You're standing at Tampa International (TPA), iced coffee in hand, ready to swap the Gulf humidity for the crisp air of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It sounds simple. You look for Tampa to Roanoke flights and expect a straightforward hop north. But if you’ve spent more than five minutes on a booking site lately, you know it's rarely that linear.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is assuming they have to fly out of TPA.
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you've actually got two very different ways to get to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional (ROA). One involves the polished, easy-to-navigate halls of TPA, and the other involves the smaller, somewhat quirky St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE). Choosing between them isn't just about the price of the ticket; it's about whether you're okay with a layover in Charlotte or if you'd rather fly direct on a budget carrier that only operates on certain days.
The Secret of the Direct Flight
Here is the thing: if you go through Tampa International, you aren't getting a direct flight. Period.
You’ll be stopping. Usually, that’s a layover in Charlotte (CLT) with American Airlines or Atlanta (ATL) with Delta. United will probably drag you through Washington Dulles (IAD). These are the "legacy" routes. They’re reliable, they have better snacks, and they run every single day.
But if you want a nonstop ride, you have to look at Allegiant Air out of PIE.
It’s about a 2-hour flight. Super fast. But—and there's always a "but" with budget airlines—they only fly this route a couple of times a week. Usually, it's a Thursday and Sunday or Monday and Friday kind of deal. If your schedule isn't flexible, Allegiant will break your heart. If it is, you can often snag a seat for under $100.
Breaking Down the Hubs
When you can't catch the Allegiant nonstop, you’re looking at the hub-and-spoke system.
- Charlotte (CLT): This is the most popular connection. About 64% of travelers ending up in Roanoke from Tampa go through here. The layovers are usually tight—sometimes under an hour—which is great for speed but stressful if your first leg is delayed.
- Atlanta (ATL): Delta’s home turf. It’s a massive airport, so expect to ride the Plane Train. It's often the most comfortable way to fly, but usually more expensive than American.
- Washington Dulles (IAD): United's primary connection for this route. It’s a bit further north than you strictly need to go, but it’s a solid backup.
When to Pull the Trigger on Tickets
Prices for Tampa to Roanoke flights are all over the place.
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I’ve seen them as low as $47 one-way on Allegiant and as high as $500 on a last-minute Delta booking. According to data from early 2026, January and February are actually some of the cheapest times to fly this route. Everyone is staying home after the holidays, so the airlines get desperate.
If you’re planning a summer trip to see the Blue Ridge Parkway, book early. July is peak season. You’ll pay a premium for that mountain air.
Interestingly, Thursday is often the cheapest day to fly from TPA. Sundays are the most expensive because you’re competing with everyone heading back to Virginia after a Florida vacation.
Real Talk on Travel Times
If you fly nonstop from PIE, you’re in the air for about 1 hour and 57 minutes. You take off, have a drink, and you're basically landing.
If you take a connecting flight from TPA, you’re looking at 4 to 6 hours total travel time. That’s assuming your connection in Charlotte doesn't turn into a four-hour ordeal because of a summer thunderstorm. It happens more than we'd like to admit.
The Roanoke Landing Experience
When you finally land at ROA, you aren't landing at a massive metro airport. It’s small. It’s charming. You can get from your gate to the rental car counter in about three minutes.
It’s located just a few miles north of downtown Roanoke. If you're heading to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, it’s about a 40-minute drive. There is a shuttle called the Smart Way Bus that connects the airport to Blacksburg for a few bucks, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want to shell out for a rental car.
Actionable Tips for Your Journey
- Check PIE first: If your dates are flexible, search for Allegiant flights from St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) before looking at TPA. The time savings of a nonstop flight are massive.
- Watch the Layovers: If you book through TPA, try to find a connection in Charlotte (CLT). It’s the shortest physical distance and usually offers the fastest total travel time.
- Early Bird Gets the Seat: For the legacy carriers (American, Delta, United), try to book at least 21 days out. For Allegiant, their "dynamic pricing" means the earlier you book, the better.
- Factor in the Fees: Remember that Allegiant charges for everything—carry-ons, seat selection, even printing a boarding pass. That $50 fare can quickly become $120.
If you’re ready to book, start by comparing the Thursday/Sunday schedule at PIE against the daily options at TPA to see which fits your budget and your sanity better.