St. Pete explores permanent ferry dock at St. Pete Pier for service to downtown Tampa
Plans are advancing for a permanent ferry dock at the St. Pete Pier near the Museum of History, giving the Tampa Bay Ferry (formerly the Cross Bay Ferry) a long-term home in downtown St. Petersburg. The passenger ferry links downtown St. Pete and Tampa.
After evaluating five potential sites, the Pier location was selected for its accessibility and compatibility with nearby amenities. The dock, estimated to cost between $2.6 and $3 million according to a study by McLaren Engineering Group (now part of KCI), will include ADA-compliant access, a security gate, and a ticket booth.
Ferry Dock at St. Pete Pier Option 1 – 30′ x 90′ Dock
Ferry Dock at St. Pete Pier Option 2 – 50′ x 50′ Dock
The St. Petersburg and Tampa City Councils, along with the PSTA board, are expected to vote to authorize additional design, hydrographic survey, and geotechnical work by McLaren Engineering Group. In the meantime, ferry service is anticipated to resume in 2026 using a temporary dock at North Straub Park, operated by Hubbard’s Marina.