Route guide
Cheap Flights from Tampa to New Orleans: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 490 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 15 min – 2 h 15 min
- Airports
- 2 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Tampa and New Orleans: 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: Tampa to New Orleans is about 490 miles (790 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min. New Orleans is 1 hour behind Tampa. Tampa has 2 airports to compare and New Orleans has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
Tampa International serves the whole Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Gulf beaches. New Orleans' airport lies west of the city, roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| TPA to MSY | Tampa International | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
| PIE to MSY | St. Pete-Clearwater International | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International |
About the airports
- TPA · Tampa International
The main airport for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. - PIE · St. Pete-Clearwater International
A smaller nearby airport with limited service. - MSY · Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
About 15 miles west of the French Quarter.
When to go and what to expect
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.
New Orleans
February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, 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 Tampa to New Orleans?
At about 490 miles, Tampa to New Orleans is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Time zones and timing
New Orleans is 1 hour behind Tampa, so you land at a local time 1 hour earlier than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Tampa: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Public transit is limited compared with larger metro areas.
New Orleans: Shuttles, taxis and ride-hail run between the airport and downtown.
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.
- If you are headed to the beaches, check the distance from your hotel to the airport. It can be longer than expected.
- Festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest raise demand sharply, so book earlier if your trip overlaps with them.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying New Orleans to Tampa?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Tampa or all flights from New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tampa from New Orleans?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 490 miles (790 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Tampa to New Orleans?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 15 min to 2 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 Tampa: TPA (Tampa International), PIE (St. Pete-Clearwater International). At New Orleans: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
New Orleans is 1 hour behind Tampa.
When is the best time to fly from Tampa to New Orleans?
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. In New Orleans: February through May and the fall are popular. Mardi Gras dates change each year, usually falling in February or March. Summers are hot, 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.
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.