Tampa cruise port guide: Sail away from Port Tampa Bay

Nestled on Florida’s west coast, Tampa’s cruise port is situated on the bay, rather than directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Port Tampa Bay serves five cruise lines and offers a variety of sailings to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Central America.

Tampa is a fantastic place to begin or end your cruise. It offers easy access to international airports, premier hotels from major brands and boutique options, and restaurants to suit any culinary desire. Add a few days to your vacation to explore what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer, including pristine Gulf Coast beaches, Central Florida’s nearby theme parks and incredible museums for adults and children.

Port Tampa Bay cruise port overview

The three cruise terminals at the port of Tampa are terminals 2, 3 and 6.

Port Tampa Bay cruise terminal address information

• Terminal 2: 651 Channelside Dr.
• Terminal 3: 815 Channelside Dr.
• Terminal 6: 1331 McKay St.

The best place to view a map of the three cruise line terminals is on the Port Tampa Bay website. Click one of the three terminals, and you’ll be taken to a Departure Guide that includes a map.

The port offers restrooms, vending machines and luggage storage through a third party. Several restaurants and bars are a few minutes’ walk from the terminals.

All cruise terminals are ADA-accessible, with elevators and ramps. Availability permitting, cruise staff can help transport passengers in wheelchairs to and from the vessel.

Cruise lines sailing from the Tampa cruise port

Five cruise lines sail from Port Tampa Bay and utilize the three cruise terminals:

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Tampa’s port does not have set terminals reserved for specific cruise lines, as you might find in other Florida ports. The calendar feature on Port Tampa Bay’s website can help you find which terminal is assigned to your ship on departure day. Click on your ship’s name on the calendar square for the day you embark, and you’ll see its terminal at the top of the pop-up box that appears. You’ll also see an option to purchase on-site parking for your cruise in the same box.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Airports near the Tampa cruise port

If arriving by air for your cruise, you can choose to fly into several airports close to the Tampa Bay cruise port.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest option, approximately 7 miles and a 15-minute drive to Port Tampa Bay. Major airlines that fly here include Air Canada, Alaska, American, British Airways, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Virgin Atlantic.

If you’re looking for lounge access, TPA has a Delta Sky Club at Concourse E.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is farther away but might have more affordable and desirable flight schedules for your needs. This popular Central Florida destination is approximately 85 miles from Tampa’s cruise port. Though it can be just an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive without traffic, plan for considerable congestion on the highways between these two major cities. With traffic, reaching Port Tampa Bay from MCO airport can take up to two hours.

Over 40 airlines travel to MCO, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, United and Virgin Atlantic.

At MCO, check out The Club lounge if you’re heading to terminals A or B, where prebooking is available for a fee though often unnecessary. Alternatively, visit the Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal C. Use your credit card perks for lounge access before your flight.

If you’re spending time elsewhere in Florida before or after your cruise, you might want to consider Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), a smaller international airport. It’s 60 miles, or an hour’s drive, south of the port. Air Canada, Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country and United fly from here.

Regardless of which airport you choose, you can minimize your travel costs by checking credit card perks. Flight companion passes are available if you’re traveling as a couple with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. It offers a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year.

If you plan your personal and business credit card spending wisely with a Southwest card, you can earn nearly two years of buy-one-get-one flights, minus taxes and fees.

How to get to Port Tampa Bay

You can get to the cruise port via independent companies, public transportation and hotel shuttles.

Ride-shares, cruise transfers and private shuttles are your best travel options from TPA to the cruise port. Though you can utilize public transportation with a combination of SkyConnect from the airport to a public bus, the travel time takes more than an hour with transfers and bus stops. On the other hand, a vehicle that takes you directly from the airport to the port only takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cruise line transfers

All of the cruise lines that sail from Port Tampa Bay, except Margaritaville at Sea, offer transfers from the TPA airport to the cruise port for an additional fee, starting at $24.99 per person each way. None of the cruise lines offer transfers from MCO to the Tampa cruise port.

Hotel shuttles

A deciding factor for where you stay before or after your cruise might be the convenience of a shuttle between the hotel and the cruise terminal. Inquire before booking if the hotel you’re considering offers a shuttle service and if so, whether it’s complimentary or not.

Hilton’s Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Tampa offers a free shuttle within three miles, including the cruise port, less than two miles away. While Tampa Marriott Water Street does not offer a shuttle, Tampa’s free TECO Streetcar has a stop right in front of the hotel and at the cruise terminal.

Independent airport shuttles, van and car services

If you want to set up a private transfer, preplan and book a van, limo or sedan depending on the number of people in your party and your comfort preference.

Mears is a popular and reputable company in Central Florida that services Orlando and Tampa. The company’s sizable fleet includes hundreds of luxury sedans, vans and limos. Use Mears’ online quote system to budget for your transfer costs. A standard sedan that fits up to three people and four bags costs $150, while a van that can accommodate eight people and 10 bags will cost a little over $300. Car seats do not cost extra; if you need one, add it to the “Special Instructions” area of the online reservation system.

Other services, like Blue One Transportation, offer a private vehicle for up to four people for $90. A shared shuttle is also an option for $15 per person. There is no additional charge for children’s car seats.

Taxis and ride-shares

If you are heading to the port directly from Tampa airport, Yellow Cab taxis will take you there from the baggage claim pickup areas for a flat rate of $35. Taxis wait at the terminal for disembarking guests.

Metered rates within the city are $3.50 for the first 1/5 of a mile or part thereof. Additional miles cost $2.50. The minimum fee from the airport is $20.

Ride-shares pick up and drop off at each terminal in designated areas; the estimated ride cost between Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay for Uber or Lyft starts at $20. It’s an estimated $120 between Orlando International Airport and the port.

Because ride-shares show you the estimated ride cost before you book and taxis have variable fares depending on the driver’s route, we favor ride-shares over taxis.

Related: Best credit cards for Uber and Lyft users

Public transportation from downtown Tampa/hotel district

The TECO Streetcar is a free service operated by the City of Tampa and runs throughout downtown Tampa and the Ybor City neighborhood. It drops you off within a short walk to all three cruise terminals at Station 7, located at the intersection of Cumberland Avenue and Channelside Drive. Be mindful of the northbound or southbound direction you want to travel, whether you’re coming to the port or leaving it to reach your local destination.

TECO Streetcar hours vary, so check the day’s schedule, especially on weekends when cars start running later.

Tampa cruise port parking

On-site port parking

Official parking at the port is within walking distance of the cruise terminals at the Channelside Parking Garage. You can buy tickets for parking in advance of your cruise on the Port Tampa Bay website. Find your cruise to purchase your parking pass for your sailing, which is 100% refundable prior to a cruise.

Prepaid parking rates are $15.75 per day; the total cost will vary based on the length of your cruise. After prepaying, print your parking voucher, which you’ll present to the cashier upon arrival. Alternatively, you can drive up to the port without a reservation; rates remain the same whether you prepay or not.

Parking is only available when the ship is docked, and all major credit cards and cash are accepted. If you want curbside drop-off at the cruise terminal entrance, opt for valet parking for the same daily rate plus an additional $20 fee. Limited oversized vehicle parking at the on-site garage — for vehicles exceeding 8 feet, 2 inches, or that require more than one parking space — is available for $30 per day.

Private lots

Some hotels like Hilton’s Hotel Tampa Riverwalk have park-and-stay rates for cruisers. If your hotel doesn’t have this option or if you’re driving straight to the cruise port, consider a private lot to save some money.

While Port Tampa Bay’s on-site Channelside Parking Garage is the closest lot to the terminals, other options aren’t much farther from the ships. The 241 Parking garage is well-lit, gated and less than one mile north of the Channelside Parking Garage. At $8.99 per day, it’s also more affordable than parking at the port. The lot does fill up, so you’ll want to reserve in advance, though you can drive up and park without a reservation if spaces are available.

241 Parking recommends making reservations 30 days in advance during peak cruise season from November through April, and a minimum of 15 days in advance during off-peak cruise season from May to October. The lot provides a free shuttle to and from the port and accepts all major credit cards and cash.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Hotels near Tampa cruise port

Hotel options near the cruise port are plentiful across all brands and price points. Check for current promotions; some hotels offer double points during select times or park-and-stay options so you can leave your car at the hotel while you cruise.

Regardless of where you book a hotel, if you drive to the area, you must factor parking costs into your vacation budget. All parking options in downtown Tampa — including street parking, garages and hotels — have fees.

Hilton hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown (starting at 43,000 points) is an affordable hotel near the cruise port with free hot breakfast. It also offers a complimentary shuttle from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. within a three-mile radius, excluding the airport but including the cruise port.

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk (starting at 42,000 points) is steps from Tampa’s Riverwalk on the Hillsborough River and offers park-and-stay rates. The complimentary Tampa TECO Streetcar has a station one block away and stops at the cruise port. If you don’t want to eat at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, many restaurants are a short walk away.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels

The Tampa Edition (starting at 65,500 points) is a luxury hotel in the trendy Water Street district. With eight on-site restaurants and bars, a stunning outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa and a prime location by Port Tampa Bay, you won’t want to leave until your cruise begins. While the hotel doesn’t provide a shuttle, the cruise port is less than half a mile away.

If you arrive late to the Tampa airport or have an early morning departure after your postcruise stay, consider the Tampa Airport Marriott (starting at 50,000 points). It has an outdoor pool, fitness center, small convenience shop and a bar and grill.

Hyatt hotels

Hyatt Place Downtown (starting at 9,000 points) is close to Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa’s Riverwalk. This family-friendly hotel includes free breakfast, a rooftop pool and on-site self-serve or valet laundry. Sofa beds and refrigerators are in all rooms with a four-guest-per-room maximum. The cruise port is a 10-minute walk away.

If the water is calling you, book the Grand Hyatt (starting at 9,000 points), west of the cruise port. Its waterfront location gives you access to a 9.5-mile bayside trail where you can birdwatch and exercise. Various room types accommodate couples, families and solo travelers in luxury accommodations, a villa-style casita or a family-friendly room. The on-site restaurant and pool are equally picturesque.

Nonpoints hotels

Palihouse Hyde Park Village is a boutique hotel in a historic neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, eateries and bars. The hotel’s 36 guest rooms offer king and queen beds. Rates start at $177 per night in the offseason.

If you want to stay in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district, reserve a room at Hotel Haya. It features an on-site restaurant, cafe and outdoor pool. Each guest room has a refrigerator, and roll-away beds or cribs are available upon request. Rates start at $169 per night; check the hotel website for current promotions.

Related: 10 Florida hotels where families can use points to escape winter

Restaurants near Port Tampa Bay

The dining options near the port of Tampa range from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries. If your schedule allows, set aside time to enjoy a meal on land and try local favorites from Cuban cuisine to fresh seafood.

Sparkman Wharf is on the waterfront next to the cruise port. See how this family-friendly destination has turned shipping containers into multiple restaurants and bars with outdoor seating areas. Sparkman Wharf also has retail shops and the Splitsville bowling alley for activities before or after your meal.

Armature Works is a fantastic food hall to visit – especially when it’s hot or rainy and alfresco dining is not in the cards. Most of the seating is inside an air-conditioned building where you can order meals and treats from 18 vendors; outdoor dining space is limited.

Water Street Tampa is another dining destination within walking distance from the Tampa cruise port. Enjoy the avenue’s wide walkways and lush greenery on your way to top-rated restaurants and bars.

Oxford Exchange is a late-19th-century building housing a mix of retail and dining. Its design and decor draw inspiration from London’s historic clubs, libraries and shops. A sense of community can be felt throughout the space as people gather at the tea shop or enjoy the bookstore’s book signings and lectures.

Columbia Restaurant is perhaps the city’s most famous restaurant, with several locations across Florida; three are located in Tampa. It is well known for its Latin-inspired menu. Try the legendary 1905 salad or a Cuban sandwich. If you’re choosing among the three locations, know that the original venue is in Ybor City, less than two miles from the port. Alternatively, the Columbia Restaurant Cafe is accessible from outside the Tampa Bay History Center, less than a mile from the cruise port, and the third location is airside at Tampa International Airport in Concourse E.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do in Tampa before or after your cruise

Tampa is known for its Gulf Coast beaches, culinary scene, multiple attractions and sunshine. Stay local to enjoy what the city offers or visit nearby areas to experience Central Florida’s attractions.

Nearby beaches

Beachgoers love the jewel-toned water of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Ben T. Davis Beach is the closest and most popular sandy oasis, just over 10 miles west of the cruise port. Metered parking is nearby; arrive early to beat the crowds and find a spot.

Cypress Point Park is a public neighborhood park with access to the water, a small sandy shoreline, a playground, a sand volleyball court, trails and a disc golf course. It’s less than 8 miles west of the cruise port.

The Tampa Riverwalk

Beginning just one mile from the port is The Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6-mile walking path runs along the Hillsborough River. Purchase a one-day or three-day Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass for access to the following seven family-friendly attractions:

• The Florida Aquarium
• Tampa Bay History Center
• Glazer Children’s Museum
• Tampa Museum of Art
• Pirate Water Taxi
• Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
• Henry B. Plant Museum

Live sporting events

Cruises depart from Tampa year-round, so if you cruise from September through April, there’s likely a live sporting event taking place. Attend a Tampa Bay Lightning game at Amalie Arena during the NHL season from October through April (and further into summer if the team makes the playoffs). Steinbrenner Field is the place to be during spring training for the New York Yankees during February and March. If you want to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action during football season, head to Raymond James Stadium from September to January.

Theme parks

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, just 10 miles north of the cruise port, is filled with thrills for all ages, from children’s rides to roller coasters for teens and adults. Thousands of people buy special event tickets for the popular Howl-O-Scream event, which takes place from early September to early November.

Alternatively, take advantage of Tampa’s proximity to Orlando’s theme parks and plan a pre- or postcruise visit to Walt Disney World, Sea World or Universal Parks & Resorts. You’ll need an extended stay because the theme parks are more than 70 miles from Port Tampa Bay, and it can take two hours or longer to get there with traffic. You might consider flying into MCO instead of TPA if you’re planning a theme park visit before or after your sailing.

Related: 8 ways to make the most of a theme park trip

St. Pete and Clearwater

Two towns just west of Tampa are incredibly popular among Florida visitors: St. Petersburg – better known as St. Pete – and Clearwater. The two cities are situated on the same peninsula on Tampa Bay and have ample beach access. Some visitors favor St. Pete’s downtown vibe with its waterfront shops, restaurants and public park. It’s also home to such museums as the Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection. Other vacationers like Clearwater for its beach, nightlife and the Clearwater Marine Museum.

Thanks to the annual SHINE Festival, which draws renowned street artists from around the world, St. Pete is also known for its dozens of colorful murals. If you like public art, the St. Pete mural tour takes place at 10 a.m. every Sunday. A local guide brings visitors to 30 murals in a four-block radius. The proceeds from the tour fees are reinvested in the city’s murals.