Flying from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA): What you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA). Explore the options for taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
The average duration of a direct Chicago to Tampa International Airport flight is 2 hours 45 minutes.
Tampa International Airport is located in Tampa. The city operates on the UTC-4 timezone and is one hour ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most popular route. There are 54 direct flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Spirit Airlines at 8:10pm. Choose the first ORD to TPA departure with Frontier Airlines at 5:01am if you'd rather not wait around.
Leave plenty of time to get on your flight from Chicago to TPA. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. Get there two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) makes it easy to travel directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA) depart from this terminal.
At ORD, there's a range of airlines that offer direct flights from Chicago to Tampa International Airport, such as:
United Airlines is the airline most travellers choose for flights from ORD to TPA.
United Airlines is the top performer for punctuality on this route.
Located around 40 kilometres from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 55 minutes.
Looking for a comfortable hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Tampa International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Planning to leave from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? Direct Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA) plane tickets are available from this popular hub.
From MDW, direct flights from Chicago to TPA are offered by Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines takes the lead in bookings on the MDW to TPA route.
Southwest Airlines is rated the most punctual carrier operating flights between Chicago Midway International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
You can reach MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Chicago to TPA flight? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.88%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
RFD is roughly 137 kilometres from central Chicago. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. If you're thinking about using public transport, you can expect a journey of around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Sleep a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Chicago to Tampa International Airport flight with plenty of time to spare. These hotels near Chicago Rockford International Airport make departure day a breeze if you're setting off early:
Flights that take off from RFD arrive at their destination as scheduled 76.19% of the time.
The street address of Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
About Tampa International Airport (TPA)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Tampa International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these options near TPA:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Tampa International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and experience the lesser-explored corners of Tampa and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle around one week ahead of your Chicago to Tampa International Airport flight.
You'll find TPA at 5507 West Spruce Street.
Getting from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa
Tampa International Airport to the centre of Tampa is about 8 kilometres. If you're getting a cab or renting a car, plan ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times can vary depending on traffic and the time of day.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA)
At the moment, 21 € is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Tampa International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is 41 €. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from Chicago to TPA, book early. Airlines tend to offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
Cheap Chicago to Tampa International Airport tickets are easier to find if you're not locked into specific dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares throughout the month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal comes up on plane tickets from Chicago to TPA.
Bag the best deal on a flight from Chicago to Tampa International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA)
May is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Tampa International Airport (TPA), while July is the most popular. Work out the best time to visit Tampa based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Chicago to TPA plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
January sees temperatures of between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Tampa International Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Tampa
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Tampa International Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Tampa:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Super Bowl, Busch Gardens Tampa and The Florida Aquarium are must-do's during your Tampa adventure.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Tampa, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Travel about 274 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its must-visit sights. From St. John's Cathedral to San Marco Historic District and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Orlando is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 129 kilometres north-east of Tampa. No trip is complete without a visit to Hogwarts, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Hogwarts Express.