Search Flights from San Francisco to Tampa

Approximate Travel Distance
Approximate Flight Duration
Popular Airlines
Popular Airport
2395 Miles
4 hour 50 min
Tampa Intl. Airport

Transportation to San Francisco Airport from the City Center

Located 21 km from the city center, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California, following Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Every year SFO handles a significant number of both domestic and international flights. There are a variety of transportation alternatives passengers can utilize to get to and from the airport.  

San Francisco International Airport stands out for the comfortable and exceptional services it offers. The airport features services aimed at meeting your every need, from comfortable passenger lounges, to restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines and a vibrant array of stores where you can go shopping.

San Francisco International Airport is accessible by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car as the airport contains parking lots that offer short-term and long-term parking options.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to San Francisco International Airport from the city center. The first is the rapid-rail system, the BART. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between SFO and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between San Francisco and San Jose and SFO.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to SFO from the city center is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between the San Francisco city center and the airport. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Mateo, various parts of San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 run directly to the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the airport. There are many rental car companies located in the city. You can drop off your rental vehicle at the Rental Car Center before your departure. From the Rental Car Center the AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who want to access the airport by bike. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes. Bike lovers can easily access the airport by bicycle.   

Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport is located 21 km from the city center. The airport covers an expansive area and operates domestic and international flights out of 4 terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain automated system provides free transportation between each terminal, as well as the Rental Car Center and BART station. The AirTrain Red Line links all terminals, terminal garages and the BART Station. The AirTrain Blue Line links the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the BART Station. SFO also contains a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.

The airport features health services in the terminals, rental car offices, banks, a lost and found, wireless internet, charging stations, clothing stores where you can go shopping, restaurants and cafes, the Aviation Museum & Library, rotating exhibitions, spa services, children’s play areas, free yoga rooms, a market, and much more. 

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2019

Transportation to Tampa City Center from Airport

MacDill Airport

If you want to travel by public transportation in Tampa, you can prefer bus. One-way bus ride costs 2 dollars. If you want, you can also buy daily or weekly tickets according to the duration of your stay to make your transportation more economical. Daily ticket price is 16 dollars. Renting a car is a frequently preferred option to discover the city. You can easily find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. By renting an affordable car, you can see the surrounding cities as well as you can go to the beaches comfortably.

The traffic is very safe and steady all across Tampa and you will not have any difficulty. However, you should keep in mind that you need to have an international driver's license to rent a car. The taxi service is also widely used in urban transportation. You can easily get a taxi. All taxis have a taximeter and taxi fares are fixed.

Clearwater International Airport is located only 15 kilometers away. Lakeland Airport, which serves only for domestic flights, is 51 kilometers away and Sarasota Airport is 64 kilometers away. Orlando International Airport is 129 km away for the transfers in exceptional situations. There are 5 different transportation options to reach the city center from Tampa International Airport.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take the municipal buses. Airport shuttle services are a bit more costly but a more comfortable alternative. Taxi service is available for those who want a more private and comfortable transportation option. If you want to maximize your comfort, you can rent a car from car rental companies. The last alternative is the airport shuttle services provided by the hotels.

Bus

You can find the bus stops at the west point of the red luggage delivery area of the airport. You can get to the city center by the bus number 15. Bus ticket price is 2 dollars.

Taxi

You can easily see the taxi ranks right at the exit of the luggage delivery area. Two different taxi companies - Yellow Cab and United Cab – provide taxi service at the airport. Both companies apply the same price tariff. Taxi initial fare is 2.5 dollars and you need to pay 2.4 dollars per mile.

The minimum amount you will pay for transportation from the airport to anywhere is 15 dollars regardless of distance.  Taxi transportation from Tampa International Airport to the city center or the marina costs about 25 dollars.

Rent a car

You can see the offices of 8 different car rental companies on the opposite road of Tampa International Airport. These companies also have their service points at the end of the luggage delivery area. You can also rent a car online before your flight if you want. In this case, your car will be ready for your arrival time and you won't waste your time.

Airport Shuttle Services

Airport shuttle regularly run at certain times and follows a standard route. There are specially prepared air-conditioned waiting areas for passengers so that you can comfortably wait for the departure time of the shuttles. Shuttle service charge includes up to 3 pieces of luggage. You may be charged extra for more luggages.

The route of shuttle service mostly passes through the hotels and the service charge is based on the distance covered. Prices range from 25$ to 90$, but transportation to the city center costs about 25 or 35 dollars.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels in Tampa have their own shuttle services. Before making your reservation, you should contact your hotel in advance to make sure that this service is available or not.

The difference of this service, which is a little more costly compared to taxi, is that the shuttle is ready for you when you take your luggage and it takes you directly to your hotel. You should contact your hotel and make a reservation in advance in order to benefit from this service. You should remember that you will be asked some information such as how many passengers will benefit from this service and your flight's arrival time.

Last Updated: 07 Feb 2017

Tampa Intl. Airport

You can easily reach Tampa International Airport from the city centre by taxi or by bus. There are airport shuttle buses available and some hotels can arrange it for you in advance. If you rented a car during your trip, it is also possible to reach the airport with this vehicle.

Bus

Bus route 15 transports passengers from the city centre to the airport in a short time. A one-way ticket costs 2 dollars.

Taxi

Taxis are quite easy to come by in Tampa. You can comfortably find one in the city centre, and reach the airport for an average cost of 25 dollars. Be confident about the amount you will pay as all taxis are equipped with taximeters. You can speak to hotel staff to pre-arrange a taxi for you.

Car Rental

There are a lot of car rental agencies in Tampa city centre and for a more comfortable trip, including your journeys to and from the airport, you can hire a vehicle that is suitable to your budget. You can rent a car online, or you can ask for assistance from your hotel. International travellers must have a valid foreign driver’s license and an international driving permit. You must always carry these documents if you wish to drive a car or ride a motorbike in Tampa.

Airport Shuttle Service

Airport shuttle services are modern and comfortable buses with air-conditioning systems, which operate on a specific route and have certain departure times. It is recommended that you check the closest shuttle station near you, and the shuttle departure times in advance. You may also ask for assistance from your hotel representative. You will have to pay an additional fee per baggage beyond the limit of 3 baggages per passenger. The prices for the shuttle bus services are based on distance travelled. Airport shuttle services from the city centre to the airport is approximately 25 to 35 dollars.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Many hotels in Tampa provide airport shuttle services. Contact your hotel beforehand to confirm whether they provide this service, and book in advance if they do so.

Airport Information

Tampa International Airport was called the Drew Field Military Airport prior to the 1960s and used for military flights only. It underwent major changes since and began commercial flights. During the Second World War, the airport had undertaken important duties. Nowadays, Tampa International Airport is a modern, large airport located about 6 miles west from Downtown Tampa. Serious air traffic is encountered during the tourism season as it is often used as a transit hub. More than 100 flights a day take off from the airport.  There are many bars, restaurants and cafes located at different points of the airport that appeal to different tastes. You can also find many souvenir shops, accessory shops, clothing stores, cosmetics shops and duty-free shops inside the airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport building.

Last Updated: 21 Nov 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wingie offer the cheapest San Francisco-Tampa flights?

When you search for San Francisco-Tampa flights, Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data from all airlines. You can see all San Francisco-Tampa flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight.

Which airports can I use for San Francisco-Tampa flights?

For San Francisco-Tampa flights, you can use Embarkader Airport, San Francisco Intl. Airport as departure airport, and MacDill Airport, Peter O. Knight Airport, Saint Pete Clearwater Intl. Airport, Tampa Intl. Airport, North Aero Park  Airport for arrival.

How many kilometers is the flight distance from San Francisco-Tampa and how long does the flight take?

The flight distance between San Francisco-Tampa is 3853 kilometers in total. The flight between the two cities takes 4 hour 50 minutes.

Which day is the most convenient for San Francisco-Tampa flights?

When the average prices are examined, the most suitable day for San Francisco-Tampa flights is Wednesday.

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