St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE – ICAO: KPIE) serves the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and nearby beach communities. Located about 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of downtown St. Petersburg and 27 kilometers (17 miles) west of Tampa, PIE is a convenient alternative to Tampa International Airport for low-cost domestic travel.

The airport serves over 2 million passengers annually and is a major base for Allegiant Air, which offers service to dozens of cities across the U.S.

Unlike large, crowded airports, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is known for having short walking distances from the curbside to the gate and affordable parking options. This makes it easy for families, business travelers, and vacationers to move through the airport quickly and comfortably. For anyone planning a trip in or out of Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport stands out as a smart choice.

General Information

Location: Clearwater, Florida, United States
Country: United States
Airport Type: Public, Commercial
IATA Code: PIE
ICAO Code: KPIE
Elevation: 11 feet (3 metres)
Coordinates: 27°54′31″N 082°41′18″W
Timezone: UTC−5 (EST) / UTC−4 (EDT during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 14 km (9 miles) north of St. Petersburg
Website: www.fly2pie.com
Operator: Pinellas County
Services: Domestic flights, charter services, general aviation, cargo

Parking Information

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport offers several affordable and convenient parking options.

Short-Term Parking

Rate: $2/hour, $18/day max
Distance: Across from the terminal
Ideal For: Quick visits and passenger pick-up/drop-off

Long-Term Parking

Rate: $14/day
Distance: Shuttle or walking distance to the terminal
Suitable For: Extended travel stays

Economy Parking

Rate: $12/day
Distance: Served by airport shuttle
Ideal For: Cost-conscious travelers

Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards
Security: 24/7 monitoring, gated access, lighting

Contact Information

Airport Information Line: +1 727-453-7800
Email: info@fly2pie.com
FBO Coordination: Sheltair Aviation PIE provides business and general aviation services

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: PIE operates primarily domestic flights; limited international charter services may require a passport and a visa based on destination
Crew Requirements: Crew ID, passport, General Declaration for international flights
Transport Options: Rental cars, rideshare apps, taxis, hotel shuttles, public transit via PSTA
Nearby Accommodation:
Close to Airport: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clearwater Airport, St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
In Beach Area: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); major credit cards accepted

Local Attractions

Clearwater Beach

Voted among the top beaches in the U.S., ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and dining.

Salvador Dalí Museum

A world-class collection of surrealist art is located in downtown St. Petersburg.

Pier 60

A popular fishing pier and sunset celebration spot at Clearwater Beach.

Tropicana Field

The home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays is located in downtown St. Petersburg.

Florida Botanical Gardens

Free-entry gardens showcasing tropical plants and seasonal exhibits.

John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk

A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and water excursions.

Travel Tips

Best Times to Park:
Midday and weekdays are typically less busy
Arrive early during peak holidays and spring travel

Additional Notes:
PIE is a smaller airport with fast check-in and security
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal
Accessible facilities and pet relief areas provided
Popular for beach-bound travelers looking to avoid larger airport crowds

Location and Access

PIE is situated on the west coast of Florida, near the northern edge of St. Petersburg and a short drive from Clearwater. The airport sits close to Tampa Bay, making it accessible to travelers from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas.

Major highways like U.S. Highway 19 and the Bayside Bridge connect directly to the airport, providing easy access for cars and public transportation. Parking at PIE is designed for convenience. All gates are just a short walk from curbside and parking areas, so travelers do not have to deal with long walks or shuttles.

The airport is about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, which makes it a popular alternative to the busier Tampa International Airport. Its location also benefits vacationers heading to Gulf Coast beach destinations such as Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, less than 30 minutes away by car.

Airlines and Destinations

Allegiant Air is the primary airline at PIE, offering most of the flights from this airport. Travelers can find affordable non-stop flights to over 60 destinations across the United States. Popular routes include cities in the Midwest, Northeast, and South.

Other airlines may operate on a smaller scale, but Allegiant provides the bulk of passenger service. All flights are non-stop, reducing wait times and layovers for travelers. The airport focuses on serving vacationers and those visiting family and friends in other states.

A single terminal houses all gates, which helps travelers quickly move from check-in to boarding. With fewer crowds and less congestion than larger airports, PIE is often seen as an easy and efficient option for flying in and out of the Tampa Bay area.

Rental Car Information and Requirements

Renters at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport must meet specific age, identification, and payment criteria. Understanding policies before arrival will help save time and avoid surprises at the counter.

Eligibility and Documentation

All renters must be at least 21 to rent a car at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Drivers under 25 may face an underage surcharge. They must also present a valid, unexpired driver’s license in their name.

Learner’s permits and instructional permits are not accepted. Depending on the rental company and country of origin, international drivers may need a passport and an international driving permit alongside their valid driver’s license.

Renters and additional drivers must provide identification that matches the name on the license and payment method. Most agencies require all drivers to be at the pickup to sign the rental contract. Renters are encouraged to check the specific rules with their chosen company to avoid last-minute issues. More details are available from Enterprise’s eligibility policies and Alamo’s driver rules.

Accepted Payment Methods

Most St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport rental companies accept major credit and debit cards in the renter’s name. Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are commonly accepted. Debit cards may need a Visa or Mastercard logo and are subject to extra requirements.

Depending on the rental company and vehicle type, a security deposit or hold is usually placed on a card, ranging from $200 to $500. Prepaid cards and money orders are generally not accepted at the time of rental. Some agencies may take them only when paying the final balance upon return.

Be aware that using a debit card without a return ticketed travel itinerary can limit rental options and cause delays. For more on accepted forms of payment at PIE, visit the St. Pete-Clearwater airport rental car page.

Rental Terms and Policies

Renters must sign a rental agreement summary at the counter before receiving their keys. The contract lists the rental terms, insurance options, return policies, and extra charges such as underage surcharges or fees for additional drivers.

Some companies require insurance verification through a renter’s auto policy or by accepting liability waivers that the rental agency offers. Additional drivers need to meet the exact requirements as the primary renter, including having a valid driver’s license and being present at pickup.

Most agencies prohibit overdrafts or prepaid debit cards from being used for rental deposits. Check for specific rules regarding fuel, mileage, and returning the car after hours, as these can affect the final bill. See the National rental car policies for more information.

Driver and Itinerary Details

All drivers must be listed on the rental agreement to be covered by rental insurance and legally drive the vehicle. Extra fees may apply for each additional driver. Most agencies require additional drivers to be present with their licenses at the counter when the car is picked up.

If paying by debit card, some companies at PIE will require a ticketed return travel itinerary. This usually means showing proof of an outbound airline ticket in the renter’s name to confirm travel plans and help prevent fraud.

Ensure all contact and itinerary information matches the driver’s license and payment card information. Accurate details help ensure a smoother experience and faster service at pickup. For more, see Budget’s rental process and identification requirements.