Personally, I can't imagine how much cheaper flights to TPA would have to be for me to choose it over MCO because of the distance involved, but since that wasn't your question: I travel a lot, and I consider TPA to be the nicest an easiest airport of its size in the country. It's a breeze in every respect, even after a renovation that requires passengers to now use a tram system to the car rental facility. (The garage used to be a short walk across the street.)
Anyway, if all that appeals to you, you won't regret choosing TPA.
According to Google Maps, the drive time is almost the same. The reason is that PIE is very close to I-275, which is the expressway that takes you through Tampa and on to I-4 east of Tampa. It is 10 miles further, but not much difference in time because there is almost no surface road driving. You come out of the airport, east on Ulmerton Rd a few blocks, and right onto I-275.What about PIE (St Petes/Clearwater)? Any info I should know/would be helpful as I also see much cheaper flights out of there?
According to Google Maps, the drive time is almost the same. The reason is that PIE is very close to I-275, which is the expressway that takes you through Tampa and on to I-4 east of Tampa. It is 10 miles further, but not much difference in time because there is almost no surface road driving. You come out of the airport, east on Ulmerton Rd a few blocks, and right onto I-275.
I would use Maps as you drive because it will show you current driving conditions and suggest alternate routes if there is some traffic issue. If you haven't used it to drive by, try it at home before you go on your trip.Thanks for the info! I wasnt sure which route to take as Googlemaps showed a few!
I'm interested in flying into Tampa due to the high cost of flights into MCO for February. What sort of options are available for transportation to Disney other than renting a car?