Getting around from the hotel: streetcar, water taxi, walking and rideshares
From the Westin Tampa Waterside you can walk to many downtown waterfront sights (Tampa Riverwalk ~12 minutes, Florida Aquarium ~14 minutes). For longer hops use the free TECO Line Streetcar to Ybor City, the Pirate Water Taxi for Riverwalk/Harbour Island stops, or rideshares and airport transfers — the hotel also offers airport pick-up service.
In this guide
Walking from the hotel
The Westin Tampa Waterside sits on Harbour Island, within easy walking distance of several downtown waterfront attractions. The Tampa Riverwalk is about a 12-minute walk from the hotel; the Florida Aquarium is roughly a 14-minute walk.
Walking is the fastest way to reach nearby spots such as Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Convention Center, and Amalie Arena when traffic or parking are concerns. Wear comfortable shoes and expect pedestrian routes along the waterfront and Riverwalk.
- Tampa Riverwalk: ~12-minute walk
- Florida Aquarium: ~14-minute walk
- Tampa Convention Center: ~15-minute walk (steps from Harbour Island)
| Destination | Approx. walk time |
|---|---|
| Tampa Riverwalk | 12 minutes |
| Florida Aquarium | 14 minutes |
| Tampa Convention Center | 15 minutes |
TECO Line Streetcar (free service through Sept 2026)
The TECO Line Streetcar runs between downtown/Channelside and Ybor City and serves stops near Harbour Island and the hotel. Service is frequent — roughly every 12–15 minutes per published schedules — and is fare-free at least through September 2026.
The streetcar is a convenient option to reach Ybor City’s bars, restaurants, and historic district without driving or parking. Check current schedules and stop locations before you travel.
- Runs between downtown/Channelside and Ybor City
- Frequency: about every 12–15 minutes (check current schedule)
- Fare status: fare-free through at least Sept 2026
| Good for | Why use it |
|---|---|
| Ybor City nightlife | Avoid driving and parking |
| Short downtown hops | Frequent departures |
| Sightseeing | Historic streetcar experience |
Pirate Water Taxi and other water options
The Pirate Water Taxi runs daily with multiple stops along the Riverwalk, Harbour Island and Davis Islands, making it useful for sightseeing and hopping between waterfront attractions. The service connects areas the Riverwalk serves but from the water.
All-day passes have been published for a separate fee; check the operator’s site for current fares and schedules. The water taxi is a scenic choice when weather is good and you want a break from walking.
- Daily service with about 14 stops along the Riverwalk and Harbour Island
- Useful for linking the hotel area with downtown waterfront destinations
- Check Pirate Water Taxi for current all-day pass prices and hours
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Buy an all-day pass | Makes multiple hop-on/hop-off trips cheaper |
| Check stop map | Confirm stop closest to the hotel area |
| Bring sunscreen | Much of the ride is open-air |
Rideshares, taxis and airport transfers
Rideshare services and taxis are widely available in downtown Tampa. A rideshare from Tampa International Airport to the Riverwalk/downtown area is commonly reported in the $20–$30 range depending on traffic; prices vary by time and demand.
The Westin Tampa Waterside also provides airport pick-up and drop-off service for guests — contact the hotel to arrange details. Keep in mind valet-only parking at the hotel if you plan to use a rental car or private vehicle.
- Typical rideshare airport fare to downtown: about $20–$30 (varies)
- Hotel offers airport pick-up/drop-off service — contact property to arrange
- On-site parking is valet-only (guests should plan for valet costs)
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Rideshare/taxi | Quick, door-to-door trips |
| Hotel airport transfer | Simplified pickup arranged through the hotel |
| Water taxi/streetcar | Scenic or transit-free downtown hops |
Getting to the beaches and other day trips
Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are popular day trips from downtown Tampa; driving or a rideshare is typically the practical option. Public-bus routes for these beach trips can be lengthy with transfers, so expect longer travel times if choosing public transit.
Bus and light-rail options are less direct for Pinellas County beaches; plan for 90 minutes or more by public transit to some beach destinations. If you prefer not to drive, rideshares give more predictable door-to-door travel times.
- Clearwater Beach: commonly reached in about 30–45 minutes by car from downtown (traffic-dependent)
- Public bus to Pinellas beaches may take 90+ minutes with transfers
- Rideshare is often the most practical non-driving option for beach day trips
| Beach | Typical travel mode |
|---|---|
| Clearwater Beach | Car or rideshare (30–45 minutes) |
| St. Pete Beach | Car or rideshare (about 30–40 minutes) |
| Public transit | Possible but often lengthy (allow extra time) |
Practical tips for using local transport from your room
Pack light for short streetcar or water taxi hops — stair-free access and luggage handling vary by operator. If you need assistance with luggage or porter service, the hotel’s 24-hour front desk and bell staff can help.
If you want a room with easier access to the waterfront transit points, consider booking a room with a waterfront view. Options that include 'Bay View' in the room name are listed by the hotel (for example, Room, Bay View and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Bay View).
- Ask the front desk about current streetcar/water taxi stop locations
- Porter/bellhop service is available for luggage to and from the curb
- Reserve rideshare pick-ups from the hotel entrance; valet is the usual pick-up point
| Service | Hotel contact point |
|---|---|
| Airport pick-up | Contact front desk to arrange |
| Luggage assistance | Bell/porter service (24-hour front desk) |
| Restaurant reservations | Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar or front desk |
