St. Pete's Guide to Riding the Cross Bay Ferry

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St. Pete's Guide to Riding the Cross Bay Ferry

St. Petersburg, FL (October 11, 2023) - The Cross Bay Ferry will begin its seventh season of operations in St. Petersburg, and across Tampa Bay, beginning Sunday, October 15, with continued service operating for an additional month through June 2024. The service offers residents and visitors a fun, affordable, and congestion-free transportation option between downtown St. Pete and downtown Tampa. 

One big change for this year - the St. Pete departure location has moved! Riders will now depart St. Pete from The Port St. Pete, 250 8th Ave. SE, located in the heart of the Innovation District at the Southeast end of Downtown St. Petersburg. 

Just a short walk from The Port, visitors will be able to enjoy several local restaurants, museums - or catch the free Downtown Looper to connect to hundreds of other destinations and activities. Additionally, there is a parking lot adjacent to the Ferry and parking is free for anyone with a Ferry ticket.

Tips for Riders Coming from St. Pete to Tampa:

Parking Tip: FREE parking for all riders is located just past The Port building - turn right into the lot after passing 250 8th Ave SE. Weekend overflow parking is available in USF Lots nearby for a flat rate of $5 through the Park Mobile App.

Arrival Location: Riders will arrive in Tampa at the Convention Center where they will have access to the streetcars, bike share, and water taxis.

Lightning Games: Reminder, the Ferry runs for all home Lightning games. Check the schedule and cheer on the Bolts! https://www.nhl.com/lightning/

Tips for Riders Coming from Tampa to St. Pete:

Eats: The Port is located just a short walk to The Hangar Restaurant along with The Tavern and Campus Grind, both at USF St. Pete. Insider scoop: The Tavern has one of the best grouper sandwiches in Tampa Bay.

Activities: The options are endless - The Dali Museum, Saturday Morning Market, Mahaffey Theater, and Albert Whitted Park are all in walking distance to enjoy.

Getting Around:

  1. Micro mobility options are available on site - both Lime Bike Share and E-Scooters are right outside The Port gate.

  2. The closest Looper Trolley stop is about 3 blocks north of the Ferry stop for a quick shuttle downtown. Pick up location: The Hangar Restaurant

  3. Reminder, riders can bring their bikes on the Ferry. The Pinellas Trail, just minutes from The Port, is an awesome trail to get around St. Pete.

Ferry Map

For schedules, tickets, and more information on the Cross Bay Ferry, visit www.thecrossbayferry.com.