Need a Tampa hotel with transportation to the cruise port? That’s a smart way to start your vacation.
You likely know that Tampa is so much more than a cruise port. From amusement parks to casino gambling to aquariums, to beautiful beaches, there’s a wide variety of things to do in the area. It’s no wonder that many people choose to spend a day (or several) in the Tampa area before their cruise.
Of course, if you decide to stay at a Tampa hotel, then there is the question of actually getting to the port. The area has a number of options for getting around, including taxis and Uber/Lyft. However, these options can all cost you money. And depending on how far you are from the port, it can be a considerable amount to get to the cruise ship.
Instead, many people opt for cruise hotels that offer shuttles or other transportation (such as the free trolley) to the port, which is almost always cheaper and more convenient. That’s why we’ve rounded up a number of hotels in the area that offer these services.
While this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, it should give you a good start on those hotels that can offer transport to your cruise ship. Prices will vary depending on when you stay. Click each link to read reviews of each hotel on Kayak.
Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. Review ratings come from either Google and are rounded to the nearest half point.
Downtown/Ybor City Hotels Near Trolley Service to the Port
If you are staying in downtown or near the historic Ybor City area, then you can use Tampa’s TECO Streetcar service, which runs between Ybor City and downtown, and stops right by the cruise terminals. Fares are free, and routes run every 12-15 minutes seven days a week. You can view more about the service here.
All of the following hotels are near a streetcar stop, providing an easy ride to the port.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
Modern, hip, trendy, stylish… they all describe the Aloft Tampa Downtown. But one more word is convenient. It’s just a mile from the port, and only two blocks from the Whiting Street Station where the streetcar picks up. So you can hop on and be at the port within minutes. With good reviews, it’s a solid choice before your cruise.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1 mile
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Located right on the Hillsborough River, the Sheraton is an upscale hotel with nice views of both downtown and the river. While it’s close to the port (about a mile), it’s a little far to walk with luggage. Instead, the trolley stop is just a five-minute walk from the hotel, which makes catching a ride a no-brainer.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1 mile
- Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Hilton Tampa Downtown
Just a block from the streetcar station, you can stay here to enjoy your time in Tampa in a nice hotel downtown and get to the cruise port easily. The reviews are great, and not just because the Hilton offers a cool rooftop pool. The TECO Streetcar can get you to the port or other spots such as Ybor City or the Florida Aquarium without the need for an Uber or a taxi.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1 mile
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown
Embassy Suites is known as a higher-end hotel, and this version doesn’t disappoint. It’s well-reviewed, and the location is hard to beat. It sits right next to the convention center and a 2-minute walk from the Amalie Arena (where the Tampa Bay Lightning play). A TECO stop is right next to the hotel to take you to the cruise port that’s only three stops away.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Tampa Marriott Water Street
One of the closest hotels to the cruise port is obviously one of the most convenient for cruise passengers. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk to the port, but only a few minutes if you take the free streetcar that has a stop right outside the hotel (HSBC Station #9). Best of all, the hotel is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
- Price: $$$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City
Hampton Inn often ranks as one of the most popular hotels, combining a nice mix of comfort and affordability. Add to that list the fact that this particular hotel is right near Ybor City — the neat historic district of Tampa with lots of restaurants and shops that’s a hotspot at night. Also, this hotel is right near the streetcar stop (Cadrecha Plaza Station #4), so you can get to the port in just a few minutes.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hilton Garden Inn Ybor City
Right in the heart of Ybor City, it’s hard to go wrong with the Hilton Garden Inn. You can stay in a prime location (just a block off of the main street in Ybor), plus when it’s time to head to the port there is the streetcar stop just a short walk away (Centro Ybor Station #2). The ride should only take a few minutes and is free.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Hotel Haya
Want a stay that’s a bit different than the chain options that are available anywhere? Situated in Ybor City, this boutique hotel is a cool mix of historic and modern. The courtyard pool is also dreamy. That makes it a great option if you want to start your vacation in Tampa the day before instead of waiting until you are on the cruise ship. It’s also right next to a streetcar stop (Streetcar Society Station #3) that will take you directly to the cruise terminals.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hampton Inn Downtown Channel District
The closest spot to stay to the cruise terminals? It’s this hotel (which is a joint building between Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites). From here you’re a five-minute walk to Terminal 6 or 12 minutes to Terminal 2. Don’t want to walk? It’s even shorter to the TECO Streetcar stop (York Street Station #6), which will take you to the terminal.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Home2 Suites Downtown Channel District
As mentioned above, this hotel shares the same building with the Hampton Inn. But if you need more space, the suites available are ideal, and the hotel is highly rated. From here you are just a few minutes’ walk to the cruise ship at Terminal 6. As well, there is a trolley stop right nearby so you can get a ride to your ship if sailing one of the other terminals farther down.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Tampa Hotels with Shuttles to the Cruise Port
While taking a trolley to your cruise is a memorable and unique experience, it’s often less expensive to stay in hotels that are a little farther from the port. The good news is that many hotels cater to cruise passengers and offer shuttle services as a perk.
Quality Inn Airport/Cruise Port
This hotel is about a 15-minute drive to the cruise port and a 15-minute drive to the airport. The best news? It offers transportation to both with a “Stay & Cruise” package. The shuttle is included with your stay. In addition, if you are driving to the port, it also offers parking packages. The hotel also has breakfast, a business center (for printing last minute documents), and fitness center.
- Price: $-$$
- Distance to Port: 4 miles
- Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa East – Ybor City
Holiday Inn Express is a well-known brand name that you can assure will offer you a comfy place to stay. But this location goes above and beyond for cruise passengers. Specifically it offers a free shuttle that heads out to the cruise port every 45 minutes. You simply have to sign up for the time that you want when you arrive at check-in.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Quality Inn & Suites Near the Fairgrounds
If affordable is what you’re looking for, then the Quality Inn may be right up your alley. Need a ride to the port? It’s likely if you stay here you are driving and parking a car. In that case, the hotel offers a parking package with a roundtrip a cruise shuttle to the port.
- Price: $-$$
- Distance to Port: 4.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Sitting right on the river and just a short distance from the cruise port, this location is ideal for those wanting to stay in downtown Tampa before the cruise. The hotel features a “Ship and Shore” cruise package that includes parking (if needed) and shuttle service to and from the cruise port.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 2 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Comfort Suites At Fairgrounds-Casino
Driving in for the cruise? If so, this hotel is near the Seminole Hard Rock Casino (giving you an entertainment option with the free shuttle to the casino.) It also offers a parking package with shuttle to the port. So you can stay, save on parking at the port, and get a ride to the ship. Best of all, it gets strong reviews without costing a fortune.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 8 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
SpringHill Suites Tampa Westshore Airport
SpringHill Suites is a good find for families since the suite rooms offer more space, often with a kitchenette. This hotel is just about six miles from the cruise port, and offers an “Escape! Park Here” deal that provides cruise parking after your stay for up to two weeks. There is also a shuttle available for $10 per person.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 6 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
While this hotel is by the airport, you are still only about six miles — or 15 minutes — from the cruise terminals. It’s also within walking distance of a number of restaurants. The Embassy Suites offers a “Park, Stay and Go” deal with parking for a week. The offer also includes a shuttle to and from the cruise port.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 6 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
More on Cruising From Tampa:
- 15 Convenient Tampa Park and Cruise Hotels (Highly Rated)
- 5 Easy Ways to Get to the Tampa Cruise Port (Port Transportation)
- Complete Guide to Cruising From Port Tampa Bay
