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$232 Cheap Flights from Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA)

View $232 flight on Wed, Sep 30, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA)

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Cheap Flights from Columbia to Tampa (CAE-TPA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $232 for one-way flights and $299 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$299 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Sep 16 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $299 found 6 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Jan 9 - Sat, Jan 16
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$305 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$305
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Jan 9 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Sat, Jan 16, priced at $305 found 12 hours ago
United
Fri, Jan 1 - Fri, Jan 8
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$312 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$312
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Jan 1 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Fri, Jan 8, priced at $312 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Fri, Nov 13 - Tue, Nov 17
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$322 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $322 found 13 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$326 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $326 found 6 hours ago
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$328 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $328 found 3 days ago
Delta
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$331 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$331
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $331 found 13 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Thu, Nov 5
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$334 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Thu, Nov 5, priced at $334 found 6 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$335 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 16 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $335 found 6 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Apr 21 - Tue, Apr 27
CAE
Columbia
TPA
Tampa
$357 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$357
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Apr 21 from Columbia to Tampa, returning Tue, Apr 27, priced at $357 found 7 hours ago

Alternative airports near Tampa

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Tampa Intl. TPA. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $314
TPA
Tampa Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $314

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $262 - $496 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Columbia Metropolitan to Tampa Intl.

Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA) at a glance

Travel from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) on this convenient domestic route. Take advantage of a range of airlines offering flights, allowing you to compare options to find the best itinerary for your budget and schedule. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Columbia or planning your next trip to explore Tampa's iconic attractions, you'll find all the essential details for flights from CAE to TPA right here.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$425, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Based on recent bookings from travelers, here are the top airlines flying from Columbia to Tampa, often favored for their one-stop services. Common layover spots include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 1-hour layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a longer layover of around 2 hours and 45 minutes. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal travel plan.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, dominating about 51% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $155 and $410, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of around 4 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta accounts for approximately 46% of departures and offers one-stop service. Typical one-way fares range from $145 to $440, with a flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel duration of about 4 hours, factoring in the layover.
  • United: Representing about 3% of departures, United is a full-service carrier that provides one-stop flights. One-way fares usually vary from $150 to $400, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours, including layover time.

Travelers flying from Columbia to Tampa can opt for an upgrade, as Delta provides premium economy class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbia to Tampa are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Tampa reach up to 73.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 83.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $224). Flight availability peaks in January, October, and December, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $224, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $239.
  • Most flight options: January, October, and December have the highest number of flights from Columbia to Tampa, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January60.8°F (16.0°C)High11$283
February64.4°F (18.0°C)Average8$299
March67.6°F (19.8°C)High10$302
April73.4°F (23.0°C)High8$294
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Average10$259
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Average10$281
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Low8$258
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Low8$224
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Low8$239
October76.1°F (24.5°C)Average11$306
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Average8$285
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Average11$293

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA)

  • Columbia to Tampa (CAE-TPF): Peter O. Knight Airport (TPF) is located approximately 7 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
  • Columbia to St. Petersburg (CAE-PIE): St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) lies about 11 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
  • Aiken to Tampa (AIK-TPA): Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK) is situated roughly 38 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to Tampa (TPA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia to Tampa is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesdays generally yields cheaper prices, while Fridays remain the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Tampa International Airport from Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Tampa welcomes travelers from Columbia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from central Columbia. Here's how to reach Tampa efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Tampa, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Tampa International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tampa International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Tampa International Airport, Tampa Seaport, a seaport, is located about 9 miles away by car, while Tampa Union Station, a train station, is approximately 9.2 miles from the airport and also reached conveniently by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $232 and cheap return flights from $299 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $255 and $810, and roundtrip flights usually range from $431 to $1203. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CAE to TPA is September when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
Enter CAE to TPA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This early start can help you maximize your time in sunny Tampa. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Tampa, FL (TPA) are between 6am and 9am. About 24% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you start your day early and arrive in Tampa with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
Flights from CAE to TPA with one stop typically take around 6 hours, covering approximately 421 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CAE to TPA route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Tampa from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?
From Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), you can fly into Tampa Intl. (TPA) to reach Tampa. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) before reaching Tampa. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) Tampa Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Columbia Metropolitan
Destination airport
Tampa Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$298
Distance
420 mi

Book with confidence

Columbia to Tampa Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbia to Tampa

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbia to Tampa are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbia to Tampa with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Columbia to Tampa

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbia to Tampa: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbia to Tampa

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbia to Tampa in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $232 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbia to Tampa flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbia to Tampa airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Columbia to Tampa Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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