Flying from Chicago to Tampa: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Chicago to Tampa. Explore the options for departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
When it comes to arriving in Tampa, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a major gateway. Another is St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
2 hours 38 minutes is the average time for a direct flight from Chicago to Tampa. Following the UTC-4 timezone, Tampa is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
With 70 flights a week between the two airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Chicago to Tampa with Spirit Airlines at 05:15. If you're keen to get more out of your day before leaving, the last flight from ORD to TPA is with Spirit Airlines at 21:24.
Leave enough time to make your flight from Chicago to Tampa. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Taking off during a peak time like a public holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
For a domestic flight within United States, you don't need a passport or visa. However, you'll have to bring another form of identification, such as a driver's licence or ID card. Once you've booked cheap flights from Chicago to Tampa, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Set off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Tampa. From ORD, you can fly straight to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Leading airlines that offer direct flights from Chicago to Tampa leaving from ORD include:
We make it a breeze to plan a flight from Chicago to Tampa with a stopover. To see all the options departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 54 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a handy hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Tampa, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Prefer to fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? This popular terminal also offers nonstop flights from Chicago to Tampa — get ready to travel straight to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Board your direct flight from Chicago to Tampa with Frontier Airlines. This is one of the leading carriers operating this route out of MDW.
Get the most out of your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Chicago to Tampa. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever your plans, here's where you can stop between O'Hare International Airport and Tampa:
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in approximately 21 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport takes roughly 46 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres or so.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chicago to Tampa? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your vacation officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is about 13 minutes by car. It's approximately 13 kilometres away.
It takes around 57 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Tampa. Reserve one of these accommodation options near TPA instead:
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
Once your flight from Chicago to Tampa has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 23 minutes by car. Central Tampa is roughly 29 kilometres from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
You can also travel using public transport, which will take around 2 hours and 11 minutes.
There are some comfortable stays where you can make a pit stop near PIE. Kick back after your flight from Chicago to Tampa at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Tampa
C$50 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Tampa. Return flights start from C$112. These fares may change based on demand.
Book 9 months before your departure date. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap flights from Chicago to Tampa.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Chicago to Tampa. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Chicago to Tampa couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Chicago to Tampa.
Best time to go to Tampa
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Tampa. July is the busiest month to travel to Tampa. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Tampa is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your flights from Chicago to Tampa in this month if you like this kind of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Chicago to Tampa in January when temperatures average between 9ºC and 23ºC.
More about Tampa
Start your Tampa trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Tampa, explore our selection of hotels including:
All great vacations should include a little sightseeing. Ybor City Tattoo Company, Tampa Riverwalk and The Florida Aquarium are essential stops on your Tampa itinerary.
Complete your Tampa trip with a car rental
Check out our lineup of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Tampa. Whether you're looking for a compact ride, family sedan or something more luxurious, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the best deal.