When can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available for purchase at any time online at thecrossbayferry.com or through our FREE mobile app. To download the app, visit the App Store or Android Marketplace and search Cross Bay Ferry. Tickets purchased online or on our mobile app can be changed or modified through the point of purchase (ie. web portal, app).
Our ticket window in St. Petersburg is manned 1 hour before the first scheduled departure. Our ticket window in Tampa is manned approximately 30 minutes before the first scheduled departure on any given day. Tickets purchased at the ticket window cannot be modified or used for a different time/date. We cannot refund or replace any lost or unused tickets. All sales are final.
Where can tickets be purchased?
Single-use or roundtrip tickets can be purchased at our ticket windows at the ferry landing sites, online, and via your mobile device through the free Cross Bay Ferry app.
All guests must be ready for loading 15 – 20 minutes prior to departure. Ticket sales cease 5 minutes prior to sailing in order to complete the loading process.
Are children allowed on the ferry without adult supervision?
A person must be 19 or older to ride the ferry on their own. Children ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All guests, including children under 4, require a ticket to board the ferry.
Can you ride the ferry roundtrip?
Yes, all guests will be asked to exit upon arrival, so that the crew can clean the vessel. Returning guests will line up to board the vessel on a first-come, first-served basis. One way or roundtrip tickets are available and may be purchased at any time from any ticketing platform.
Is stand-by seating available?
No, due to the restraints of keeping an on-time sailing schedule and the varying arrival times of guests, we are unable to provide any standby seating should a sailing be sold out in advance. Once a trip is fully booked, we cannot sell any additional tickets. We recommend if you’re planning a trip to purchase tickets at your earliest convenience online or through our free mobile app. Walk-up availability for any particular trip is not guaranteed.
If it says sold out online, is there a chance tickets would be available to purchase at the dock?
No. We do not hold reserve ticket stock at the booth or sell standby tickets. The inventory shown online is for all available tickets. Should a guest request a refund prior to the trip or reschedule their trip, that stock will reappear on the website.
What is Cross Bay Ferry's mission?
The mission of Cross Bay Ferry is to provide Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with water transit service and passenger ferry technology.
What is the name of the ferry?
Provincetown III
What type of vessel is it?
The ferry is a twin-hull aluminum catamaran that provides a stable and comfortable ride.
How many guests can the ferry carry?
The ferry is certified to carry a maximum of 149 guests with ample interior and exterior seating.
How large is the ferry?
The vessel is 98 feet long and 33 feet wide. The ferry is a dual-hull catamaran design that provides comfort and stability.
Who inspects and certifies the ferry?
The ferry is inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard.
Where does the ferry dock at night?
The ferry will homeport and overnight in St. Petersburg.
What landing sites are being used?
In St Petersburg, the landing site is in the Port of St. Pete, adjacent to the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg Campus and The Dali Museum. In Tampa, the landing site is behind the Tampa Convention Center.
Does the vessel run during periods of fog?
While the vessel is fully capable of running during fog, the Captain of the Port (U.S. Coast Guard) prevents all vessels from operating during periods of reduced visibility in Tampa Bay. In these situations, any delays are outside of Cross Ferry’s operating control.
What are the sailing times?
Please check the schedule and the rates page for the most up-to-date information.
Is there parking at the St. Pete landing site?
There is a dedicated parking lot just past the Port building – turn right into the lot after passing 250 8th Avenue SE which will have free parking on a first-come, first-served
basis. Overflow parking is located on the street. Additionally, on weekends, USF St. Pete has nearby surface lots where Ferry users can park through the Park Mobile App for a flat rate of $5.
Is there parking at the Tampa land site?
Yes. There are three public parking garages within a five-minute walk of the Tampa Ferry Terminal. These include the Tampa Convention Center Garage, the Amalie Arena Garage (located at Florida Avenue and Channelside Drive), and the Ft. Brooke Garage. The Convention Center and Amalie parking garages may have limited parking on Lightning game nights or during major conventions. The Ft. Brooke Parking Garage typically has spaces available on all weeknights and weekends. Parking rate information can be found at https://www.tampagov.net/parking/info/parking-hourly-and-daily-rates.
Can the ferry accommodate guests with disabilities?
Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made for guests with disabilities. The vessel is laid out in a manner that supports ADA needs. Before planning your trip, please contact our Customer Service department for additional information at 866-841-1492.
Can strollers be taken on board?
Yes, strollers are easily accommodated and there is no additional fee.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, the vessel is equipped with ample outside seating on the main and upper decks.
Is smoking allowed on the ferry?
No, there is no smoking on the ferry in any location at any time.
Are there restrooms on the vessels?
Yes, the ferry is equipped with two “heads” (restrooms) on the main deck. One restroom supports ADA use.
Are pets allowed on board?
Service animals are allowed on board the Cross Bay Ferry. Dogs are also allowed onboard if they are on a leash or in a kennel throughout the duration of the trip. Pet owners are responsible for any mess and damage created by their pets, and failure to control a pet could result in being barred from further travel onboard the ferry. Pet owners are advised that other animals may be aboard during their trip.
Is there food service on the vessel? What amenities are offered?
Yes, there is limited food service which is revised and enhanced as guests’ tastes warrant.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water are available. Also, beer, wine, and limited cocktails are available to guests who are of legal age and have a valid photo I.D.
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol onto the vessel. This is strictly forbidden.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages onboard?
No. Alcoholic beverages purchased off-site are not permitted onboard the ferry.
Can I bring my bikes?
Yes, there are storage facilities for standard 2-wheel bicycles on the ferry. Guests must be able to handle their own bicycles. Our crew cannot assist with the loading and unloading of bicycles. A maximum of 30 bicycles can be stored on the ferry. We cannot accept recumbent, tandem, tricycles, bicycle carriages, or segways.
Is luggage allowed on the ferry?
Yes, two (2) hand-carried items (e.g. suitcases) and one (1) small personal item (e.g. purse or laptop) may be carried on board at no additional charge – provided:
- The guest can carry on the items (in a single trip) and
- The carry-on items are commercial luggage (duffle bag, backpack, suitcase)
Where is the carry-on luggage stored?
Carry-on luggage is stowed in dedicated luggage areas on the main and upper decks. Guests may keep small personal items (e.g. purse, laptop, small backpack) with them, but for safety reasons, all other luggage must be kept in the storage areas.
What are examples of items that cannot be carried on?
Examples of items that cannot be carried on include (but are not limited to):
- Coolers
- Fish boxes
- Trash bags
- Dive tanks
What about firearms?
Firearms cannot be carried on board the vessel, except by law-enforcement personnel that are on duty or as otherwise permitted by state law.
What if I have hazardous materials?
Under no circumstance may any hazardous materials be brought onto the ferry as, or within, carry-on items.
How long does the transit take?
The regular crossing time is scheduled at approximately 50 minutes. Weather and traffic conditions can impact the transit time. All guests must be ticketed and ready for loading 20 minutes prior to departure. All ticket sales cease 5 minutes prior to sailing in order to complete the loading process.
Will there be reserved seats?
No, but a guest can make a reservation and purchase a ticket for a specific sailing time on a specific date.
Is WiFi access available?
There is no WiFi access on the vessel. Guests can utilize their personal devices to access their cellular network connection.
Can laptop computers be charged onboard?
The ferry has limited A/C receptacles on board. Access to these receptacles is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is limited by one’s seat location on the ferry.
Can the ferry be booked for special events?
The ferry may be available for some special events. Please contact our Guest Services department at 866-841-1492 for more information.
If I have a ticket for a later departure but want to take an earlier ferry, can I still use my ticket?
No, tickets are time specific and may only be used for their scheduled time/departure location. In the event a guest would like to alter their departure time, if seating is available, a guest service agent at either the St. Pete to Tampa ticket booth can change your ticket. This cannot be done from the boarding line.