Cheap Flights from Houston (HOU) to Tampa International (TPA)

Many different airports have regular flights from Houston's various airports to Tampa International. Nonstop direct flights are available from George Bush Intercontinental Airport with United and Spirit, with departure times running from the early morning to the late evening. This direct flight is usually just a little over two hours. Spirit and American also offer a variety of one-stop flights from Houston, usually with a stop in Dallas, Charlotte or Miami. These flights can take anywhere from 3 to 12 hours in total, usually depending on an overnight layover.

Houston Airport Departure Information

If you aren't driving to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, plan to have a ride or catch a taxi or shuttle, as there is little in the way of public transportation to the airport. The only option is a city METRO bus that runs from the downtown transit center.If you're leaving from William Hobby airport, you'll need a taxi or shuttle if you don't already have some sort of transportation.

George Bush Airport has an impressive array of dining options. Hobby Airport has a smaller range of options, but enough that anyone should be able to find something to satisfy: Chinese, Mexican, seafood, pizza, BBQ and several fast food chain options are all on the menu.

Both Houston Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental have free WiFi throughout the facility that is provided by the city. Look for a "Boingo Hotspot" connection at both airports. Both airports also have a good amount of power outlets and charging stations.

Preparing to Arrive at Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport isn't the greatest place in the world to dine, but it does have a few quick-serve options if you really need to grab something right away. Wendys, Qdoba, P.F. Changs, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks and a Hard Rock Cafe are all available.

You can rent a car on site from Hertz, National, Alamo or Budget. Enterprise, Payless and Ace also have locations just outside the airport and provide shuttle service to their lots. There is only one city bus that stops at the airport, which picks up outside the Red baggage claim area. Many shared vans, private shuttles and taxi options are available, however.

Things to do in Tampa

Tampa is located directly on the Gulf Coast, but if you want white sand beaches, you'll want to head over to neighboring St. Petersburg. Tampa is the best place in the region for nightlife and dining, however, especially the Ybor City district. There are also quite a few interesting museums: the Henry B. Plant art museum, the Tampa Bay History Center, the SS American Victory maritime museum, the Tampa Baseball Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, just to scratch the surface.

Orlando may get all the attention as the theme park vacation destination, but Tampa shouldn't be overlooked, especially during the busy summer season when it is often much cheaper. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, the outdoor Dinosaur World museum, and the Glazer Children's Museum. And for the adults, there's the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, one of the few full-fledged casino-hotels in the state.