The Cross Bay Ferry, which connects downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, has begun its seventh season. The ferry began running on October 15 and will run through June 2024. This is part of a long-term plan to run the ferry year-round and expand.
The Cross Bay Ferry offers residents and visitors alike a unique and enjoyable way to travel between the two Tampa Bay downtown areas of Tampa and St. Petersburg. It is also a great way to avoid the congested roadways and enjoy not only the local attractions but Tampa Bay itself.
Tickets for the Cross Bay Ferry are $12 one way for adults and $10 one way for children. The ferry is free for children 4 years old and younger.
You can board the Cross Bay Ferry in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St. in St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg, the ferry has a new dock located at 250 8th Ave. SE (just south of Albert Whitted Airport).
The Cross Bay Ferry will run Wednesday through Sunday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can catch the ferry in Tampa at 6:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.; in St. Petersburg, the times are 4:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, you can catch it in Tampa at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m.; in St. Petersburg, the times are 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. On Sundays, you can get it in Tampa at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.; in St. Petersburg, the times are 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
When the Tampa Bay Lightning are playing at home, there will be service on Mondays and Tuesdays following the Wednesday and Thursday schedules.
The twin-hull catamaran vessel can carry a maximum of 149 guests, who can bring a bike, up to two pieces of luggage and one small personal item on board for no additional charge.
Residents have embraced the ferry service since its inception. The new landing location at Port St. Pete is in the heart of the Innovation District and will offer ferry riders increased parking and access to some of St. Petersburg’s most exciting destinations.
Katie Collins of Valrico said, “I cannot wait to try the Cross Bay Ferry. I can meet up with friends who live in St. Pete and enjoy the Saturday farmers market and all of the great museums and restaurants located along the bay in St. Pete.”
For more information, please visit www.thecrossbayferry.com.
