Cheap flights from Los Angeles International to Tampa International from $249
Updated 2026-07-13
2154 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 4h 44m with 8 airlines operating direct service from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tampa International (TPA). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from Los Angeles International
Los Angeles International spreads across nine terminals arranged in a U around the central hub, with the inter-terminal LAX-it shuttle and the new Automated People Mover (opening late 2026) connecting them. Metro Rail does not yet enter the airport directly — the K Line shuttle and FlyAway bus to Union Station are the rail-adjacent options. American, Delta, United, Southwest and Alaska all run major operations here; international long-haul fills T2 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Arriving in Tampa
Tampa International is 6 miles west of downtown Tampa. HART bus 30 runs every 30 minutes to downtown for $2; the SkyConnect automated train links the main terminal to a consolidated rental car centre on the airport grounds. Fares to TPA peak around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff games and during spring break (March); summer is cheaper despite Gulf-coast humidity. The Brightline rail extension to Tampa is planned for late 2026.
Who flies LAX to TPA?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| American Airlines | AA | 4h 44m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 4h 44m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 4h 44m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 4h 44m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 4h 44m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 4h 44m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 4h 44m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 4h 44m | Economy |
8 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Los Angeles to Tampa FAQs
Direct flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tampa International (TPA) take approximately 4h 44m for the 2154-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
8 carriers operate direct service from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tampa International (TPA): American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and 3 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — American Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Tampa International (TPA) is the primary international airport for Tampa. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.