Homeport Destination Guide: Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a vibrant, beautiful city located in Central West Florida on the Gulf Coast. The area is well known for its attractions and rich cultural history and is just a short drive away from spectacular white powder sand beaches. The downtown Tampa Bay area is home to a bustling business district and a relaxing Riverwalk area complete with bars and restaurants.
The Port of Tampa is one of the largest ports in Florida. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and close location to several airports have made it an ideal homeport for many cruise lines. Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises operate ships from the three dedicated passenger cruise terminals at the Port of Tampa Bay.
If you want to add an extra day or two to your cruise, the Tampa Bay Area is a great place to spend time. Home to several champion sports teams, top-rated museums, water activities, art, history, and the warm weather virtually year-round, it’s no wonder that so many cruisers spend an extra day or more. In addition, attractions like Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City, and many activities on the water make for a great addition to your vacation.
Here are some of our travel recommendations if your next cruise homeports from the Port of Tampa Bay.
3. Staying in Tampa Before or After Your Trip?
4. Excursions
5. Member Tips
Fast Facts for Tampa
Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal Address
Main Address
1101 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Terminal 2
651 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Terminal 3
815 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Terminal 6
1331 McKay Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa Area Airport Addresses
Tampa International Airport - 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607
St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport - 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport - 6000 Airport Cir, Sarasota, FL 34243
Time Zone - Eastern
Climate - Warm year-round. Summers can be hot and humid.
Fun Facts - The world’s first scheduled passenger flight flew from St. Pete to Tampa in 1914. During Prohibition, Tampa was one of the country's top illegal liquor sellers. Rich in Cuban heritage, it’s rumored the Cuban sandwich was likely invented in Tampa!
How to Get Around the City
The following are the best ways to navigate getting around the area for passengers arriving via plane, train, or other public transport.
- Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are very popular in Tampa. These companies offer inexpensive options for getting around the area.
- HART Buses - Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is the mass transit system that runs in the area. One way cash fares start at $2 and go up depending on time/routes. Learn more about routes and timetables here.
- TECO Line Street Car - TECO is a 2.7-mile electric streetcar line connecting Downtown Tampa, Channel District, and Ybor City. Service is free, seven days a week, and runs every 15 minutes. Learn more about routes here.
- HART SMART AV - This is Tampa’s autonomous, electric shuttle. The free service runs every 15 minutes between HART’s Marion Transit Center and Whiting St./Marion St. in Downtown Tampa.
- Pirate Water Taxi - This water taxi service runs to fifteen points in the downtown Tampa area along the Hillsborough River. One-way rates start at $10 for children and $15 for adults. Learn more about Pirate Water Taxi tickets and routes here.
Staying in Tampa Before or After Your Trip?
Hotels
Consider the hotel’s proximity to the Port of Tampa when selecting accommodations. If you consider a day or two pre-or post-cruise, there are plenty of areas to explore in the greater Tampa area. Following are the recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular area attractions in the greater Tampa area.
Closest Hotels to Port of Tampa Cruise Terminal/Downtown Tampa
- Tampa Marriott Waterside
- Home2Suites
- Embassy Suites Downtown
Closest Hotels to Tampa International Airport
- Hampton Inn and Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Tampa Marriott Westshore
- Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Hotels in Clearwater Beach
- Sandpearl Resort
- Fairfield Inn and Suites on the Beach
- Hilton Clearwater Beach
- Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Hotels in St. Petersburg Area (Downtown and Beaches)
- The Don CeSar Resort
- Tradewinds Island Grand
- Hollander Hotel Downtown
- Hyatt Place Downtown
Hotels in Sarasota
- The Westin Sarasota
- Lido Beach Resort Sarasota
- Hotel Indigo Sarasota
Excursions
The Tampa Bay area offers a variety of activities for sightseers, foodies, beachgoers, and history buffs. It’s extremely easy to fill a day, two, or more pre or post-cruise around the Tampa Bay Area.
A few of our top picks for excursions in the Tampa area:
Explore all Tampa excursions from Shore Excursions Group
Explore all Tampa excursions from Get Your Guide
Member Tips
Getting through the port was a breeze. We were on the ship in about 30 minutes. It was my first cruise so a little overwhelming just because didn't know what to expect. Everyone working was friendly and helpful guiding us through the process. - lameka1975
Tampa has an aquarium right next to the pier. We got a half-price discount coming off the ship for entrance AND they stored our luggage for the day. With 12 hours before our flight, we took advantage of the storage and explored Tampa a little bit too. - elissa56905123
We really like Tampa. We plan on going a day earlier next cruise. I recommend staying at one of the hotels on the riverwalk. lots to do within walking distance of the riverwalk. Good restaurants too. The cruise port is really nice, well organized, great staff. - kenbarnhouse
Embarking was smooth! We were checked in, on the ship, and with a drink in hand within an hour! It’s a very easy port to navigate! I would strongly recommend it! - amahunik
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Airport Information
These are the closest airports to the Port of Tampa Bay cruise terminals:
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) - TPA services many airlines flying to domestic and international locations. It is the closest airport to the Port of Tampa cruise terminals, just 9 miles away (around 20 minutes depending on traffic).
- St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) - PIE serves a select number of domestic airlines. The airport is ten miles from the cruise terminal, with around thirty minutes of driving time.
- Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) - SRQ services a number of domestic airlines to major cities. The airport is 54 miles from the cruise terminal, about an hour and a half between the two destinations.
There are several options to get between the airports and cruise terminals:
- Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign at the baggage claim area.
- Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. The estimated rideshare costs between airports and the cruise terminal:
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) - ~$20 - $25
- St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) - ~$40 - $45
- Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) - ~$150+
- Taxi - Taxis are available right at the airport to take you to the Port of Tampa. From TPA, taxis have a set rate of $30 from the airport to cruise port.
- Public Transit -
- Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport.
- Shuttle Services - A number of independent shuttle services offer transit between area airports to the Port of Tampa cruise terminals.
Parking Information
Are you driving right to the port for your trip and need to park a car? Both on-site parking and off-site options are available:
On-Site Parking Information
The Port of Tampa allows for onsite parking right at the terminal, which you can pre-purchase online before your trip. Parking onsite is purchased per cruise line, so you can park your car closest to the terminal of your departing cruise. In addition, a covered garage across the street services terminals 2 and 3, and Terminal 6 offers an open-air lot adjacent to the ship.
Onsite parking ranges from $15 and up per day. Garages have both self-park and valet options, and oversized parking is available. In addition, the garage includes 24-security surveillance.
Learn more about onsite parking and book your spot at: https://www.porttb.com/parking
Off-Site Parking Options
There are several off-site parking options near the cruise terminals. Some of these lots offer lower rates than the official Port parking.
Here are some of the recommended options closest to the cruise terminals:
- Channelside Parking Garage serviced by The Car Park - Rates start at $15 per day; Across the street from the terminal; Offers valet and self-parking
- Parkway Parking - Rates start at $9.99 per day; 1 block from Terminals 2 and 3; Offers shuttle
- 241 Parking - Rates start at $8.99 per day; Across the street from the cruise terminal; Offer shuttle service
- Park 4 Cruise - Rates start at $10.99 per day; .1 mile from Terminal 3 and 6, and .2 from Terminal 2; Offers shuttle service
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