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What Airport Do You Fly Into For St Petersburg Florida?

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Last updated on 5 min read

What Airport Do You Fly Into For St Petersburg Florida?

Fly into St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) or Tampa International Airport (TPA) for St. Petersburg, Florida, with PIE being the closest at 12 miles from downtown.

Is St. Petersburg airport the same as Tampa?

No, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) are separate airports, but both serve the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area.

PIE sits 12 miles from Clearwater and 20 miles from St. Petersburg. TPA is 25 miles from St. Petersburg. Both airports handle commercial flights and are popular choices for visitors to the Tampa Bay region.

Does Southwest Airlines fly to St. Petersburg airport?

No, Southwest Airlines doesn't fly into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), but it does serve Tampa International Airport (TPA) with multiple daily flights.

If you're loyal to Southwest, just book a flight to TPA instead. From there, it's roughly a 30-minute drive or shuttle ride to St. Petersburg—traffic can stretch that out, though.

Is Clearwater better than St Pete?

Clearwater Beach is generally more lively, with more restaurants, nightlife, and crowds on the sand, while St. Pete Beach tends to feel calmer and more upscale.

Want a place buzzing with energy? Clearwater’s your spot. Looking for a polished, relaxed vibe with killer sunsets? St. Pete Beach wins. Both beaches have powdery white sand and easy access to the Gulf, so you can’t go wrong either way.

What airport do I fly in for St. Petersburg Florida?

Fly into St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) or Tampa International Airport (TPA) to reach St. Petersburg, Florida.

PIE is the closest option, just 12 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg. TPA is bigger and offers more airline choices, including international flights—so it’s great if you’re coming from farther away.

Where does Southwest Airlines fly into in Florida?

Southwest Airlines flies directly into Fort Myers (RSW), Jacksonville (JAX), Orlando (MCO), Palm Beach (PBI), and Tampa (TPA) among other Florida airports.

CityAirportAirport Code
Fort MyersSouthwest Florida International AirportRSW
JacksonvilleJacksonville International AirportJAX
OrlandoOrlando International AirportMCO
West Palm BeachPalm Beach International AirportPBI
TampaTampa International AirportTPA

If you're set on Southwest, book your flight to Tampa International Airport (TPA) and then take a shuttle or drive to St. Petersburg. It’s about a 30-minute trip, give or take depending on traffic.

How far is Clearwater Beach from airport?

Clearwater Beach is 12 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which usually takes 20–30 minutes by car.

From Tampa International Airport (TPA), Clearwater Beach is about 35 miles away and takes 45–60 minutes. Both routes are simple—just hop on State Road 60 and follow Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.

How many terminals does St Petersburg airport have?

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) has one main terminal and one concourse, though it’s often treated as a single terminal with all gates in one building.

You won’t have to juggle multiple terminals here—everything from check-in to baggage claim to gates is in one place, which makes getting around a breeze.

Where does Allegiant Airlines fly to in Florida?

As of 2026, Allegiant flies to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers (RSW), Jacksonville, Orlando Sanford, Palm Springs, Phoenix–Mesa, Punta Gorda (near Port Charlotte), Sarasota/Bradenton, St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE), and Tampa (TPA)

Allegiant’s routes are mostly seasonal and focus on leisure travel. For the latest schedules, check their website—routes can change, and new ones pop up often.

Where does Southwest fly direct?

Southwest Airlines offers nonstop flights to major hubs like Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN), Houston (HOU), Nashville (BNA), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), and Tampa (TPA)

These routes connect to over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Southwest app or website is the best place to check for updated schedules and seasonal routes.

Does Southwest fly to Key West?

Yes, Southwest Airlines offers nonstop flights from multiple U.S. cities to Key West International Airport (EYW), including seasonal service from Tampa and Orlando.

Service varies by season, so if Key West is your winter escape, double-check Southwest’s schedule before booking.

Does Southwest fly direct to Florida?

Yes, Southwest Airlines flies nonstop to nine Florida airports, including Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Palm Beach (PBI), and Jacksonville (JAX).

These routes run year-round or seasonally, depending on demand. The Southwest route planner is your best bet for confirming current options.

Is St Pete Beach crowded?

St. Pete Beach is rarely overcrowded, even during peak season, thanks to its wide public beaches and resort layout.

It’s one of Florida’s most consistently pleasant beaches, with plenty of space and a laid-back atmosphere. Weekdays are especially calm compared to Clearwater or Daytona.

Is Treasure Island or St Pete Beach better?

St. Pete Beach is more upscale, with resorts, dining, and entertainment options, while Treasure Island has a laid-back, classic beach-town feel with fewer crowds.

Choose St. Pete Beach if you want luxury and amenities. Pick Treasure Island for a quiet, authentic Gulf Coast escape.

Which beach is better Clearwater or Treasure Island?

Clearwater Beach offers more nightlife, dining, and activities, while Treasure Island is quieter with a relaxed beach-town charm.

If you’re after a lively scene with hotels, bars, and events, Clearwater Beach is the place. For a peaceful, uncrowded getaway, Treasure Island can’t be beat.

Does Southwest fly to all 50 states?

Yes, as of 2026, Southwest Airlines flies to all 50 U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii via interline agreements.

This was a big milestone for the airline, achieved by adding service to smaller and remote airports across the country. Honestly, this is the best approach for travelers who want maximum flexibility.

Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
Elena Rodriguez

Elena Rodriguez is a cultural geography writer and travel journalist who has visited over 40 countries across the Americas and Europe. She specializes in the intersection of place, history, and culture, and believes every map tells a human story.