ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Cross Bay Ferry is back.
- Cross Bay Ferry service returns Nov. 1
- Ferry service runs between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg
- New, lower ferry price and later hours
- Cross Bay Ferry
And not only is the shuttle that connects Tampa and St. Petersburg's downtowns back in operation starting Thursday, the service will be cheaper and run later.
Cross Bay Ferry operators announced Tuesday the return of the service and new prices.
The adjusted ferry prices will be $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-18, and discounts for seniors, active/retired military and college students.
In St. Petersburg, the ferry will dock near the Vinoy, within walking distance of Straub Park, the Museum of Fine Arts and the shops and restaurants along Beach Drive. In Tampa, the ferry will dock adjacent to the Florida Aquarium, just steps away from Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena, the Tampa Bay History Center and the Tampa Riverwalk.
The ferry adds a great new mode of access to enjoy both cities and is again supported by a unique collaboration between the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. The municipalities are splitting the cost of the $700,000, each paying their portion from existing taxpayer dollars.
Like the first season, the Cross-Bay Ferry will run six months from November through April. The “Provincetown III” is a high-speed catamaran design that provides a smooth, comfortable ride with plenty of space outside and wide, comfortable seating inside. There will be a well-stocked café with coffees, pastries, snacks, wine, beer and cocktails available.
The ride across the Bay takes about 50 minutes.
The Cross-Bay Ferry will run Tuesday through Sunday, with new, late-evening runs so people can enjoy both cities. For instance, people from Tampa can take a 5:30 p.m. run to St. Petersburg, have dinner, and take a 10 p.m. run back to Tampa.
Similarly, people in St. Petersburg can take a 4 p.m. run to Tampa to see a hockey game and take an 11 p.m. run back home. Fridays and Saturdays will have four roundtrips.
The ultimate goal is to have ferry service seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ticket prices
One-way tickets will cost $8 for adults, $3 for youth (5-18) and $5 for Seniors, Military (Active/Retired) and college students. Children under 4 are free.
Schedule
Sunday Departures
STP – 4pm TPA – 5:30pm
STP – 9pm TPA – 10pm
Monday – No service
Tuesday – Thursday Departures
STP – 4:30pm TPA – 5:45pm
STP – 9:15pm TPA – 10:45pm
Friday – Saturday Departures
STP – 10am TPA – 11:30pm
STP – 1pm TPA – 2:30pm
STP – 4pm TPA – 5:30pm
STP – 10pm TPA – 11pm
Tickets
Passengers can purchase tickets at the docks in St. Petersburg and Tampa, or at www.TheCrossBayFerry.com. You can also call (727) 273-5932.
Transit Time
The trip between St. Pete/Tampa is expected to take about 50 minutes, subject to weather and other vessel traffic.
Dock in Tampa/St. Petersburg
In Tampa, the ferry will dock adjacent to the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive. In St. Petersburg, the ferry will dock at the North Yacht (“Vinoy”) Basin, adjacent to North Straub Park – roughly 418 Bayshore Drive NE.
Disabled Accessibility
Yes, accommodations can be made for guests with disabilities. The vessel design supports ADA needs. Feel free to contact the Customer Service department before your voyage for any information.
Beer/Wine, Restrooms
The vessel has a café with a selection of beer, wines and cocktails. The ferry is equipped with two restrooms on the main deck, including one that is ADA-accessible.
Bikes
The Cross-Bay Ferry encourages bike transit and happily provides space aboard for bikes. For capacity reasons, the vessel can accommodate up to 30 bicycles at a time. No charge to carry on bikes.