With a yearly passenger traffic of around one million, Port Tampa Bay is one of the USA’s busiest and fastest-growing cruise ports. Located at 1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, its proximity to the Tampa International Airport (TPA) makes the port a good choice for many to board the cruise from. So, you can imagine how busy the Tampa cruise terminals can be!
Port Tampa Bay has terminals dedicated to cruise lines like Royan Caribbean International (RCI), Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The port’s small size makes it a superior choice for travelers who love convenience and ease of access. But, if you’re a first-time traveler, finding the Tampa cruise terminals or parking spaces may be confusing. But don’t worry! We’ll perfectly guide you through the Port of Tampa cruise terminals.
The port has three terminals – Cruise Terminal 2, Cruise Terminal 3, and Cruise Terminal 6. The onsite lots offer covered and outdoor parking spaces near the terminals. You can locate the terminal parking at the port across the street from Terminals 2 and 3 and next to Terminal 6. The onsite parking lots also offer a valet parking option. But, the onsite rates may be higher, and the Port Tampa Bay authorities may change it anytime. So, booking a parking spot at nearby offsite lots is always best for economical and guaranteed parking.
Tampa Port Parking Lot | Duration | Parking Rate |
---|---|---|
Self-Parking | Daily | $15 |
Valet Parking | Daily | $15+20 convenience fee |
Cruiseparking.com | Daily | $4.99 |
The terminal is located across the street from the port’s parking garage. Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line use this terminal.
Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Lines use this terminal.
It is the northmost terminal in the port. Previously, Holland America Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line used this terminal. Now, many cruise lines use this terminal as required.
These are some hotels near the port.
Hotel | Distance from Port Tampa Bay (in miles) | Shuttle rate |
---|---|---|
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District | 0.2 | Free |
Home2 Suites Tampa Downtown Channel District | 0.4 | Free |
Tahitian Inn Boutique Hotel Tampa | 4.2 | Free |
Quality Inn Airport - Tampa Cruise Port | 4.2 | $8 |
Holiday Inn Express Tampa East - Ybor City | 4.4 | Free |
Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport | 4.6 | Paid |
Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport | 4.6 | Paid |
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Airport/Westshore | 5.6 | Paid |
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Tampa-USF-Bush Gardens | 8.3 | Paid |
Sailport Waterfront Suites | 9.3 | Paid |
Do you wish to try out some nice cuisines around the port? Then there are some restaurants that you could try out.
Restaurant | Distance from Port Tampa Bay (in miles) |
---|---|
Cena | 0.2 |
CW’s Gin Joint | 0.9 |
Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria | 0.9 |
Malio’s | 1 |
Haiku Tampa | 1.1 |
Columbia Restaurant | 1.3 |
American Social - Tampa | 1.3 |
Ulele | 1.8 |
Timpano Hyde Park | 2.5 |
Haven | 3.2 |
There will be security screening like the airport screening process. Hand luggage may be subject to both hand searches and scanning. You must ensure you’re not carrying anything sharp to use as a weapon. Cruises don’t permit liquids; the officials will seize alcohol until your voyage ends. After passing through security, you can proceed to the check-in line. There will be many registration kiosks handled by trained cruise personnel.
These are the ways by which you can reach the port.
If you want a budget-friendly ride to the port, use the TECO Streetcar System. The route operates between downtown Tampa and Ybor City down Channelside Drive via a vintage trolley vehicle. The trolley runs seven days a week and offers free service. But this is the only route that operates close to the port. So, unless you’re familiar with the area, we suggest not to use this option.
Since public transit may not be viable, getting a taxi to your Tampa cruise terminal is better. If you’re coming from downtown Tampa, you’ll have to pay around $35, whereas coming from Orlando will cost you between $105-$120. Hiring a taxi from Ybor City to Port Tama will cost between $8 and $12.
You can also travel to the port using rideshare services. Hiring an Uber/Lyft from Ybor City to the port will cost you $8-$12. The estimated rate will be between $18-$25 if you travel from downtown Tampa. However, the rates can differ based on the rideshare service, car type, pickup point, and your time of travel.
Take Interstate 4 to Exit 1 from Orlando. To get to the Tampa cruise terminals, go south on 21st Street, turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left on Channelside Drive.
If you’re coming from the airport/north/I-275, drive on I-275 until it meets with I-4 East, then take Exit 1. To reach the Tampa cruise terminals, travel south on 21st Street, turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left on Channelside Drive.
If you’re coming from south/Interstate 75, take Exit 50 off I-75 north to the Crosstown Expressway (Hwy 618). To get to the cruise terminals, take Exit 9, turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left on Channelside Drive.
Some hotels near the port offer free or paid shuttle services to Tampa port. Also, the cruise line will arrange a shuttle service. But, it can be expensive.
Are you traveling to the port from Tampa Airport? Then, these are the modes by which you can reach the port.
It can be an affordable option for you. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates between the airport and downtown. At TPA, the HART bus stop is at the west end of the Red Baggage Claim curbside along Belt 15. However, bus transportation to Port Tampa Bay needs transfers. It can take more than an hour, making this option less convenient.
There are taxi services to and from the TPA and port on the days when cruises depart and arrive. The taxi rate to the port from TPA will be around $28.
A rideshare service from TPA to the port will cost you around $20-$30. The rates can vary based on the rideshare service, car type, and travel time.
It can be a good option if you plan to spend some time in the area before boarding your cruise. The car rental rates near the Tampa cruise terminal can differ based on the rental company, car type, and the distance to Port Tampa.
If you wish to explore the area around the port, try visiting some of these destinations.
For more information on Tampa Cruise Port Parking