Cross-Bay Ferry Starts Its Round-Trips Between Tampa, St. Pete In October

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Cross-Bay Ferry is entering its fifth season of service in Tampa Bay Oct. 21 providing transportation between downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa for the next seven months, a news release said.

New Extended Schedule

During 2021 and 2022, the ferry will offer an extended season, with an additional month of service, and an expanded daily schedule with later evening runs. Later evening departures will also be available with final departure times from Tampa as late as 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Service ends May 22.

"Thanks to a great partnership between four local governments, one of the most exciting and reliable ways to travel across Tampa Bay is back," Matt Miller, president of HMS Ferries, said.

Docks and Departures
The Cross Bay Ferry will operate from the same terminal locations as last season. In St. Petersburg, the ferry will leave from the dock at North Straub Park, near the Vinoy Marina. First departures from St. Petersburg will start at 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. Sundays. Final departures from Tampa will be at 10:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7:30 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket Pricing
The price for adults will be the same as last season: $10 one-way and $20 roundtrip for adults; $8 one-way and $16 roundtrip for seniors (age 65 and over), youths (ages 5 to 18), members of the military (active or retired), and college students; and free service for children age 4 and under. This year the Cross-Bay Ferry will also offer people who use a wheelchair a discounted rate of $5 one-way and $10 roundtrip.

Residents and visitors can view the full schedule and purchase tickets online at www.thecrossbayferry.com, or visit the dockside ticket booths in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Regional Cooperation

The Cross-Bay Ferry is a regional collaboration between Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, the city of Tampa, and the city of St. Petersburg. Beginning this year, Hillsborough County becomes the lead governmental sponsor, taking the reins from the city of St. Petersburg.

“Hillsborough County is proud to take the lead on continuing this unique regional partnership,” Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp said.

The ferry vessel is a twin-hull aluminum catamaran that can carry a maximum of 149 guests at an average speed of 30 mph. The vessel has a full-service bar with basic food service. Passengers may bring up to two pieces of luggage and one small personal item at no extra charge, and they may also bring bikes on board. Customer surveys will also be taken regularly to improve service and gain better insight into how future permanent service can be structured.

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