Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Parking | fly SRQ

You’re driving to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

You need to find airport parking.

You’ve been trawling the internet for answers.

In that case, welcome to the font of knowledge you’ve been waiting for. In this great guide, you get all the most pertinent information on SRQ parking, as well as sage advice on airport pre-flight amenities.

And if you’re rolling in from outside the area, it’s also a smart move to spend a little longer exploring this lovely part of the nation.

There’s lots to see and do, including visiting the fascinating John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, strolling on Siesta Beach, and kayaking on the Manatee River. Nature fans can also see fascinating undersea creatures at the Mote Marine Aquarium, hike or bike in the Oscar Scherer State Park, or visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

You can also take in a show at the prestigious Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, shop at the University Town Center Mall, and visit the De Soto National Memorial.

If you’re hungry after all that exploring, try The Bijou for French bistro fare, The Veranda for rooftop vibes, The Cottage for ocean-fresh seafood, or Italian treats at Cento Ristorante.

There’s also The Daily Grind, Caffe Barrique and The French Press for your caffeine fix, The Blue Rooster for beers and live music, and The Sandbar for beach ambience.

When you want to dance the night away, popular nightclubs include The Ivy Bar downtown, The Don CeSar for rooftop terrace dancing and the Ritz-Carlton for chic vibes.

Find the best deals at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Really desperate to leave no avenue unexplored when it comes to finding parking at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport?

Check out a few insider tips. First off, you can compare deals on parking comparison websites (more of which later).

And if you book your parking in advance, you’ll not only ensure your spot is reserved (important at peak times) but also grab an early bird bargain. Furthermore, if you’re willing to use off-airport parking, these lots are usually considerably cheaper.

Another key tip is flexibility. If you’re able to park further away, it’s usually more affordable. And last but not least, you can check local press and websites for businesses near SRQ as they frequently offer parking discounts.

Compare parking at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

With 4,428 parking spaces split across economy, short-term and long-term parking, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is generously proportioned.

And it’s been a forward-thinking establishment since it was a twinkle in local government and business leaders’ eyes back in 1939. It all started when a 620-acre site was chosen on the Sarasota-Manatee County line and when construction finally finished in 1942, the total cost was $ 1 million. SRQ was used by the Army Air Corps in WWII as a training base and the US Government invested several times the original outlay during the war to extend the facility.

By 1947, control of the airport was ceded back to the Airport Authority and more improvements were made in the following decades – including a new terminal building in 1959, a parallel taxi and runway in 1962, and runway extensions in 1970 and 2002.

Sarasota Bradenton Airport has operated commercial flights since 1940 but it wasn’t serviced by jets until 1965 when National Airlines started to fly into the area.

SRQ is located 10 miles south of downtown Sarasota and covers an area of 1,102 acres. Its two asphalt runways are 9,500 by 150 feet and 5,009 by 150 feet, and in its most recent operational year, it served an amazing 3.8 million passengers.

SRQ is supported by 12 airlines flying to more than 40 destinations and its main partners are Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The most popular destinations are Tampa, fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

What parking is there at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport?

Remember you were promised more info on airport parking comparison sites and apps earlier? APH and Looking4Parking are two of the best examples and both offer various SRQ parking options, including long-term, short-term, and economy parking. There are also discounts available for military personnel and AAA members.

You can also shop around and try other apps – many offer onsite and well as offsite SRQ parking options, so they’re well worth checking out. However, it’s understandable that some passengers prefer to deal directly with the airport. And if you fall into that camp, the official SRQ parking options are as follows.

Short-term parking

The closest parking to the terminal, short-term parking is perfect if you’re dropping off or picking up passengers. It’s the most expensive SRQ parking option but also the most convenient.

Long-term parking

This parking is ideal if you’re away for a few days. It’s further from the terminal than short-term parking, but far cheaper.

Economy parking

When you’re on a money-saving drive, economy parking is the cheapest option at SRQ and the most affordable. If you want to save your money to spend on something more exciting on your vacay (whether that’s a fancy sarong or refreshing cocktails), this is the ideal choice.

Valet parking

The ultimate in luxury parking at SRQ, valet parking means your vehicle is parked for you by an attendant. It’s the dearest choice but might be worth it if you want to sashay into the terminal feeling completely stress-free.

Cell phone parking

A bijou parking area for people picking up and dropping off passengers, cell phone parking offers free parking for the first 15 minutes, after which there’s a fee.

EV charging stations

If you drive an eco-conscious car, there are several electric vehicle charging berths throughout the airport.

Getting to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Driving in your own vehicle from your home to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is one of the smartest ideas you’ll ever have.

How come? Because you can set your own schedule, stop whenever you like, travel in your own social bubble, and listen to any music you want (without anyone complaining).

However, all these advantages are blown out the water if it’s a pain in the posterior actually getting to the airport. And luckily for you, SRQ is simple to get to.

From Bradenton, take the I-75 S to Exit 214A, then follow the signs for the airport.

If you’re powering in from Sarasota, take the I-75 N to Exit 214A. Then follow the signs for the airport and you’ll be there before you know it.

From Venice meanwhile, take the I-75 N to Exit 214A. After this, follow the signs for the airport and you can’t go wrong.

Rolling in from Punta Gorda? Take the I-75 S to Exit 214A. After that, follow the signs for the airport and you’ll be fine.

From St. Petersburg, take the I-275 S to I-75 S to Exit 214A. After that, guess what you do? That’s right – follow the signs for the airport.

Facilities at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Worried you’ll be bored to tears before you board at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport?

Don’t stress – the facilities and amenities are excellent, so you’ll always feel calm and comfortable before you fly. For starters, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, so you’re never stuck checking your social media or email accounts.

There’s also a good selection of food and drinks options at SRQ, so if you’re traveling with teens or seniors in tow, take our advice and get them something they like to avoid airline food complaints once you take to the skies.

When nature calls, there are several restrooms throughout the complex and you can also rent luggage carts so you’re not schlepping your cases around.

Pet relief areas are situated outside the airport, there are nursing rooms, ATMs, and currency exchanges. And when you’ve got questions about medical help, lost luggage or practically anything else, seek help from the friendly (and knowledgeable) people at Travel Assistance.

The restaurant selection at SRQ includes coffee and donuts at Dunkin Donuts, smoothies, and fresh fruit juices at Freshens, casual breakfast, lunch and dinner dining at Gulf Breeze Café, pastries and caffeinated beverages at Starbucks and sandwiches and salads at Beach Market Café.

For retail therapy, there’s magazines, newspapers and bestselling paperbacks at Newsstand, souvenirs and keepsakes at the Gift Shop, and tax-free fragrances and fancy liquor at the Duty-Free shop.

And that’s the end of your guide to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport parking. Wherever you’re headed, drive safe, fly secure and enjoy yourself!