Finding Siesta Key: Which Florida Airport Is Best?

Siesta Key, Florida, is a convenient drive from I-75, with direct access at Exit 207 and Exit 205. The island is accessible via four major airports within 90 miles. The closest airport to Siesta Key is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which is about 10 miles from the island. Other nearby airports include St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Punta Gorda Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

From the airport, it is a quick 25 to 30-minute drive to Siesta Key, and there are various transportation options available. Rental cars can be easily accessed at the airport, and transportation services such as SuperShuttle, Dick's Driver Service, JD Clayton, and Night Ride Car Service are also available. The airport is conveniently located near US-301 S, making it easy to navigate to Siesta Key.

SRQ is highly recommended for its price and accessibility, offering a stress-free and convenient experience for travellers. With its proximity to Siesta Key and the range of transportation options available, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the pristine beaches and quaint town of Siesta Key.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

The airport began as a World War II military training base, known as Pinellas Army Airfield, and later became Pinellas International Airport, where its identifier "PIE" originated. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a commercial airport with nonstop air service to 65 destinations. It is also a focus city for Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air. The airport is less busy than Tampa International Airport and is frequently used by pilots of private planes and executive jets.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport offers convenient access to its gates and parking, with every gate just a short walk from curbside and parking. The airport also boasts a 24-hour airport rescue and firefighting department, along with operations, facilities, engineering, security, and administrative personnel.

The airport covers 1900 acres at an elevation of 11 feet and has two asphalt runways. It is home to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, the largest and busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in the United States. The airport also supports general/corporate and military aviation with its two major runways.

With an economic impact of over $1 billion, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a vital part of the Pinellas tourism industry and the Tampa Bay area's economy. The airport and its tenants employ over 3,000 people and contribute more than $400 million yearly to the region.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Tampa International Airport is a good option for travelling to Siesta Key, as it is a large airport with the most options in terms of airlines. Budget airlines serve the airport, so it is possible to find a good deal on flights. It is easy to rent a car or take an Uber/Lyft from Tampa to Sarasota, which is close to Siesta Key.

Tampa International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in Florida and the busiest airport on the west coast of Florida. It is a major hub for Silver Airways and serves as a base for Frontier, Southwest, and United. The airport has three terminals and five concourses, with a metrorail providing connections between the main terminal and airside buildings.

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)

PGD is mainly used for general aviation, but has recently seen more scheduled airline services, with flights offered by Allegiant Air to 51 destinations. Sun Country Airlines also operates out of PGD, providing low-cost, nonstop flights to over 50 destinations. The airport is also home to the Florida International Air Show, an annual event that has featured military demonstration teams such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels.

The airport has three runways and six gates, with an expansion underway to increase the number of gates to 10. In the year ending December 31, 2023, the airport handled an average of 283 aircraft operations per day, with 404 aircraft based at the airport.

For travellers heading to Siesta Key, PGD is a great option, especially if you can find a good deal on airfare. The airport is conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, with easy access to major highways.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

The airport is a convenient option for those travelling to Siesta Key, especially those coming from the south, as it is the closest international airport to the island. Southwest Florida International Airport is also accessible from Siesta Key's North and South Bridges, which can be crossed after leaving the mainland.

There are several transportation options available to get to Siesta Key from the airport, including rental cars, shuttle services, limousines, and ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft.

Southwest Florida International Airport is one of four major airports within 90 miles of Siesta Key, the others being Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

Frequently asked questions