Here are the 5 Closest Airports to Sarasota FL – 10 Mins to Downtown
We found the closest airports to Sarasota FL so you can get right into the city (or the beach) as soon as you touch down.
Whether you’re leaping toward a golden getaway or zipping for a meeting, knowing which closest airports near Sarasota Florida can save you precious minutes.
We’ve hunted down the five closest options, ranked in order by travel time and packed with all the details you didn’t know you needed. Your adventure begins now.
Methodology
We meticulously stitched this list by checking not just the miles, but the minutes from the airport tarmac to Sarasota’s heart. Real-time data? Checked. Average speed limits? Considered. Traffic patterns? Oh, you bet.
We also evaluated the “vibe” of each airport—the feel, the flow, the amenities, and the traveler experience. To qualify as the closest airport near Sarasota FL, it wasn’t just about distance. No, we also considered traveler reviews and how well each location serves its flying guests.
The 5 Closest Airports to Sarasota Florida
#5. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Minutes from Sarasota, Florida: 65 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Tampa International Airport (TPA) might sit a bit far from Sarasota at 65 minutes, but it’s a beast of convenience and modernity. It’s like walking into a sleek, metallic colossus where the floors shine brighter than most people’s futures.
Need something to eat? You’ll find a gourmet pizza joint next to a taco bar, while travelers hustle and bustle like ants on a sugar high. But the time—oh, the time—might keep you longing for something closer to Sarasota. That’s where the next airports come in.
#4. St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
Minutes from Sarasota, Florida: 55 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a hidden gem wrapped in simplicity.
55 minutes from Sarasota, this airport offers a blissfully mellow experience compared to Tampa’s chaos. You won’t be greeted by flashing lights or endless lines.
No, this one is for the minimalist at heart. It’s small, it’s quiet, and it feels like a secret portal to the skies (minus the complexity). Parking isn’t a maze, and you’ll be out the door with a rental car in record time. A perfect fit for the traveler seeking peace amidst the chaos of modern air travel.
#3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Minutes from Sarasota, Florida: 50 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) sits just 50 minutes away from Sarasota—close enough to be convenient, far enough to enjoy the ride. This airport is a study in smooth transitions.
The terminals stretch out wide like wings themselves, and you can almost feel the soft hum of efficiency in the air. Food options aren’t shabby either. Grab a quick bite, or sit down and savor something local.
Baggage claim flows faster than a river in spring, and before you know it, you’re hopping on I-75 toward Sarasota. Simple, elegant, and just the right distance.
#2. Venice Municipal Airport (VNC)
Minutes from Sarasota, Florida: 35 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Venice Municipal Airport (VNC) is located just 35 minutes from Sarasota, but it’s not your typical commercial airport. This is for those with access to private flights or small charters.
Venice Municipal is the perfect little gem for those in the know—no hustle, no overwhelming crowds, just a runway and a view. You won’t find food courts or sprawling terminals here. What you will find is tranquility, and that’s something priceless in today’s world.
#1. Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Minutes from Sarasota, Florida: 10 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
The king of proximity, the ruler of convenience—Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) stands a mere 10-minute drive from Sarasota.
That’s right, blink twice, and you might already be on the shores of Siesta Key. This airport is small but efficient, with an atmosphere that’s efficient without feeling cold. Sure, it doesn’t have 10 restaurants or endless gift shops, but it’s got everything you need: speed, service, and Sarasota. Everything about SRQ feels easy, streamlined, and, intimate.
Being so close, there is no need for tedious drives as you’ll be sipping drinks by the water before the rest of the world has even grabbed their luggage from baggage claim. That makes it the best airport near Sarasota Florida.
What really sets SRQ apart is its balance. While it’s small, it still manages to offer direct flights to major cities across the country, making it not just convenient, but practical. You can jet in from New York, Chicago, or Atlanta, and be lounging on the beach in no time. If you’re the type who values efficiency and a no-fuss approach, this airport is your golden ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest airport to Sarasota, FL?
The closest airport to Sarasota FL is Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), which is only 10 minutes away by car. It offers a mix of commercial and private flight options, and its small size makes it easy to navigate.
How far is Tampa International Airport from Sarasota?
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 65 minutes from Sarasota by car. It’s a larger airport, known for offering a broad range of flights and amenities, but it’s not the most convenient option for travelers heading to Sarasota.
Are there direct flights to Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)?
Yes, Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) offers direct flights to a variety of major U.S. cities. It’s a smaller airport, which makes it quicker to navigate than larger alternatives.
Is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) a good option for Sarasota travelers?
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a great option, sitting just 50 minutes from Sarasota. It’s modern, well-organized, and offers a wide range of flights, both domestic and international.
Which airport is best for international flights to Sarasota?
For international flights, Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers the most options. Although Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) handles some international flights, TPA is better suited for global travel.