Will there be traffic to Tampa?

[stormer]

We had planned on driving to DIsney for February trip (President's week). As the trip gets closer, my DH is dreading the drive again. I can get flights to Tampa airport for a decent price. Coming home the flight would be on Friday night at 7:30. Mapquest says it is a 1 hour and 14 minute drive. Would we need to figure in traffic at that time on a Friday night? We are from NY so there is always traffic, not sure how traffic is in Florida!

 

[Rpsemont]

We have flown in and out of Tampa a couple times and there can be traffic. But IHave not done it in a few years. Do a google search on Tampa traffic - especially tomorrow night - a Friday - around 5:30PM and see how it looks. However, this is probably a light work week. If I had a 7:30 Departure - I would want to be at TPA by 6PM - I would probably leave WDW at 4PM allowing 2 hours to get there. All you need is one accident that jams traffic and the everyone ends up stressing.

But I would rather sit iin traffic or at an airport for 2 hours, then drive the 20 hours it would take us
Anne

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Traffic on I-4 will be heavy but moving on Friday between Lakeland and Tampa. The few miles on I-275 from the I-4 junction to the Tampa Airport exit will likely be crawling. Allow extra time.

BobK/Orlando

 

[stormer]

Thanks for the advice. I would much rather be there early then stress in traffic. Like you said it is still better than driving all the way to NY!

 

[Capt_BJ]

Traffic on I-4 will be heavy but moving on Friday between Lakeland and Tampa. The few miles on I-275 from the I-4 junction to the Tampa Airport exit will likely be crawling. Allow extra time.

BobK/Orlando

concur

weekday rush hour in TAMPA is a killer .... nothing like DC or NY but still bad by our standard here in FL.

Unfortunately the path from Disney to the airport in Tampa is pretty much along the major 'rush hour' corridor {I-4, to I-275, to FL-589}

so plan to go early - get thru b4 4pm and you'll have less stress. Tampa airport has a lot of nice places for a meal or a drink so get there early and chill . . .

 

[DVC-Don]

Plus, if there is an accident I-4 quickly turns into a parking lot.