Travel & Transportation

One Big, Connected Community

Spend your gas money on something else with Sarasota’s free, open-air trolley known as the Bay Runner, which conveniently reaches popular destinations like the downtown area, St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach and Longboat Key. Siesta Key Breeze trolley also offers no-cost transportation from Siesta Village to the southern parts of the island from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the year.

Both the Sarasota County Area Transit and Manatee County Area Transit provide connectivity throughout Florida’s entire west coast, while Sarasota County’s Complete Streets program continues to create inclusive infrastructure for mobility within the region whether you’re on foot, bicycle or automobile.

Support for Statewide Infrastructure

Out for a day of exploring or have business in other parts of Florida? Florida’s West Coast is thoroughly connected by US Highway 41 and Interstate 75, which stretches from Venice, North Port, Sarasota and Bradenton through Tampa Bay and beyond. The Florida Department of Transportation also announced a five-year plan consisting of a record $12.6 billion investment towards the state’s multimodal transportation system. More than $4 billion of this is allocated toward highway construction, while over $180 million will go toward schedules repairs and the replacement of bridges.

Locally known and Internationally Flown

Florida’s West Coast is connected to the rest of the world by several airports, including Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) which is located right on the county line and offers more than 50 nonstop destinations. American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United and more offer flights to SRQ and visitors can fly nonstop to the airport from 14 U.S. and Canadian cities. Just to the north of SRQ is Tampa Bay International (TPA) which is one of the best airports in the nation for domestic flights.