Sarasota Florida: Which Airport To Choose?

what airport is in sarasota florida

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is the closest airport to Sarasota, Florida, located 3.8 miles from the city. The airport is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is located within Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County. It offers over 60 nonstop destinations and 11 airlines, competitive rates, and efficient facilities, making it a popular choice for travellers.

Characteristics Values
Name Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport
IATA SRQ
ICAO KSRQ
FAA LID SRQ
Location Sarasota County, Sarasota, and Manatee County, Florida
Distance from Downtown Sarasota 3-5 miles
Distance from Bradenton 6 miles
Distance from Sarasota by road 3.8 miles
Time from Sarasota by road 15 minutes
Airlines Avelo Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Air Canada, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines
Amenities Short and long-term and shade parking, special needs and accessibility, car rentals, ground transportation, dining and shopping, luggage carts, complimentary WiFi, animal relief areas, ATM, change and cash-to-card machines, massage chairs, and a literature rack
Nearby Hotels DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport, Golden Host Resort

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Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport's location and transport links

The Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is a public international airport located in Sarasota, Florida. The airport is situated within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County. It is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is located 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Downtown Sarasota and 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Bradenton.

Before the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport was constructed, both Sarasota and Bradenton had their own airfields. Bradenton's airport was established between 1935 and 1937, while Sarasota's Lowe Field opened in 1929. During World War II, Lowe Field was used by the Civil Air Patrol, and after the war, civilian operations shifted to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

The Sarasota-Bradenton Airport started construction in 1939 and opened in 1940 with assistance from the CCC and WPA at a cost of $1 million. In 1941, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority was formed, and the airport received its designation "SRQ" in 1948. The airport initially served as a military base during World War II, with the Army Air Corps acquiring additional land to expand the facility.

The Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport has convenient transport links and is easily accessible from various parts of the region. The airport offers holiday discount parking at 8101 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, with shuttle services available for passengers. Additionally, the airport has a Cell Phone Lot located at 1180 Rental Car Road, providing easy access for those arriving by car.

The airport has been recognised for its outstanding achievements, receiving the 2022 Commercial Service Airport of the Year Award from the Florida Department of Transportation. This award acknowledges the airport's excellence in aesthetics, safety, and management.

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Airlines operating out of the airport

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is located in Sarasota, Florida. The airport is within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County. It is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport offers flights from several airlines, including:

  • Avelo Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Breeze Airways
  • Delta
  • Frontier Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • Southwest
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Air Canada

The airport has more than 60 nonstop destinations and 11 airlines, with competitive rates and efficient facilities. It is a full-service international airport for Sarasota and its islands resort areas.

The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority has its own independent, Florida Department of Law Enforcement-certified law enforcement agency, which is responsible for security and protection of the airport's assets. The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Rescue and Firefighting Services are certified by the State of Florida and the FAA to provide firefighting and medical rescue services at the airport.

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Amenities and services available at the airport

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is located within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County, all in the U.S. state of Florida. The airport is known for its easy access to Southwest Florida's beaches and cultural attractions. SRQ airport offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient passage for travellers.

SRQ airport offers spacious terminals with swift gate access, relaxing passenger lounges, and various hospitality services. The airport's design prioritises space and fluidity, creating a calm environment with clear signage for a stress-free experience. The airport also provides:

  • Award-winning customer service
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
  • Ample seating with charging stations
  • Flight tracking screens
  • No-hassle parking with three different lots: Short-Term, Long-Term, and Shade Parking, all within walking distance of the Main Terminal
  • A parking shuttle that operates between the Long-Term and Shade Lot and overflow parking lots
  • Eight Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, complimentary for customers in the Short-Term parking lot
  • A Cell Phone Lot with restrooms, vending machines, and flight screens for convenient passenger pick-up
  • Special needs and accessibility services, including curbside assistance, abundant street-level parking, accessible routes, automatic doors, elevators, ramped access to gate areas, preferential seating, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms and drinking fountains
  • Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and other services located in the Main Terminal
  • Dining and shopping options
  • Luggage carts
  • Animal relief areas
  • ATMs, change machines, and cash-to-card machines
  • Massage chairs
  • A literature rack

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport also offers holiday discount parking and participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to aid individuals with non-visible disabilities. The airport has an independent police department and a certified rescue and firefighting services team.

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History of the airport

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is a public international airport located within Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County in Florida. The airport is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is located 3 miles north of Downtown Sarasota and 6 miles south of Bradenton.

Before the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport was built, both Sarasota and Bradenton had their own airfields: Bradenton Airport and Sarasota's Lowe Field. Bradenton Airport was established between 1935 and 1937 and was abandoned during World War II. Lowe Field, dedicated on January 12, 1929, and opened on March 12, was Sarasota's first municipal airport. It was located on 160 acres of land west of what was then Oriente Avenue (now Beneva Road) and north of Fruitville Road.

The Sarasota-Bradenton Airport was constructed as a replacement for Lowe Field due to its poor conditions and low capacity. Construction began in 1939 and was completed the following year with CCC and WPA assistance, costing $1 million. In May 1941, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority was created. During World War II, the airport was used by the military and officially closed in 1947, after which it was transferred to civilian usage. Despite this transition, the airport and its facilities fell into disrepair until the Florida Legislature passed the 1955 Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Act, which gave the airport the legal power and guidelines to operate effectively.

In 1956, the airport's name was changed to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, reflecting its new international status. Construction of a terminal building began on August 18, 1958, and it opened on May 2, 1959, with a control tower, ticketing area, offices, gift shop, coffee shop, and a balcony for passengers to watch their planes arrive. In its opening year, the airport served approximately 22,000 annual passengers. The airport's first jet flights were Eastern 727s in the winter of 1964-1965.

Today, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport continues to serve as a convenient and stress-free gateway to Sarasota and its surrounding areas, offering competitive rates, efficient facilities, and a wide range of amenities for travellers. The airport also provides nearby accommodation options and security services to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers.

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Nearby hotels

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is located within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County, Florida. The airport is about 3 to 5 miles from downtown Sarasota and offers several amenities, including short and long-term parking, car rentals, dining, complimentary WiFi, and more.

There are plenty of hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Here are some options:

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport: This 4-star business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Guests have praised the restaurant and breakfast options.
  • Golden Host Resort: This resort offers free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests have praised the pool and the bar.

In addition to these, there are over 2400 hotels in Sarasota, with prices starting at $55 USD per night.

Frequently asked questions

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The airport is located 3 to 5 miles from downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport offers short and long-term parking, special needs services, car rentals, ground transportation, dining, shopping, complimentary WiFi, animal relief areas, ATMs, and massage chairs.

There are 2414+ hotels available in Sarasota, with prices starting at $55 USD per night. Some hotels within walking distance or a short driving distance of the airport include DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport and Golden Host Resort.

Airlines that operate at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport include Avelo, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.

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