Orlando International to Tampa International
81 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 34m with 8 airlines operating direct service from Orlando International (MCO) to Tampa International (TPA). Cheapest fares are usually in January (around $79 return), with peak prices in August (around $237). Departures on a Tuesday tend to undercut weekend prices on this corridor.
Flying from Orlando International
Orlando International is the gateway for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Cape Canaveral cruise traffic. Terminal A and Terminal C handle distinct carrier groups, with Brightline rail service to Miami launched in 2023 for $79–$199 one way (3.5 hours). Southwest, Spirit and JetBlue compete heavily on price for incoming theme-park traffic; international long-haul through MCO has grown sharply with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus all operating daily.
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 MCO to TPA?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 34m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 34m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 34m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 34m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 34m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 34m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 34m | Economy |
| Allegiant Air | G4 | 34m | Economy |
8 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly MCO→TPA
Synthesised from 12-month price aggregates. Cheapest months in green, peak in red.
Estimated baseline. Prices update on a 30-day cadence as Travelpayouts data refreshes. Cheapest day-of-week typically Tuesday.
Orlando to Tampa FAQs
Direct flights from Orlando International (MCO) to Tampa International (TPA) take approximately 34m for the 81-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.
January is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $79. August is the peak — expect prices 2–3× higher. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares; last-minute prices on this corridor rise sharply inside two weeks of departure.
8 carriers operate direct service from Orlando International (MCO) to Tampa International (TPA): Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and 3 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — Southwest 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.