Venice, Florida: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Venice, Florida, has a municipal airport, but it is not served by scheduled airline services. The closest major airports to Venice, Florida, are Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (24-28 miles away), Tampa International Airport (76-78 miles away), and Fort Myers International Airport (71-76 miles away). Southwest Florida International Airport and Punta Gorda Airport are also options, located 71 and 38-45 miles from Venice, respectively.

Venice Municipal Airport

The airport was originally built during the 1940s by the United States Army Air Forces and served as a military flight training facility. After World War II, the airport was transferred to the control of the City of Venice by the U.S. government, making the city the airport sponsor through federal grant assurances. Today, the airport is solely funded by the airport enterprise fund, which is supported by land leases, and does not receive any money from the city's general fund.

While Venice Municipal Airport caters to general aviation, commercial flights to Venice, Florida, are typically served by other airports in the region. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), located 24 to 28 miles north of Venice, is often considered the most convenient option for travellers. Other nearby airports include Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Fort Myers International Airport (RSW), both situated about 76 miles from Venice, offering additional flight choices and alternative transportation options.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Venice, Florida, does not have its own airport. However, there are several airports in the vicinity, including the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). This airport is located within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city of Sarasota, and Manatee County. It is about 24 to 28 miles north of Venice and is known for its convenience and ease of use. The airport features a spacious terminal, short check-in lines, and ample parking options. It offers a variety of services and amenities, including dining, shopping, luggage carts, complimentary Wi-Fi, and animal relief areas.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has a rich history, initially known as Sarasota-Bradenton Airport when it opened in 1940. It was a replacement for Lowe Field, which had poor conditions and low capacity. In 1956, the word "international" was added to its name, reflecting its growing scope. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the construction of a terminal building in 1959.

The airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines. These airlines offer nonstop flights to various destinations, including New York City, Portsmouth, and Albany. The airport has also seen significant growth in passenger traffic, with an increase of 9.2% in June 2024 compared to the previous year.

In addition to its convenience and amenities, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has played a notable role in history. On September 11, 2001, Air Force One was at the airport when President George W. Bush was informed of the terrorist attacks. The airport is easily accessible, with hotels located within walking distance or a short drive away.

Punta Gorda Airport

Venice, Florida, does not have its own commercial airport, but there are several airports in the surrounding areas that travellers can use. One such airport is Punta Gorda Airport, a public airport located three miles east of Punta Gorda, in Charlotte County, Florida.

The airport is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority and was formerly called Charlotte County Airport. Historically, it has been used mainly for general aviation, but in recent years, it has seen an increase in scheduled airline service. As of 2025, Allegiant Air offers flights to fifty-one destinations, and the airline provides daily services to various cities across the United States. In the past, low-cost carriers like Direct Air and Vision Airlines have also operated from Punta Gorda Airport, offering flights to cities like Greenville, South Carolina, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Atlanta.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built an airfield on the site as a combat pilot training base for the U.S. military. During World War II, the Punta Gorda Army Airfield was a subordinate command of the 3rd Air Force, 3rd Fighter Command, and housed various aircraft, including the Curtis P-40 Warhawk and the North American P-51 Mustang. The airport's terminal was named the Bailey Terminal after the seven Bailey brothers from Punta Gorda who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Tampa International Airport

Venice, Florida, does not have its own airport. However, there are several airports nearby that travellers can use. One of these is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is located about 76 miles north of Venice. It serves as a major airport hub, offering a wide range of flight options and serving several prominent airlines, such as Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.

The airport has a rich history, with airlines Eastern Air Lines and National Airlines relocating their operations to Drew Field from the smaller Peter O. Knight Airport in the mid-1940s. This move accommodated larger aircraft, such as the Douglas DC-4, DC-6, and Lockheed Constellation prop-liners. In 1950, Trans Canada Airlines commenced international flights from the airport, which was then renamed Tampa International Airport.

Travellers can expect a comfortable journey to Venice, Florida, from Tampa International Airport, with limousine services available for a stress-free ride. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Fort Myers International Airport

Venice, Florida, does not have an airport for commercial airline service. The closest airport to Venice, Florida, is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), which is located 24 miles north of the city. However, travellers can also opt for Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Fort Myers International Airport (RSW), which are both about 76 miles away from Venice.

In 2024, the airport served a record-breaking 11,028,182 passengers and had 97,077 aircraft operations, averaging 265 per day. The design capacity of the airport is 10 million passengers per year, with 28 gates across three concourses (B, C, and D). The terminal buildings can be expanded to accommodate up to 65 gates across five concourses. The airport provides nonstop service to 72 destinations through 15 air carriers, including major airlines such as Southwest, American Airlines, and Delta.

The Lee County Port Authority, established in 1987, operates the airport and Page Field. The authority is governed by a five-member Board of Port Commissioners, who are elected for four-year terms by voters in Lee County. The airport has received several accolades, including being ranked 2nd among North American airports with under 10 million annual passengers by J.D. Power & Associates Airport Satisfaction Study.

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