Tampa Airport Tolls: Complete Guide to TPA Access & Parking 2025
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Tampa Airport Tolls: Complete Guide
System: SunPass electronic toll collection + Cashless tolling
Coverage: Multiple toll roads accessing Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: SunPass transponders, License plate recognition, All-Electronic Tolling
Operators: THEA, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, FDOT
Do I Need SunPass for Tampa Airport? 2025 Update
No, you don't need SunPass to reach Tampa International Airport - but you'll save significantly on tolls and parking with one. Multiple toll roads provide access to TPA, and the airport offers SunPass Plus parking that saves time and money.
Key Reality: Without SunPass, you'll pay higher toll rates on access roads and can't use the convenient SunPass Plus parking lanes at TPA. A weekly business trip can cost $50+ extra without SunPass.
2025 Update: Veterans Expressway Thru Lanes project completed, Selmon Expressway capacity improvements ongoing, and SunPass Plus parking available at all TPA facilities with enhanced reliability after previous system issues.
Tampa Airport Toll Costs: Access Routes & Parking
Tampa International Airport is accessible via multiple toll roads, each with different rate structures and payment options.
Current Toll Rates by Access Route (2025)
| Access Route | SunPass Rate | Toll-by-Plate | Route Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Expressway (SR 589) | $1.50-4.25 | $2.25-6.38 | North Tampa, Westshore to TPA |
| Selmon Expressway (SR 618) | $1.25-3.50 | $1.88-5.25 | Downtown, South Tampa to TPA |
| I-275 (Toll-Free) | $0.00 | $0.00 | Exit 39 to FL-60 West |
| FL-60 Courtney Campbell | $0.00 | $0.00 | Clearwater, Pinellas beaches |
Tampa Airport Parking Rates (2025)
| Parking Facility | Daily Rate | SunPass Plus | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Term Garage | $25/day | Accepted | Above terminal |
| Long Term Garage | $15/day | Accepted | 5-minute walk |
| Economy Garage | $12/day | Accepted | SkyConnect train |
How to Pay Tampa Airport Tolls
You can use the following payment methods for Tampa Airport tolls and parking:
1. SunPass Electronic System:
- Works on all Florida toll roads accessing TPA
- SunPass Plus: Automatic replenishment for airport parking
- Compatible with E-PASS and other Florida transponders
- 25-50% savings versus cash/Toll-by-Plate rates
2. Airport Parking Payment:
- Cash, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover)
- Apple Pay, Google Pay for contactless payment
- SunPass Plus for express entry/exit
- Personal checks from Florida banks
3. Toll-by-Plate (License Plate Billing):
- Automatic license plate recognition for toll roads
- Bills mailed to vehicle owner with higher rates
- Administrative fees added to base toll
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types accessing Tampa International Airport, use TollGuru Tampa toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Veterans Expressway Updates:
- Thru Lanes project completed - general toll rates now apply to former express lanes
- Two-axle vehicles only, trucks with 3+ axles prohibited
- SunPass or interoperable transponder required
Selmon Expressway Improvements:
- $752 million FY2026-2031 work plan approved for capacity improvements
- Selmon Extension providing queue jump access from Gandy Boulevard
- Ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades
Airport Parking Updates:
- SunPass Plus system reliability improved after previous technical issues
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology
- Free electric vehicle charging stations available at all facilities
Tampa Airport Access Routes
North Tampa & Westshore Access:
- Veterans Expressway - SR 589 from Memorial Highway to TPA entrance
- Westshore Boulevard - Connects to airport via Boy Scout Boulevard
- I-275 Exit 39 - Toll-free access from downtown Tampa
South Tampa & Downtown Access:
- Selmon Expressway - SR 618 from MacDill to Westshore
- Selmon Extension - Direct connection from Gandy Boulevard
- Dale Mabry Highway - North-south arterial to airport area
Pinellas County Access:
- Courtney Campbell Parkway - FL-60 from Clearwater, toll-free
- Howard Frankland Bridge - I-275 from St. Petersburg
- Gandy Bridge - US-92 from St. Petersburg
East Tampa & Brandon Access:
- Selmon Expressway from I-75 via Brandon
- I-4 to I-275 south - Toll-free interstate access
- Columbus Drive - Surface street alternative
Planning Your Tampa Airport Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Weekly business travel: $50-100 in toll + parking costs
- Vacation parking (7 days): $84-175 depending on facility
- SunPass savings: 25-50% on tolls, express parking lanes
Time Savings:
- Veterans Expressway: 15-20 minutes faster than surface roads
- Selmon Expressway: 10-15 minutes faster than downtown surface routes
- SunPass Plus parking: Skip ticket/payment lines
Alternative Transportation:
- HART public transit: Route 30 from downtown Tampa
- Ride-sharing: Uber/Lyft pickup at designated areas
- Hotel shuttles: Many area hotels provide free airport service
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Tampa Airport without paying tolls?
Yes, I-275 Exit 39 to FL-60 and Courtney Campbell Parkway provide toll-free access. However, toll roads save 15-20 minutes during peak hours and offer more direct routes.
What if I don't have SunPass for TPA parking?
TPA accepts cash, credit cards, and mobile payments. However, you'll miss the convenience of SunPass Plus express lanes and may wait longer during peak travel times.
Are there free parking options at Tampa Airport?
Cell Phone Waiting Lot is free for passenger pickup. All other parking facilities charge daily rates, with Economy Garage being the most affordable at $12/day.
Can I use other state toll passes in Tampa?
Georgia's Peach Pass and North Carolina's NC Quick Pass work on Florida toll roads. However, you must use SunPass-designated lanes and may not get the best rates.
What's the best route from Orlando to Tampa Airport?
I-4 west to I-275 south to Exit 39 (toll-free) or Florida's Turnpike to I-275 via Veterans Expressway (tolls but faster). Drive time is typically 75-90 minutes.
Tampa vs. Regional Airport Access
| Airport | Toll Access | Parking Rate | Payment System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa (TPA) | Multiple toll roads | $12-25/day | SunPass Plus |
| Orlando (MCO) | CFX toll roads | $15-30/day | E-PASS |
| Miami (MIA) | Expressway system | $8-35/day | SunPass |
| Jacksonville (JAX) | Limited toll access | $8-20/day | Cash/Credit |
Useful Links & Resources
Tampa Toll Roads:
- Tampa Toll Roads - Complete Tampa area toll network
- Selmon Expressway - Lee Roy Selmon Expressway details
- Veterans Expressway - SR 589 toll information
- Florida Toll Roads - Statewide toll system overview
Payment Systems:
- SunPass Florida - Electronic toll collection system
- E-PASS Florida - Central Florida toll transponder
- Pay Toll Florida - Payment methods and procedures
Airport Information:
- Tampa International Airport: (813) 870-8700
- Parking Information: (813) 870-8791
- SunPass Customer Service: 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352)
