Traveling from Chicago to Tampa: what you need to know
Embark on your next adventure from one of Chicago's main airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Explore the options for booking a flight from Chicago to Tampa leaving from either of these bases.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) are the primary entry points to Tampa.
The average time for a direct Chicago to Tampa flight is 2 hours 40 minutes.
Tampa's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Tampa one hour ahead of Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Tampa is Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tampa International Airport (TPA). There are 61 services connecting these two airports each week.
To ensure you catch your Chicago to Tampa flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Traveling during a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues 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 Chicago to Tampa
To find cheap Chicago to Tampa flights, book ahead. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when flights first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Chicago to Tampa.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Tampa is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.
Save money on your Chicago to Tampa flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Set off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Tampa. From ORD, you can land directly at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Direct Chicago to Tampa plane tickets are available from numerous airlines at ORD. Choose one of these and take to the skies:
Located around 26 kilometers from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
After an easy start to your vacation? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Tampa or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
70% of flights that depart Chicago O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on time.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Consider booking your direct flight from Chicago to Tampa out of Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Nonstop services from MDW will get you to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
You can book a direct Chicago to Tampa plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines that operates this route out of MDW.
MDW is around 14 kilometers from central Chicago. It'll take you 25 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Get your vacation started early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Chicago to Tampa, stay in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 8 kilometers away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 35 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Tampa, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near TPA:
Grab a Tampa International Airport rental car and explore Tampa and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Budget and Thrifty are top providers you can book with here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week before your departure date.
TPA is situated at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is around 24 kilometers from central Tampa. After your flight from Chicago to Tampa, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near PIE. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Chicago to Tampa:
Budget, Alamo and Avis make picking up a St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from PIE ahead of time so you can simply grab the keys and get going.
The address for St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
March is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Tampa, while April is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Tampa based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Chicago to Tampa tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Tampa, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Tampa around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Tampa
Start your Tampa trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to Tampa, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and The Florida Aquarium are just a couple of the popular attractions to put on your Tampa itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
Explore more of the United States
Jacksonville is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Tampa. Around 274 kilometers to the north, top sights here include St. John's Cathedral, MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Around 338 kilometers southeast of Tampa, Miami is another essential stop in the United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami.