St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport
Pinellas Park, US · 14 km (9 mi) north of downtown St. Petersburg
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lyft Rideshare | — | 18 |
| Private hotel shuttles Hotel shuttle | 10 minutes | — |
| PSTA Route 300X Commuter express bus · Roughly every 30–60 min · weekday peak hours only (no mid‑day, late‑night, or weekend service) | About 35–45 min between Gateway/Carillon area and downtown Tampa in the schedule | $3.00 (PSTA commuter express fare, higher than local routes) |
| PSTA Route 52 Local bus · Every 15–30 min · roughly 5 a.m.–midnight daily (15 min on core segments weekdays; 30 min evenings and much of weekends) | About 35–45 min between the PIE area (Roosevelt/49th) and downtown St. Petersburg, excluding the walk to/from the airport | $2.25 |
Insider notes
Check rental car prices at TPA versus PIE, as Allegiant fares may be offset by PIE's higher rental costs according to Reddit users.
Arrive at least 2 hours before morning departures; TSA lines can extend beyond 45 minutes during peak Allegiant flight times.
For late flights, bring food with you since dining options shut down around 8-9 pm, leaving vending machines as the only option.
Welcome
St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (PIE) offers a unique aviation experience that feels more like stepping into a retro regional airport than a bustling international hub. Its compact design allows passengers to enjoy quick curb-to-gate convenience, notably cherished by locals who prefer to bypass the sprawling layout of nearby Tampa International. As a hub for Allegiant Air, PIE primarily serves travelers heading to Midwest and Rust Belt destinations, providing an efficient, albeit quirky, gateway for leisure travelers.
At a glance
Located just 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of downtown St. Petersburg, PIE operates a single terminal with 12 gates catering mainly to Allegiant, Sun Country Airlines, and Breeze Airways. The airport has managed to maintain a laid-back atmosphere with fewer amenities, which is part of its charm. Instead of endless shopping and dining options, expect fast access and a stress-free vibe.
Terminals & layout
PIE’s Main Passenger Terminal is the airport's sole terminal, housing all gates and amenities. With just one terminal overseeing operations, navigating through facilities is straightforward. For aviation enthusiasts, it's a chance to catch rare sightings like C-130s or Coast Guard aircraft amidst the usual crowd of Allegiant A320s.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation from PIE to nearby destinations is predominantly car-based. Though there are local buses (PSTA Routes 52 and 59, costing $2.25) and the PSTA Route 300X express bus to Tampa ($3.00), many travelers find rideshares and taxis more suitable. An Uber ride costs about $25 and typically takes 5–10 minutes, while Lyft offers similar rates with reports suggesting a base of $18.
Traveller essentials
Parking at PIE is straightforward, with Long Term Parking priced at $15.00 per day and Economy Parking at $10.00. The Key Lime PIE and Strawberry PIE lots are alternatives for overflow. Realize that amenities like Wi-Fi can be inconsistent, and it’s wise to download any entertainment before arriving.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining options at PIE are limited but include local favorites like the 3 Daughters Brewing bar, famous for its selection of local beers such as the Beach Blonde Ale. The Mazzaro Italian Market offers pressed sandwiches and snacks that stand out against typical airport fare. Market 361 is a handy spot for picking up last-minute beach gear.
Lounges
The airport houses a single USO Lounge, catering primarily to military personnel and their families. As a small hub airport, PIE does not feature multiple or high-end lounge options, a trade-off for its easy accessibility and uncomplicated experience.
Insider tips
- Insider: Check rental car prices at TPA versus PIE, as Allegiant fares may be offset by PIE's higher rental costs according to Reddit users.
- Time: Arrive at least 2 hours before morning departures; TSA lines can extend beyond 45 minutes during peak Allegiant flight times.
- Avoid: For late flights, bring food with you since dining options shut down around 8-9 pm, leaving vending machines as the only option.
- Money: Consider rideshares over local buses; transport discussions note rideshares save time over the cumbersome bus routes.
- Quiet: The District Pub offers a low-key spot to relax with a drink and charge devices, avoiding busier areas near Dunkin'.
- Local: Enjoy a unique aviation sight; sometimes, a C-130 or Coast Guard aircraft might roll by the gates.