Loading map...
CLE → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior scenic experience, featuring a mix of the Appalachian mountain range mid-flight and a spectacular coastal approach over the Gulf of Mexico and the famous beaches of the Florida Suncoast during descent.
Search flights from CLE to TPA
Cuyahoga Valley
Views of the winding Cuyahoga River and the dense forests of the National Park south of Cleveland.
Blue Ridge Peaks
Vistas of the higher southern Appalachian summits and the sprawling Nantahala National Forest.
Clearwater Beach
Breathtaking views of the turquoise Gulf waters and the white sands of Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands during descent.
The Sunshine Skyway
On clear days during a southern approach, the iconic yellow cables of the Skyway Bridge are visible in the distance.
Old Tampa Bay
A low-altitude pass over the Howard Frankland Bridge and the shimmering waters of the bay just moments before touchdown.
The right side is highly recommended for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. For the best views of the Florida coastline, choose this side as the typical landing pattern for TPA brings the plane right along the Pinellas County beaches before banking into the bay. Keep your camera ready as you pass 10,000 feet for the best coastal clarity.
Book Hotels in Tampa
Cleveland Skyline
Excellent views of the Terminal Tower and downtown Cleveland immediately after departure if the aircraft turns south.
Appalachian Ridges
The corrugated landscape of the West Virginia and Virginia mountains provides striking textures and shadows.
Charlotte Metro
Visuals of the dense urban center of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the busy aviation hub of Douglas International.
Central Florida Lakes
As you descend, look for the thousands of small, circular lakes that dot the landscape of north-central Florida.
Tampa Urban Core
Aerial perspective of Ybor City, the Port of Tampa, and the downtown skyscrapers on the final approach into TPA.
Sit on the left side during morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. This side is better for spotting the urban centers of the Carolinas and Georgia. During the final descent into TPA, look for the unique intersection of the Hillsborough River and the bay near the downtown area.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,495 km (929 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs
Departure: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.