Traveling from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Tampa: what you need to know
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa.
Tampa's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Durham (the location of Raleigh-Durham International Airport).
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most popular route, with 22 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from RDU to TPA is with Frontier Airlines at 22:07. Choose the first departure operated by Delta Air Lines at 06:30 if you want to fly out earlier.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your RDU to Tampa flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa ticket. Begin your trip at RDU and end it at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Well-known airlines that operate direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa include:
Traveling from central Durham to RDU takes about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 10 miles in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to RDU:
80.09% of flights departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport land at their destination on schedule. Given its solid on-time performance, you're unlikely to face delays when flying out of RDU.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Tampa
$20 is currently the best price for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa flight. A return plane ticket starts from $38. These fares can change based on demand.
Get cheap flights from RDU to Tampa by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from RDU to Tampa by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Snag an affordable flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa with the help of our filters. Select your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is roughly 8 miles. It takes around 15 minutes to get to the center driving.
Getting to the center on public transport takes about 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near TPA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Tampa International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and explore beyond Tampa's usual tourist stops.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week in advance of your flight from RDU to Tampa.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
Central Tampa is around 18 miles from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). After your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 25 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center takes 2 hours 10 minutes or so.
Following your RDU to Tampa flight, kick back at a hotel close to PIE. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Alamo or Avis and be on your way in a flash.
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from PIE ahead of time. You'll also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during busy airport times.
The address for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.
Best time to go to Tampa
Travel to Tampa during peak season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa in the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 75ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Look for cheap tickets from RDU to Tampa in January if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 48ºF and 73ºF on average.
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 Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Tampa, check out our range of hotels including:
Tampa Riverwalk and Ybor City Tattoo Company are just the start of the major attractions to put on your Tampa travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out The Florida Aquarium.
Explore more of United States
Jacksonville is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen Tampa. Around 170 miles away to the north, its top attractions include Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in United States, head for Miami, roughly 210 miles south-east of Tampa. Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena are highlights.