Flying from Tampa to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Tampa to Los Angeles. Explore the options for taking off from Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), two of the city's main airports.
The major entry paths to Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Jump on a direct Tampa to Los Angeles flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-8, which is three hours behind Tampa.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. When booking your flight from Tampa to Los Angeles, you can choose from 27 services a week between TPA and LAX.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Tampa to Los Angeles flight.
Travelling over a peak time like April? Public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Los Angeles
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Tampa to Los Angeles flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Tampa to Los Angeles.
Locking in a cheap flight from Tampa to Los Angeles is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Tampa to Los Angeles flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
You can catch a direct flight from Tampa to Los Angeles taking off from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Start your journey at TPA and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Choose from a variety of airlines offering direct Tampa to Los Angeles plane tickets with departures from TPA, including:
The journey from central Tampa to TPA takes about 35 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After an easy start to your trip? Stay near Tampa International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Tampa to Los Angeles or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Tampa International Airport, 78% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes around 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport typically takes 1 hour.
Consider booking a hotel close to LAX if you have a late flight from Tampa to Los Angeles. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car and discover Los Angeles and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are top outlets you can book with here.
Booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport about one week ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is about 27 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. Once you've hopped off your flight from Tampa to Los Angeles, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Tampa to Los Angeles, unwind at a hotel close to VNY. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Budget, Dollar or Hertz and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Usually, the earlier you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Reserve your ride from VNY as soon as you know your dates.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Tampa to Los Angeles. To escape the crowds, go to Los Angeles in March.
Before locking in your Tampa to Los Angeles tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
February sees average temperatures of between 6ºC and 26ºC. Search for cheap flights from Tampa to Los Angeles around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Tampa to Los Angeles, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are top sights which should be on every Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the southeast, popular attractions include San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in the United States, consider San Jose, roughly 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles. Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley are the start of reasons to visit.