Cross-Bay Ferry returns to Tampa Bay
The Cross-Bay Ferry will begin its seventh season of operations across Tampa Bay beginning on October 15, 2023. The service offers residents and visitors alike a fun, affordable, and congestion-free transportation option between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg.
This season, the service will begin ferrying passengers across the bay beginning on October 15 with continued service operating for an additional month until June 2024. Ticket information and complete schedules are available at www.thecrossbayferry.com.
While the Cross-Bay Ferry will again operate from the same terminal location in Tampa near the Tampa Convention Center, this season the ferry will travel to and from a new location in St. Petersburg at 250 8th Ave SE. The Port is located in the heart of the Innovation District at the South end of Downtown St. Petersburg. Just a short walk from the St. Pete Port, visitors will be able to reach the Dali Museum, Mahaffey Theater, USF St. Pete, and Albert Whitted Park - or catch the free Downtown Looper to connect to hundreds of other destinations and activities.
Additionally, there is a surface parking lot immediately adjacent to the Ferry and parking is free for anyone with a Ferry ticket.
“Every year, Tampa Bay residents and visitors alike continue to prove that Tampa Bay can lead the nation in establishing sustainable, reliable, and successful ferry transportation that the community can depend on,” said Matt Miller, president, HMS Ferries. “With consecutive years of record ridership and a robust community partner program, this season promises to be another successful year of providing riders with a uniquely accessible and affordable transportation option between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete. We look forward to welcoming thousands of ferry fans onboard.”
“We are delighted about the arrival of the Cross Bay ferry in the Tampa Bay Area. This moment marks a significant step towards enhancing our region’s transportation and connectivity,” said Michael Ball, Tampa Bay Ferries Alliance Board of Directors Chairman. “With the ferry’s presence, we are closer to realizing a vision of accessible, eco-friendly, and enjoyable travel throughout our beautiful coastal communities. The Tampa Bay Ferries Alliance proudly supports the ferry as it builds on its record-setting ridership and tremendous community support for permanent year-round ferry service, making our region more vibrant, connected, and sustainable for all.”
The Cross-Bay Ferry is a regional collaboration between Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Tampa, the City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County. Hillsborough County is currently the lead governmental sponsor.