Getting around downtown: streetcar, water taxi, rideshares and walking
Tampa Marriott Water Street sits on the Tampa Riverwalk with direct access to the free TECO Line Streetcar (Dick Greco Plaza) and nearby Riverwalk water taxi stops, making streetcar, water taxi, rideshare and walking practical options for downtown travel. For short trips around Channelside, take the streetcar or water taxi; for airport transfers or farther destinations, rideshares and taxis are fastest.
In this guide
TECO Line Streetcar — how to use it from the hotel
What it is: The TECO Line is a free heritage streetcar that connects Downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and Ybor City. Tampa Marriott Water Street is served at the Dick Greco Plaza station near the hotel and Convention Center.
Frequency and accessibility: The streetcar runs roughly every 15 minutes and serves wheelchair-accessible stations. It’s an easy option for short downtown hops and to reach Ybor City without driving.
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- Where to catch it: Dick Greco Plaza stop near the hotel and Tampa Convention Center.
- Best uses: Short trips along the Riverwalk corridor, a convenient link to Ybor City, and avoiding downtown traffic and parking.
- Limitations: Service hours vary and the streetcar stops at scheduled stations — check the TECO Line schedule before you go.
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Station name | Dick Greco Plaza (near Tampa Marriott Water Street) |
| Good for | Tampa Convention Center, Amalie Arena, Ybor City |
Riverwalk water taxis and boat tours
Water taxis run along the Tampa Riverwalk and stop near Tampa Marriott Water Street, connecting Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Hyde Park and other waterfront points. Several private operators (including Pirate Water Taxi and sightseeing cruises) depart from Channelside/nearby piers.
How to use them: Walk to the nearby Riverwalk dock and buy tickets from the operator or at a nearby kiosk — schedules and routes vary by company and season. Water taxis work well for scenic short hops and waterfront sightseeing rather than precise point-to-point transfers.
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- Typical departures: Multiple operators run departures from Channelside/Channelside Drive docks close to the hotel (operators’ timetables vary).
- Good for: Leisurely sightseeing, reaching Harbour Island or Hyde Park without driving, and family-friendly excursions (pirate-ship tours are offered nearby).
- What to check: Confirm departure points, hours and ticketing with the specific operator on the day you travel.
| Operator type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Riverwalk water taxi | Short waterfront hops (Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Hyde Park) |
| Sightseeing/dinner cruises (Yacht StarShip) | Longer sightseeing or dining cruises departing Channelside |
| Pirate/novelty boats | Family-oriented themed tours |
Rideshares and taxis — when to pick them
Rideshare and taxi services are the fastest way to reach the airport or destinations outside the downtown waterfront area. From Tampa International Airport (TPA) a typical drive time to downtown is about 14–15 minutes depending on traffic.
Where to meet your driver: Rideshare pickup and drop-off is common on Water Street and at hotel valets. If you have luggage or a group, use valet services at Tampa Marriott Water Street or ask your driver to pull up to the hotel entrance for easier loading.
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- Best for: Airport transfers, trips to Busch Gardens, day trips to beaches, and when you need door-to-door service.
- If you have a large party: Consider a larger rideshare vehicle or pre-book a town car/van.
- Traffic note: Downtown traffic can slow trips during event times (Amalie Arena/Convention Center) — allow extra time for scheduled departures.
| Route | Typical time from hotel |
|---|---|
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | About 14–15 minutes by car |
| Busch Gardens area | About 9–10 miles (drive time varies) |
| Clearwater/St. Pete beaches | 40–60 minutes by car (traffic dependent) |
Walking and the Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Marriott Water Street opens directly onto the Tampa Riverwalk, a continuous waterfront path that links Amalie Arena, the Florida Aquarium, museums and dining areas. Many attractions are within an easy walk: Amalie Arena and the Tampa Convention Center are only a few minutes away.
Suggested walking times and nearby attractions: The Florida Aquarium is generally about a 10–12 minute walk, Sparkman Wharf about 10–11 minutes, and the Tampa Bay History Center and Tampa Museum of Art are within roughly a mile. Walking is often the fastest way to nearby waterfront dining and event venues.
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- Good for family outings: The Riverwalk is stroller- and family-friendly; there are public benches, parks and water views along the route.
- Use comfortable shoes: The Riverwalk is long and pleasant but sections are exposed to sun — bring water and sun protection in hot months.
- When to avoid: In heavy rain or during severe weather (summer storms), walking may be less comfortable; plan rideshare or indoor options instead.
| Attraction | Approx. walk from hotel |
|---|---|
| Amalie Arena (Benchmark International Arena) | 2–4 minutes |
| Tampa Convention Center | 5–7 minutes |
| Florida Aquarium | 10–12 minutes |
Getting to and from Tampa International Airport
The easiest public option for most travelers is a rideshare or taxi; the drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) into downtown takes about 14–15 minutes in typical traffic. The hotel is roughly 8 miles from TPA by road.
If you prefer other options: Rental cars are widely available at TPA and some guests use shuttle or private transfer services — the hotel notes a car is not required for transportation to and from the property. For parking at the hotel, valet service is available for a daily surcharge and self-parking must be arranged in advance.
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- Airport transfer tips: If you have early or late flights, confirm pickup areas with your rideshare driver and allow extra time during peak hours.
- Luggage: For groups or oversize luggage, ask the hotel valet to assist on arrival or departure.
| Mode | Note |
|---|---|
| Rideshare/Taxi | Fastest door-to-door option (approx. 14–15 min to TPA) |
| Rental car | Available at TPA; use if you plan to explore beyond downtown |
| Hotel valet | Valet parking at Tampa Marriott Water Street available for a daily surcharge |
At-hotel transport tips and practicalities
Valet, parking and marina: Tampa Marriott Water Street offers valet parking (daily surcharge) and an on-site marina with 32 slips; self-parking must be arranged directly with the hotel. If you’re arriving by boat or renting watercraft, coordinate with hotel marina staff in advance.
Pool, cabanas and accessibility: The rooftop outdoor pool on the third floor is available for guests (generally open early morning to 10:00 PM) and cabanas/palapas are available for an additional fee. The hotel and nearby skybridge to JW Marriott provide accessible routes, and the TECO streetcar stations are wheelchair-accessible.
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- If you’re attending a convention or event: Allow extra time for local traffic and consider walking via the Riverwalk or taking the streetcar for short hops to avoid parking queues.
- Room notes: If you requested a balcony room and are traveling with young children, contact the hotel in advance — some outdoor room features (balconies, terraces) ’may not be suitable for children’ per hotel guidance. Mention any mobility needs at booking to request an accessible option such as Room (Mobility/, Tub) or other accessible room types.
| Hotel feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool | Third-floor outdoor pool with hot tub; towels provided; hours generally until 10:00 PM |
| Cabanas/Palapas | Available for an additional fee (hotel lists cabana fees) |
| Fitness & spa access | Complimentary fitness center on site; Spa by JW at adjacent JW Marriott via skybridge |
