Tampa International Airport (TPA) is designed for ease of travel, and that extends to ground transportation. Whether you’re a visitor eager to explore Tampa Bay or a local returning home, understanding your transportation options is key. This guide focuses on the efficient Tpa Rental Car Center and other convenient ways to get to and from the airport.
Getting to and from the TPA Rental Car Center
The TPA Rental Car Center is a centralized hub for on-airport rental car companies, making it incredibly convenient to pick up or drop off your vehicle. Getting there from the Main Terminal is straightforward and quick thanks to the SkyConnect train.
SkyConnect Train: The SkyConnect, TPA’s automated people mover, provides a seamless link between the Main Terminal and the Rental Car Center. Simply follow the signs within the terminal to SkyConnect, and you’ll be whisked away to the Rental Car Center in just a few minutes. This free train service operates frequently, ensuring minimal wait times.
Remote Bag Check: For added convenience, especially for domestic travelers, TPA offers a remote bag check service at the Rental Car Center. Available Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this service allows you to check your bags before returning your rental car. Remember to check in at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure to utilize this service.
Customer Drop-off and Pick-up: If you’re being dropped off or picked up at the Rental Car Center by a local resident, use the designated remote curb area directly in front of the facility. Look for clear “Customer Drop Off” signage. Note that waiting is not permitted at the remote curb. If waiting is necessary, the free Cell Phone Lot, conveniently located near the Rental Car Center, is the recommended option.
On-Airport Rental Car Companies at TPA
The TPA Rental Car Center hosts a wide array of reputable on-airport rental car companies, providing travelers with numerous choices and competitive rates. Here’s a list of companies located directly within the center, along with their contact information for easy booking and inquiries:
| Rental Car Company | Phone Numbers | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | (888) 826-6893, (813) 396-4140 | Alamo |
| Avis | (800) 831-2847, (813) 396-3500 | Avis |
| Budget | (800) 527-0700, (813) 396-3126 | Budget |
| Dollar | (800) 800-4000, (813) 396-3640 | Dollar |
| Enterprise | (800) 736-8222, (813) 396-4000 | Enterprise |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3131, (813) 396-3640 | Hertz |
| National | (888) 826-6890, (813) 396-4140 | National |
| Thrifty | (800) 847-4389, (813) 396-3640 | Thrifty |
| Ace | (813) 636-8999 | Ace |
| American | (734) 494-2444 | American |
| Fox | (855) 849-4215 | Fox |
| NextCar | (813) 706-6990 | NextCar |
| Payless | (813) 289-6554 | Payless |
| Sixt | (813) 666-8606 | Sixt |
| Zipcar | (866) 494-7227 | Zipcar |
Off-Airport Rental Car Companies at TPA
In addition to the on-airport options, several off-airport rental car companies serve TPA. These companies typically offer shuttle services to and from their facilities. Pick-up and drop-off for these shuttles are located at the remote curb in front of the Rental Car Center, easily accessible via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal.
| Off-Airport Rental Car Company | Phone Numbers | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AZ | (321) 415-0866 | AZ |
| Carl’s Van | (800) 565-5211 | Carl’s Van |
| DFG | (800) 890-5801 | DFG |
| Florida Van | (800) 308-2503 | Florida Van |
| Easirent | (888) 901-5121 | Easirent |
| Economy | (786) 975-2222 | Economy |
| GreenMotion Tampa | (877) 342-0999 | GreenMotion Tampa |
| One Switch | (866) 436-9044 | One Switch |
| Priceless | (813) 820-4141 | Priceless |
| Seven Auto | (321) 350-1439 | Seven Auto |
| U-Save | (800) 272-8728 | U-Save |
| Via | (321) 441-0111 | Via |
Other Ground Transportation Options at Tampa Airport
While the TPA Rental Car Center provides a comprehensive car rental solution, Tampa Airport also offers a variety of other ground transportation methods to suit different needs and budgets:
Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the curbside outside the Baggage Claim Level, at the Ground Transportation Areas Red 1 and Blue 2. Yellow Cab provides taxi service with fares starting at $3.50 for the first 1/5 of a mile and $2.50 per mile thereafter. A flat rate of $35 is available to downtown Tampa and the cruise terminal. For more information, contact Yellow Cab at (813) 253-0121.
Bus Service/Public Transportation: Public transportation options are available at the Rental Car Center via the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus services. Bus stops are located at the remote curb of the Rental Car Center. Visit HART or call (813) 254-4278 or PSTA or call (727) 540-1900 for schedules and fare details.
Ride App Pickup (Uber/Lyft): Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient pick-up locations at Red Baggage Claim, Blue Express Curbside, and the SkyCenter One office building remote curbside. A $5.00 service fee applies to ride app fares from the airport. Drop-offs are permitted at any public access location.
Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing: For peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo, pick-ups and drop-offs are permitted in the Economy Parking Garage, accessible via the SkyConnect train. Quick pick-ups or drop-offs are also allowed at the remote curb of the Rental Car Center, but waiting is not allowed. For Turo specifics at TPA, visit Turo.
Conclusion
Tampa International Airport prioritizes passenger convenience, and the TPA Rental Car Center is a prime example of this commitment. Combined with a range of other transportation options, navigating to and from TPA is designed to be stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey. Whether you choose to rent a car, take a taxi, utilize public transport, or opt for ride-sharing, TPA has you covered.
