How to get to Tropicana Field
We’ll give you three guesses on how best to get to Steinbrenner Field, but you’ll only need one – “car.” While other metro areas enjoy zippy, inexpensive, and convenient light rail or subway options, the public transit system in the Tampa Bay region leaves a lot to be desired. While there are some workable transit options in certain places, none will get you to Steinbrenner Field easily except for the #32 bus from Tampa International Airport. And there’s literally nothing around the ballpark, so walking is out, too.
So let’s show you the best ways to get to and from the ballpark from wherever you’ve chosen to stay.
Driving to Steinbrenner Field
Let’s start with this: traffic is a constant in Tampa, so no matter where you choose to stay, if you plan to drive your rental car to the ballpark, leave yourself plenty of time. If you’re staying in one of the areas we recommend in our Lodging section, you are looking at a 15-minute minimum drive from the airport, but more likely 30-45 minutes from downtown, to more than an hour from the beaches (which is why we think a rental car is a better option if you’re staying in Clearwater or other beach areas).
The Rays operate four public parking lots, all in the same area at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Himes Avenue. Parking for all lots is $31.95 when bought through the team’s website in advance. Lots 1 and 3 (enter on King) are closer to the pedestrian bridge to the stadium, so try to snag a spot in one of them to save a few steps. The shared premium/ADA parking lot is closer to the entrance, but only season ticket holders get premium parking passes.
Private businesses along Martin Luther King Boulevard offer cheaper parking than the team lots, and private residences on Himes Avenue offer parking as well, though with a much longer walk to the stadium. We’ve never had any problem with these parking options, but always use your best judgment, and if you don’t feel comfortable, just head for the official lots.
Rideshare to Steinbrenner Field
Tampa Ridesharing
If you’d prefer to avoid being behind the wheel for Tampa’s gridlock traffic, you can opt for rideshares instead. Just as with driving yourself, leave yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium, as your rideshare driver will encounter the same traffic hassles you would have if you had chosen to drive.
From the Tampa areas we recommend in our Lodging section, expect to pay $20-$25 to get to the stadium, and more to get home because of surge pricing. But still, depending on the price of a rental car and parking (both at the stadium and wherever you’re staying), you may find that rideshares are not only more cost-efficient but also more convenient.
If you’re staying on the beach, you could be looking at more than $60 each way, which is why we recommend staying there only if you plan to rent a car.
Other options for getting to Steinbrenner Field from downtown Tampa
Public transit options
Again, the Tampa Bay area has a pretty dismal public transportation system. You can get to Steinbrenner Field from some downtown locations via a HART (Hillsborough Area Transit) bus, but most will take you more than an hour – or longer – so unless money is really (really) tight, we don’t recommend it.
The only place where taking a HART bus could make sense is if you are staying at or near Tampa International Airport (and still only if money is really tight).
If you are staying at the Tampa Airport Marriott (attached to the airport), you can take the airport’s free PeopleMover tram from the main terminal to the Rental Car Center, and then catch the #32 bus, which runs hourly and is just $2. Eight stops later, get off at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Himes Avenue, where the stadium parking lots are, and you’ll be about a half-mile walk to the stadium. All told, it should take you about 30-40 minutes and will save you $27 on parking.
If you are staying at other hotels between the airport and Steinbrenner Field, the #32 bus is also an available option. Get on board at International Plaza or at the intersection of Boy Scout Boulevard/Jim Water Boulevard, whichever is closest to your hotel.
But can we please tell you … walking in Florida sucks. All of these “walks” are along the sides of busy roads, and there’s nothing to see, nothing of interest. This isn’t Boston or Chicago or even Cleveland, where a one-mile walk can be an enjoyable outing. Oh … and have we mentioned the humidity? And the torrential rainstorms? Seriously … walking just isn’t a thing here, and we would really not suggest the bus and walk method of getting to the ballpark. We’re simply including it for those who feel it’s their only option.
TSI WARNING: The last #32 bus leaves King/Himes westbound at 10:30 p.m., so if the game is dragging on into extra innings, you’ll have to leave early or take a rideshare back to wherever you’re staying.
Bottom Line
Unless you are staying at or near Tampa International Airport and choose to use the relatively short and cheap public bus route, you’ll be arriving at Steinbrenner Field by car. Whether you opt for a rental car or a rideshare, just give yourself enough time to fight through Tampa traffic.
