Route guide
Cheap Flights from Houston to Tampa: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 790 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 45 min – 2 h 45 min
- Airports
- 2 × 2
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Houston and Tampa: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Houston to Tampa is about 790 miles (1,270 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min. Tampa is 1 hour ahead of Houston. Houston has 2 airports to compare and Tampa has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Houston has two main airports: Bush Intercontinental to the north and Hobby to the southeast. Hobby is closer to downtown. Tampa International serves the whole Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Gulf beaches.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| IAH to TPA | George Bush Intercontinental | Tampa International |
| IAH to PIE | George Bush Intercontinental | St. Pete-Clearwater International |
| HOU to TPA | William P. Hobby | Tampa International |
| HOU to PIE | William P. Hobby | St. Pete-Clearwater International |
About the airports
- IAH · George Bush Intercontinental
The larger airport, north of the city, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. - HOU · William P. Hobby
Closer to downtown and a good option for domestic trips. - TPA · Tampa International
The main airport for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. - PIE · St. Pete-Clearwater International
A smaller nearby airport with limited service.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Houston: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Houston
Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
Tampa
Winter and spring are dry and mild, which also makes them the peak season. Summers are hot with frequent storms, and hurricane season runs June to November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
How long is Houston to Tampa?
At about 790 miles, Houston to Tampa is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Tampa is 1 hour ahead of Houston, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Houston: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Distances are large, so check where your hotel is before choosing an airport.
Tampa: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Public transit is limited compared with larger metro areas.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Compare both airports when you look at fares, and keep weather in mind if you travel in late summer.
- If you are headed to the beaches, check the distance from your hotel to the airport. It can be longer than expected.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Tampa to Houston?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Houston or all flights from Tampa.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Houston from Tampa?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 790 miles (1,270 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Houston to Tampa?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Houston: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), HOU (William P. Hobby). At Tampa: TPA (Tampa International), PIE (St. Pete-Clearwater International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Tampa is 1 hour ahead of Houston.
When is the best time to fly from Houston to Tampa?
In Houston: Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. In Tampa: Winter and spring are dry and mild, which also makes them the peak season. Summers are hot with frequent storms, and hurricane season runs June to November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Houston to Tampa?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.