Honestly, if you're planning a trip to the Gulf Coast, you've probably already realized that picking the right landing spot is half the battle. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the obvious choice, but it’s not always the smartest one depending on where you're coming from or how much you hate traffic. Finding the nearest airports to Sarasota Florida is less about distance and more about managing your sanity.
Let's be real. Nobody wants to spend three hours in a rental car on I-75 after a cross-country flight just because they saved twenty bucks on airfare. But sometimes, flying into a "nearby" hub can actually save you hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of layover time. It’s a bit of a balancing act.
The Local Favorite: Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ)
If you want to be on Siesta Key with a drink in your hand within thirty minutes of touchdown, SRQ is your spot. It is literally four miles from downtown. You can practically smell the salt air from the tarmac.
The best thing about SRQ? It’s tiny. Not "puddle-jumper" tiny, but "I can get through security in six minutes" tiny. As of early 2026, the airport has continued its massive expansion, now hosting over 11 airlines including heavy hitters like Southwest, Allegiant, and Delta. They’ve added a ton of nonstop routes—over 65 at last count—connecting Sarasota to places like Boston, Chicago, and even Syracuse.
Pro tip: If you're staying in downtown Sarasota, skip the Uber and look for the Breeze 76 Flyer Trolley. It costs $2. It has luggage racks. It’s probably the best-kept secret for cheap transport in the county.
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The Heavyweight: Tampa International (TPA)
About an hour north—if the gods of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are smiling on you—lies TPA. This is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the country for a reason. It’s efficient, clean, and the layout makes sense.
You fly into TPA when you need options. If you’re coming from London, Frankfurt, or even just a smaller West Coast city, SRQ might not have the direct flight you need. TPA has everything.
The drive down is roughly 60 miles. Usually, it takes about an hour, but Sarasota traffic has become a beast lately. If you land during rush hour, expect that hour to turn into two. Honestly, the view from the Skyway Bridge is worth it at least once, but the tolls and the I-75 construction can be a drag.
The Budget King: St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE)
PIE is weirdly close but feels world's away. It’s about 50 minutes from Sarasota. This is essentially the Florida headquarters for Allegiant Air. If you’re flying from a random city in the Midwest or the Northeast, you might find a $50 flight here that would cost $300 anywhere else.
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It’s even smaller than SRQ. You walk off the plane onto the tarmac, which feels very "old Florida." Just keep in mind that PIE is very limited on amenities. If your flight is delayed, you’re basically sitting in a room with a snack bar and not much else.
The Southern Alternative: Punta Gorda (PGD)
A lot of people forget about Punta Gorda. It’s about 45 to 55 minutes south of Sarasota. Like PIE, it’s a massive hub for Allegiant.
If you are staying in South Sarasota, Venice, or North Port, PGD is actually more convenient than Tampa. The drive is a straight shot up I-75. It’s a very low-stress airport, but rental car lines can get long because everyone is trying to do the same thing at the same time.
Distance Breakdown from Downtown Sarasota
- SRQ: 4 miles (10-15 mins)
- TPA: 60 miles (60-90 mins)
- PIE: 47 miles (55-70 mins)
- PGD: 55 miles (55-65 mins)
- RSW (Fort Myers): 90 miles (90+ mins)
Why You Might Consider Fort Myers (RSW)
Southwest Florida International (RSW) is about an hour and a half south. Usually, this is too far for most people. However, if you're traveling during "Peak Season" (February through April), SRQ and TPA prices skyrocket.
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Sometimes RSW stays weirdly affordable. It’s a major international hub, so the car rental selection is massive. If you’re planning on exploring the Everglades or Sanibel anyway, landing here and driving up to Sarasota isn’t the worst idea.
Getting Around Once You Land
Rideshares are everywhere, but they aren't cheap. A Lyft from Tampa to Sarasota will easily set you back $80 to $120. If you’re flying into SRQ, you’ve got the Breeze Transit system, which is surprisingly decent for a Florida bus system.
For those heading to the beaches, the Bay Runner is a free trolley that connects downtown to St. Armands Circle and Lido Key. If you can get yourself to downtown from any of these airports, you can basically live without a car if you stay in the right area.
The Verdict on Nearest Airports to Sarasota Florida
If the price is within $50, book SRQ. The time you save on the road and the lack of stress is worth the premium.
If you're traveling with a big family and can save $400 by flying into Tampa or Punta Gorda, do it. Just make sure you factor in the cost of a rental car and the $15+ in tolls you'll hit coming down from the north.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Allegiant’s specific "seasonal" calendar for PGD and PIE; they don't fly every day.
- Download the Breeze Rider app if you’re planning to use public transit from SRQ.
- If you choose TPA, try to land before 2:00 PM to avoid the nightmare that is the I-275/I-75 interchange at rush hour.