St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a public airport in Pinellas County serving the Tampa Bay region, including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. PIE is about 10 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg and offers convenient access to Gulf Coast beaches, sports venues, museums, and resort areas. Many travelers choose PIE for its smaller scale and generally easier curb-to-gate experience compared with larger airports in the region, including Tampa International Airport.
PIE serves millions of passengers in a typical year and is especially popular with leisure travelers. Allegiant is the airport’s primary scheduled airline, while additional service may vary by season and airline schedules. For many visitors, the appeal of PIE is simple: a compact terminal, relatively short walking distances, and quick access to the St. Pete–Clearwater area.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminal Layout: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport has a single passenger terminal that is generally organized around Concourse A and Concourse B. Its compact layout helps keep walking distances manageable and makes the airport easy to navigate for most travelers.
- Check-In Area: Airline check-in counters are located near the main entrance, helping passengers move quickly from curbside arrival to ticketing and security.
- Gates: The gates are located beyond the security checkpoint, with seating and basic traveler amenities nearby. Because PIE is a smaller airport, the overall passenger flow is often simpler than at larger hubs.
2. Amenities and Services: Although PIE is smaller than many Florida airports, travelers can usually expect the essentials, including food and drink service, basic retail, restrooms, and airline customer service counters. Specific concession names and hours may change over time.
- Dining and Shopping: The terminal typically includes a small mix of casual dining, beverages, snacks, and travel-essential retail. Check the official airport website for the latest concession lineup and operating hours.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the terminal.
- Pet Relief Areas: Designated pet relief areas are available for travelers with pets or service animals.
- Accessibility and Passenger Assistance: PIE provides accessible facilities, and wheelchair assistance can typically be arranged through your airline. If you need additional help, contact your airline before travel when possible.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport provides several transportation options for passengers heading to nearby beach communities, downtown districts, and regional attractions.
- Rental Cars: PIE offers on-site rental car service from major providers. Company availability can change, but renting a car remains one of the easiest ways to explore the Tampa Bay area and Gulf Coast at your own pace.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and app-based rides such as Uber and Lyft are typically available outside the terminal. Follow airport signage for current pickup locations.
- Hotel and Private Shuttles: Some nearby hotels and private transportation companies offer shuttle service. Availability varies, so it is best to confirm with your hotel or transportation provider before arrival.
2. Parking: PIE usually offers a mix of short-term, long-term, and economy parking options to meet different traveler needs. Rates, lot availability, and shuttle operations may change, so check the official airport website before your trip.
- Short-Term Parking: Best for quick visits, passenger pickups, and drop-offs.
- Long-Term Parking: A practical choice for travelers leaving a vehicle at the airport for multiple days.
- Economy Parking: Budget-friendly parking may be available, sometimes with shuttle service depending on airport operations.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is well placed for visitors who want quick access to beaches, museums, waterfront districts, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are arriving for a full vacation or just want to make the most of your time in the area, there is plenty to do within a relatively short drive.
1. Clearwater Beach: About 30 minutes away, traffic permitting, Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s best-known beach destinations, celebrated for its broad white sand and calm Gulf waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and boat excursions from the marina. Pier 60 is especially popular around sunset, when the area often hosts entertainers, vendors, and family-friendly activity.
2. St. Petersburg’s Downtown and Waterfront: Roughly 20 minutes from PIE, downtown St. Petersburg is a lively area for dining, arts, and waterfront walks. The St. Pete Pier offers scenic views of Tampa Bay, public spaces, restaurants, and family-friendly features. Nearby cultural highlights include the Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium: About 30 minutes from the airport, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is known for its marine rescue and rehabilitation work. Visitors can learn about rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other marine life through exhibits and educational programs focused on conservation.
4. St. Pete Beach: A drive of about 30 to 40 minutes can bring you to St. Pete Beach, a laid-back coastal destination known for soft sand, Gulf views, and a wide range of restaurants and beach bars. Visitors can relax on the shoreline, rent paddleboards, or explore Pass-a-Grille for a quieter historic beach-town feel.
5. Fort De Soto Park: Located roughly 40 to 50 minutes from the airport, Fort De Soto Park is a standout destination for beaches, kayaking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and historic exploration. Its natural scenery and open space make it a favorite for visitors who want a more outdoors-focused Gulf Coast experience.
6. The Dalí Museum: The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg houses one of the world’s most notable collections of works by Salvador Dalí outside Europe. Its striking architecture, waterfront setting, and rotating exhibits make it a top stop for art lovers and first-time visitors alike.
7. Tropicana Field: Sports fans may want to visit Tropicana Field, the longtime home venue associated with the Tampa Bay Rays and a major landmark near downtown St. Petersburg. Event schedules, stadium access, and future use can change, so check current listings before making a special trip.
Vicinity of St. Pete-Clearwater International
Dining and Shopping at PIE
1. Dining Options: Food service at PIE is convenient rather than extensive. Travelers can generally expect a small mix of quick bites, drinks, coffee, and casual meal options in the terminal, but hours and availability may vary by date and flight schedule.
- Before Security: Choices may be limited, so greeters and arriving passengers may want to plan ahead.
- After Security: Most food and beverage options are typically found in the secure gate area.
- Early and Late Flights: Not every concession keeps the same hours, especially on very early morning or late evening travel days.
2. Shopping: Shopping at PIE is modest, but travelers can usually pick up basics before boarding.
- Travel Essentials and Souvenirs: Expect a newsstand-style retail option or similar shop selling reading material, snacks, beverages, chargers, and Florida-themed gifts. Specific stores may change over time.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport Official Website
https://fly2pie.com/
Find current flight information, parking updates, terminal details, and passenger services at PIE. - Parking and Ground Transportation
https://fly2pie.com/
Use the official airport website’s parking and transportation sections for the latest information on lots, rates, rental cars, rideshare pickup, and ground transportation. - Things to Do in Clearwater and St. Petersburg
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/
Explore attractions, events, beaches, and trip-planning ideas for the St. Pete–Clearwater area.
Additional Details
- Location: 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33762.
- Public Transportation: Public transit connections in the area are more limited than at some larger airports. If you plan to use local bus service, verify current routes and stops with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) before travel.
- Parking: PIE typically offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking, but rates and availability may change.
- Accessibility: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is accessible for passengers with disabilities, with services such as accessible parking and airline-arranged wheelchair assistance.
