Planning a trip to Sarasota
Getting to Sarasota
You’ll probably find less-expensive airfare by flying into Tampa International Airport, an hour’s drive north of Sarasota. If you fly directly here, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) (tel. 941/359-2770), north of downtown, off University Parkway between U.S. 41 and U.S. 301, is served by a number of carriers. ALD Limo (tel. 855/799-LIMO) operates a taxi service at SRQ, with rates starting at $25 for the first three miles, and $2.50 each additional mile.Amtrak has bus connections to Sarasota from its Tampa station (tel. 800/872-7245).
Getting Around Sarasota
Sarasota County BreezeTransit (tel. 941/861-5000) operates a fairly reliable bus service around town. Fares are $1.50, 75 cents per senior and free for the first two children 5 and under, 75 cents per additional child. Sarasota taxi companies include ALD Limo (tel. 941/925-9535) and Yellow Cab of Sarasota (tel. 941/955-3341).Visitor Information
Visit Sarasota (tel. 941/706-1253) has a booth at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Their website has a useful section listing Sarasota’s bays, beaches, parks, preserves, trails, rivers, and the best spots for communing with nature. The City of Bradenton’s website has info on events and resources.Other excellent resources of information include the website of Manatee County (tel. 941/748-4501), and the website for Florida’s Gulf Islands, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and Longboat Key .
Getting Around
Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT; tel. 941/861-5000; www.scgov.net/SCAT/default.asp) operates a fairly reliable bus service around town. Fares are 75¢ for adults, with two children 5 and under free and 35¢ per additional child. Sarasota taxi companies include Diplomat Taxi (tel. 941/355-5155), Green Cab Taxi (tel. 941/922-6666), and Yellow Cab of Sarasota (tel. 941/955- 3341).
Getting There
You'll probably find less-expensive airfare by flying into Tampa International Airport, an hour's drive north of Sarasota, and you can save even more because Tampa's rental-car agencies usually offer some of the best deals in Florida. If you don't rent a car, Sarasota-Tampa Express (tel. 800/326-2800 or 941/727-1344; www.stexps.com) provides bus connections for $40 for adults, $20 for children 4 to 12. Call in advance for a schedule and pickup locations.
If you fly directly here, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (tel. 941/359-2770; www.srq-airport.com), north of downtown, off University Parkway between U.S. 41 and U.S. 301, is served by Continental, Delta, Northwest, and US Airways.
Diplomat Taxi (tel. 941/355-5155; www.srqtaxi.com) has a monopoly on service from the airport to hotels in Sarasota and Bradenton. Look for the cabs outside baggage claim. Fares are all metered at $2.25 at flag fall and $2.15 per additional mile.
Amtrak has bus connections to Sarasota from its Tampa station (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com).
