SkyConnect Frequently Asked Questions

SkyConnect and new Rental Car Center are now open.

SKYCONNECT

What is the SkyConnect?
   The SkyConnect is Tampa International Airport’s new people-mover. It connects the Main Terminal to the Economy Garage and the new Rental Car Center.

How long does it take to get between the Main Terminal and the Rental Car Center?
   Less than five minutes, and that includes the stop time at the Economy Garage

How often do trains come? 
   Trains arrive at each station roughly every two minutes. That means if you have just missed the train, you will wait about two minutes for the next one.

Are bag carts allowed on the train?
   Yes                                                 

Can I come out and ride the SkyConnect for fun?
   Yes, The SkyConnect is pre-security. Short Term Parking at Tampa International Airport is free for the first hour.

Can I pick up an arriving passenger at the Rental Car Center instead of coming all the way to the terminal?
   Yes, after the arriving passenger claims their luggage, have them follow the signs in the Main Terminal to the train. When they exit the train at the Rental Car Center, follow signs to the Remote Curbside, which is accessible to all public vehicles.

What hours does the SkyConnect operate?
   The SkyConnect operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

GETTING TO THE RENTAL CAR CENTER AND ECONOMY PARKING GARAGE

I just got off a flight and I need to get to the Rental Car Center. How do I do it?
   If you have luggage, proceed to the bag claim as normal. You will then take an elevator or large escalator directly to the Boarding Level of the Main Terminal SkyConnect station. The train will take you directly to your rental car company counter. Everything is clearly marked with signage.

   If you do not have luggage, walk from the Airside to the Main Terminal SkyConnect station. The entrance is located between P.F. Chang’s and Hard Rock Café. It is clearly marked on overhead signs. Once you get into the station, take the escalator or elevator up one level to the Boarding Level. Get on the SkyConnect and take it to the Rental Car Center.

I’m trying to return my rental car. How do I do it?
   Enter the Airport through the main entrance and follow the signage for the Rental Car Center. The Rental Car Center is located just south of the Economy Parking Garage. Once you return your vehicle, you will board the SkyConnect train bound for the Main Terminal.

 

GETTING TO THE SKYCONNECT STATION FROM THE ECONOMY GARAGE

From your parking location, take the nearest elevator down to Level 1 of the parking garage. Follow the signs to the moving walkway which will take you to the elevators at the SkyConnect station. 

 

RENTAL CAR COMPANIES

What Rental Car companies are located at the Airport? 
   Avis, Budget, Payless, Zipcar; Enterprise, Alamo, National; Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty; Ace; Advantage; E-Z; Executive; Fox; Sixt

Why do we have a new Rental Car Center?
   The new Rental Car Center doubles the number of rental car brands at the airport, creating more competition. It is more efficient, meaning passengers will get in and out faster, and it helps decongest the Airport’s curbsides and roadways. It’s critically important to accommodate future passenger growth.

 

REMOTE BAGGAGE CHECK

Can I check my luggage at the Rental Car Center? 
   Most domestic passengers can check their luggage using the Remote Bag Check Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Passengers must arrive 90 minutes prior to departure to use Remote Bag Check. Participating airlines include: American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

Can I print my boarding pass at the Rental Car Center?
   Yes, TPA has common use boarding pass kiosks for all passengers.

Is there a fee for the service?
   No, there is no additional fee for this service, however, any baggage fees imposed by the airline, including oversized and overweight baggage fees, still apply. Fees can be paid at check-in, if prior arrangements have not already been made.

If I am legally transporting a firearm in my checked bag, can I use the remote baggage check?
   No, travelers lawfully transporting firearms in their checked luggage, must take it in person to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm and satisfy any additional requirements per airline policy.

 

Fun Facts

VEHICLE STORAGE: The Rental Car Center can hold more than 6,000 vehicles

PEAK RENTALS: The Center can handle an estimated 1,550 returns and 1,541 rentals per hour.

MORE PASSENGER PARKING: Moving rental car operations out of Long Term Parking will free up about 2,400 parking spaces.

DECONGESTED ROADS, CURBSIDES: The new Rental Car Center takes 2.7 million rental car trips off the roadways annually.

WASHING & FUELING: TPA’s new Rental Car Center features 30 car wash bays and 144 fuel dispensers

CUSTOMER SERVICE BUILDING: The Rental Car Center’s public-facing Customer Service building is more than 600-feet long – twice the length of a football field – and 50 feet wide for a total of 100,650 square feet.

ECONOMY STATION: At 404 feet, the Economy Garage station is the longest station. The Rental Car Center station is next longest at 307 feet.

NEW PUBLIC ART WORKS: To date, TPA has commissioned eight new public art works related to Master Plan Phase 1.

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