Route guide
Cheap Flights from Seattle to Tampa: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 2,520 mi
- Typical flight time
- 5 h 15 min – 6 h 15 min
- Airports
- 1 × 2
- Time difference
- 3 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Seattle 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: Seattle to Tampa is about 2,520 miles (4,060 km) and a typical flight takes 5 h 15 min to 6 h 15 min. Tampa is 3 hours ahead of Seattle. Seattle has 1 airport to compare and Tampa has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Seattle's airport is connected to downtown by light rail, which makes arrival simple even at busy times. Tampa International serves the whole Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Gulf beaches.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SEA to TPA | Seattle-Tacoma International | Tampa International |
| SEA to PIE | Seattle-Tacoma International | St. Pete-Clearwater International |
About the airports
- SEA · Seattle-Tacoma International
Connected to downtown by Link light rail. - 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 Seattle: Delta Air Lines, Alaska 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
Seattle
July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower.
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 Seattle to Tampa?
At about 2,520 miles, Seattle to Tampa is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.
Time zones and timing
Tampa is 3 hours ahead of Seattle, so you land at a local time 3 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date.
Getting between the airport and town
Seattle: Link light rail runs from the airport to downtown in roughly 40 minutes.
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.
- Alaska cruises depart from the city roughly from spring through early fall, which can lift demand and hotel prices at that time.
- 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 Seattle?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Seattle or all flights from Tampa.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Seattle from Tampa?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,520 miles (4,060 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Seattle to Tampa?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 5 h 15 min to 6 h 15 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 Seattle: SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International). 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 3 hours ahead of Seattle.
When is the best time to fly from Seattle to Tampa?
In Seattle: July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower. 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 Seattle to Tampa?
Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines and Alaska 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.