Cross Bay Ferry Service Between St. Pete, Tampa Returns

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Cross Bay Ferry launches its sixth season of service between St. Petersburg and Tampa Wednesday.

The ferry connects the downtown areas of both cities, offering a scenic, car-free option to travel between them, the city of St. Petersburg said in a news release.

The service’s last season was its most successful since it began, transporting a record-breaking number of passengers — 62,130 riders — from October 2021 through May. That’s 10,000 more than the previous record.

“We look forward to welcoming back the Cross Bay Ferry for another great season,” Ken Welch, mayor of St. Petersburg, said. “Connecting Tampa Bay’s beautiful cities by water provides a one-of-a-kind way to view our pristine bay, all while offering convenient destinations. Whether you’re heading to a Rays game, watching the puck drop at a Lightning game, or visiting cultural institutions like the Dalí and Florida Aquarium, there’s something for everyone to experience.”

Related Stories:

• Pinellas Commission Ends Ferry Agreement; Cross Bay Ferry In Jeopardy
• Tampa-St. Petersburg Cross-Bay Ferry Finishes Record-Breaking Season
• Cross Bay Ferry Agreement With St. Pete Approved By County Commission

Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “This ferry represents more to our community than just a single-rider entertainment excursion. We see a day on the horizon when Hillsborough residents ride the ferry for their daily commute to work or play in our downtown or seamlessly connect to our SunRunner bus rapid transit to hit our award-winning beaches.”

The SunRunner, the PSTA’s new bus rapid transit service between downtown St. Petersburg and the beaches, launches Friday.

The Cross Bay Ferry is a collaboration between Hillsborough County, the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, and the Florida Department of Transportation that is working to build the ferry into a long-term local transportation resource, the news release said. Hillsborough serves as the lead government sponsor for the initiative.

The ferry, operated by HMS Ferries Inc., will once again offer an extended season with an additional month of service, running from Oct. 19 at 4:45 p.m. until May.

Later evening departures will also be available, with final departure times from Tampa as late as 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Cross Bay Ferry will operate from the same terminal locations as in previous seasons. In Tampa, the ferry will depart from the dock at the Tampa Convention Center, and in St. Petersburg, from the dock at North Straub Park, near the Vinoy Marina.

First departures from St. Petersburg will start at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Final departures from Tampa will be at 10:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays.

A one-way trip costs $12 for adults and $8for seniors, children 5 to 18 years old, college students and members of the military. The ferry is free for children 4 and younger.