The journey from DuBois to Tampa spans approximately 1,850 kilometers. Most travelers drive south via I-79 to I-77 and I-95, taking about 18 hours of pure driving time. Alternatively, you can drive 1.5 hours to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) for a direct flight to Tampa International Airport (TPA). This route crosses through the Appalachian Mountains and the coastal plains of the Carolinas. Expect significant traffic near Charlotte and Savannah during peak hours. The climate transition from Pennsylvania winters to Florida humidity is dramatic.
Total Distance: 1,850 km driving distance; 1,520 km straight-line air distance.
|
Connecting
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 hours including layover | 18 hours |
| Avg Price | $150-$400 | $250-$350 in fuel |
| Operator | Southwest Airlines | Personal Vehicle |
| Route | PIT to TPA via BWI or ATL. | I-79 S to I-77 S to I-95 S to I-4 W. |
| Tip | Book at least three weeks in advance for the lowest fares. | Stop in Columbia, South Carolina to break up the long drive. |
March to May for mild weather and avoiding peak hurricane season.