Sevastopol Cross Bay Ferry
Ride the scenic Cross Bay Ferry between Tampa and St. Pete, avoiding traffic with onboard drinks and stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid game day traffic
Sevastopol Cross Bay Ferry
Best Time
Avoid game day traffic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the scenic Cross Bay Ferry between Tampa and St. Pete, avoiding traffic with onboard drinks and stunning bay views.
"The $24 roundtrip ticket from Tampa to St Pete was well worth it! Definitely a great way to avoid the Bay area traffic!"
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Avoid disappointment! Purchase tickets in advance, especially for events, and add to your digital wallet.
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking near the Tampa terminal can be pricey ($20-30/day). Factor this into your budget.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Bay Crossing
Tampa Bay
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tampa skyline and the bay as you cruise across the water. A perfect photo opportunity!
Onboard Bar Experience
Ferry Cabin
Sip on cocktails or enjoy a cold beer while you sail. It's a great way to start your outing or relax on the return trip.
Event Transportation
Tampa Convention Center & St. Pete Pier
The perfect, hassle-free way to get to Tampa Bay Lightning games or explore downtown St. Pete.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Traffic, Ride the Bay
Book Ahead, Especially for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Avoid disappointment! Purchase tickets in advance, especially for events, and add to your digital wallet.
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking near the Tampa terminal can be pricey ($20-30/day). Factor this into your budget.
🍹 Onboard Refreshments
Enjoy drinks and snacks on board, but be aware prices are typical for event venues.
🚎 St. Pete Trolley Access
A free trolley often waits at the St. Pete dock, connecting you to attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Avoid disappointment! Purchase tickets in advance, especially for events, and add to your digital wallet.
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking near the Tampa terminal can be pricey ($20-30/day). Factor this into your budget.
🍹 Onboard Refreshments
Enjoy drinks and snacks on board, but be aware prices are typical for event venues.
🚎 St. Pete Trolley Access
A free trolley often waits at the St. Pete dock, connecting you to attractions.
💨 Outdoor Seating Caution
Be mindful of exhaust fumes if sitting outside near the back before departure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Cross Bay Ferry is widely praised as a fantastic way to avoid traffic and enjoy scenic views between Tampa and St. Pete. Passengers love the onboard bar and the convenience for events, though some note the ferry's older model and the cost of parking in Tampa. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile and enjoyable travel experience.
"The $24 roundtrip ticket from Tampa to St Pete was well worth it! Definitely a great way to avoid the Bay area traffic! The ferry itself, seems to be an older model but it was well kept and provided a smooth ride. The employees were very pleasant. I recommend you purchase your tickets ahead of time because they do sell out. I liked the fact that there was a free trolley waiting for us when we arrived on the St Pete side. My only complaint is that I assumed there was a designated parking garage for passengers to park their cars, for free, while using the ferry; however, I was wrong. We ended parking near the Tampa Convention Center. Parking in that area can range between $20-30 per day, in the private parking garages or you can opt for on the street parking which was roughly $2 and change per hour."
M Rodriguez
"I LOVED riding the ferry to Tampa for a lightning game! It was so much easier, cheaper, and more relaxing than driving and looking for parking in downtown Tampa. I def want to ride it again soon!"
Hana
"Great experience overall. Took the SunRunner down from the beaches (drops off a few blocks away). Pre bought tickets and added to my Apple Wallet for quick access (nice feature) but you can buy tickets day off at the booth. Wouldn’t recommend though as there’s limited availability.
We took the Ferry over for a Lightning Game on a Monday (limited runs on some days just for the games).
Drinks on board were $9 for most beers and $16 for liquor doubles. Not terrible, but surprising. Had a few snack like items to purchase on the boat too.
Lots of seating options. We got on quick so we could have a little table by the window. Outdoor seating as well towards the top/back of boat. Careful sitting up there before take off though as the exhaust was super heavy to breath in.
Couple bathrooms on board were well cleaned and maintained.
Staff was super nice and all come down for the season w the boat. Chatted w a few of the crew.
Views were stunning. Took in a great sunset view while crossing over on the 4:45pm St Pete>Tampa."
Tiffany Cartier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tampa terminal is conveniently located near the Tampa Convention Center. Parking is available nearby but can be expensive, ranging from $20-30 per day.
The ferry connects downtown Tampa (near the Convention Center) with downtown St. Petersburg (near the St. Pete Pier).
Yes, in St. Pete, the SunRunner bus line drops off a few blocks from the ferry terminal, making it accessible from the beaches.
While there isn't a dedicated free parking garage for ferry passengers, you can find street parking or nearby private garages.
The ferry ride across Tampa Bay takes approximately 55 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically $8 each way, with round trip costing $24 per person. Prices can vary, so check the official website for current rates.
You can purchase tickets online in advance, which is highly recommended as they can sell out. Day-of tickets may be available at the booth, but availability is limited.
Yes, tickets can be added to your digital wallet (like Apple Wallet) for quick and easy access.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the ferry is generally considered a cost-effective alternative to ride-sharing or driving and parking during peak times. +1
The ferry typically operates seasonally, running Wednesdays through Sundays, and also on Tampa Bay Lightning home-game nights. It's advisable to check their schedule for specific operating dates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry features a bar serving cocktails and beers, as well as some snack items. There are also indoor and outdoor seating options.
There are various seating options, including tables by the window and outdoor seating. You can get on quick to snag a good spot.
Yes, the ferry is equipped with a couple of well-cleaned and maintained bathrooms for passenger use.
From the St. Pete terminal, you can easily access attractions like the Salvador Dali Museum, walk around the pier, or take a free trolley to other parts of the city.
The St. Pete ferry terminal is in the downtown area, not directly on the ocean side. You would likely need to take an Uber or other transport to reach the beaches from there.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The ferry has a bar that serves a variety of beers and cocktails, with liquor doubles costing around $16. They also offer some snack items.
Prices for drinks are comparable to what you might find at an event venue, with beers around $9 and liquor doubles at $16.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not explicitly stated, but it's generally best to consume purchased items onboard.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry offers stunning panoramic views of the Tampa skyline, the bay, and beautiful sunsets, making it ideal for photography.
The late afternoon or sunset crossing provides the most dramatic lighting for capturing the cityscape and water.
Yes, the outdoor seating area offers unobstructed views, but be mindful of the exhaust fumes before departure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the little ones, as the onboard options might be limited or geared towards adults. The free trolley in St. Pete can also be a convenient way to get around with children after disembarking. Remember to book tickets in advance to ensure everyone gets a spot!
💰 Budget Travelers
While parking in Tampa can add significant costs, the ferry ticket price is generally reasonable for the convenience and experience it offers. Planning to use the free trolley in St. Pete further minimizes local transportation expenses.
💑 Couples
Consider timing your trip to catch the sunset during your crossing for an extra special experience. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views make it an ideal setting for couples looking for a charming activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Tampa Bay Traffic
Travelers consistently praise the ferry for its ability to bypass traffic jams, making it a more enjoyable and predictable way to travel between the two cities. The convenience factor is a major draw, especially when considering the time and stress saved compared to driving.
While the ferry is a seasonal service and doesn't run year-round, its operation during peak times and for special events makes it an invaluable option for visitors looking to maximize their time and minimize travel frustrations.
The Onboard Experience: More Than Just a Ride
Beyond the bar, the ferry provides comfortable seating options, including tables by the window for those who want to enjoy the views while they sip. Outdoor seating is also available, offering a more open-air experience. The crew is noted for being friendly and engaging, contributing to a positive atmosphere onboard.
Passengers can also find restrooms that are kept clean and well-maintained. While there are some snack items available, the primary onboard amenity that garners attention is the bar, turning a simple commute into a mini-cruise.
Maximizing Your Trip: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Consider the logistics of parking in Tampa. While the ferry itself is a great way to avoid traffic, parking near the Tampa Convention Center can be expensive, so factor this into your budget.
Finally, be aware of the ferry's operating schedule, as it's not a year-round service. Checking the official website for current operating days and times is essential for planning your trip.
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