDW. Book your preferred aisle (or window) seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
MDW is about 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It takes 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Tampa:
77.88% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport arrive according to schedule.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is roughly 8 kilometres. It'll take you about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Tampa, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near TPA:
Grab a Tampa International Airport rental car and explore Tampa and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Budget and Thrifty are popular providers you can book with here.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week ahead of your Chicago to Tampa flight.
The address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is roughly 24 kilometres from the centre of Tampa. Following your flight from Chicago to Tampa, it takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 2 hours 10 minutes or so.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Budget, Alamo or Avis and get going in the blink of an eye.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's available, by reserving your ride from PIE ahead of time. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
You can find St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport at Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
May is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Tampa, while July is the most popular. Find the best time to visit Tampa based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Book a Chicago to Tampa ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Tampa to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Tampa in January when temperatures average between 9ºC and 23ºC.
More about Tampa
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Tampa right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Tampa:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are must-do's during your Tampa adventure.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Tampa, now it's time to explore other parts of United States. Travel around 274 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its leading sights. From Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 338 kilometres south-east of Tampa, Miami is another favourite stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena.