Airports, Private Aviation & Local Transportation

Sarasota and Manatee County are located in the southwest coast of Florida and have several transportation options available for locals and visitors.

• Cars and Motorcycles: The most common mode of transportation in Sarasota and Manatee County is by car or motorcycle. The area is well-served by a network of roads and highways, including Interstate 75, which runs north-south through the counties.
• Buses: The Sarasota-Manatee Area Transit (SMAT) system operates bus routes throughout the two counties. The buses run daily, and fares are affordable. The SMAT also offers a paratransit service for individuals with disabilities.
• Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT): SCAT operates more than 20 bus routes throughout Sarasota County, including local, express, and paratransit services. The bus system operates seven days a week and serves popular destinations such as downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
• The Bay Runner: Also called “the Sarasota Trolley” is a free shuttle service that operates throughout downtown Sarasota, offering visitors and residents an easy way to get around the city's attractions, shops, and restaurants.  There is a Bay Runner app you can install to get around the area.
• Uber and Lyft: They operate in Sarasota and Manatee County. These services offer an alternative to traditional taxis and are often more convenient and affordable.
• Taxis / Limo Companies: Taxis are also available in the area, and there are several companies to choose from.
• Bicycles: Sarasota and Manatee County have several bike paths and bike-friendly streets, making cycling a popular mode of transportation. There are also several bike rental companies available.

NEARBY MAJOR AIRPORTS

Sarasota International Airport

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a public airport located in Sarasota County, Florida, serving both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Here are some key facts about Sarasota Airport:

• Airlines and destinations: Sarasota Airport is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air, which offer flights to cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, and Toronto.
• Terminal facilities: The airport has one terminal with two concourses, A and B. The terminal includes several restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport.
• Parking: The airport has several parking options, including a parking garage, surface lots, and a valet service. There are also designated areas for disabled parking.
• Ground transportation: Several ground transportation options are available at the airport, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousine services. There is also a shuttle service that provides transportation to nearby hotels.
• Other facilities: Other facilities at the airport include a business center, conference rooms, and a gift shop.
• Expansion plans: Sarasota Airport is currently undergoing a $20 million expansion project that includes the construction of a new passenger screening area, additional boarding gates, and a new baggage system.

Overall, Sarasota Airport offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience for passengers traveling to and from Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Tampa International Airport

(55 miles north of Sarasota)

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a major public airport located in Hillsborough County serving the Tampa Bay area.

Here are some key facts about Tampa Airport:

• Airlines and destinations: Tampa Airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, which offer flights to cities throughout the United States and internationally.
• Terminal facilities: The airport has one main terminal with four airsides, A, C, E, and F. The terminal includes numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport.
• Parking: Tampa Airport has several parking options, including a parking garage, surface lots, and valet parking. There are also designated areas for disabled parking.
• Ground transportation: Several ground transportation options are available at the airport, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousine services. There is also a shuttle service that provides transportation to nearby hotels and attractions.
• Other facilities: Other facilities at the airport include a business center, conference rooms, and a variety of art and exhibits on display throughout the terminal.
• Expansion plans: Tampa Airport recently completed a $1 billion expansion project that included the construction of a new rental car center, an automated people mover, and an expanded main terminal.

Tampa Airport offers a modern and convenient travel experience for passengers traveling to and from the Tampa Bay area.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

(60 miles north of Sarasota)

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a public airport located in Pinellas County, serving the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas.

Here are some key facts about St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport:

• Airlines and destinations: St. Petersburg Airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, and Southern Airways Express, which offer flights to cities such as Cincinnati, Nashville, and Pittsburgh.
• Terminal facilities: The airport has one terminal with two concourses, A and B. The terminal includes several restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport.
• Parking: St. Petersburg Airport has several parking options, including a parking garage, surface lots, and valet parking. There are also designated areas for disabled parking.
• Ground transportation: Several ground transportation options are available at the airport, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousine services. There is also a shuttle service that provides transportation to nearby hotels.
• Other facilities: Other facilities at the airport include a business center, conference rooms, and a gift shop.
• Expansion plans: St. Petersburg Airport recently completed a $21 million expansion project that included the construction of a new baggage handling system, additional boarding gates, and a renovated terminal lobby.

Punta Gorda Airport

(56 miles south of Sarasota)

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is a public airport located in Charlotte County, Florida.

Here are some key facts about Punta Gorda Airport:

• Airlines and destinations: Punta Gorda Airport is primarily served by Allegiant Air, which offers flights to several cities throughout the United States, including Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.
• Terminal facilities: The airport has one terminal building, which includes several restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport.
• Parking: Punta Gorda Airport has several parking options, including a parking garage, surface lots, and valet parking. There are also designated areas for disabled parking.
• Ground transportation: Several ground transportation options are available at the airport, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousine services. There is also a shuttle service that provides transportation to nearby hotels.
• Other facilities: Other facilities at the airport include a business center, conference rooms, and a gift shop.
• Expansion plans: Punta Gorda Airport is currently undergoing a $30 million expansion project that includes the construction of a new terminal building, additional parking facilities, and expanded aircraft parking and maintenance facilities.

Private Aviation

Nearby airports for Private Aviation are also so convenient and there are many options available:

Sarasota and Manatee County, located on the west coast of Florida, have a thriving private aviation industry.

Private aviation in Sarasota and Manatee County offers a range of services, including private jet charters, aircraft management, aircraft sales, and aircraft maintenance. Many private aviation companies in the region offer 24/7 concierge services to ensure that their clients' needs are always met.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the largest airport in the region and serves as a major hub for private aviation. The airport has two fixed-base operators (FBOs) that offer a range of services for private jets and other aircraft. These services include fueling, maintenance, and concierge services.

In addition to these airports, there are several other smaller airports and airstrips in the region that cater to private aviation including:

• Dolphin Aviation
• Gulf Coast Avionics
• Atlantic Aviation SRQ
• Express Air Services
• AeroIQ

Venice Municipal Airport (VNC): is another popular airport for private aviation in the Sarasota and Manatee County region. The airport has one FBO that provides a range of services for private jets and other aircraft.

Private aviation in Sarasota and Manatee County is a thriving industry that offers a range of services to meet the needs of private jet owners, charter clients, and other aviation enthusiasts.