Are you planning to visit Sarasota Florida but worried that you may run into some kind of problems while looking to park your car at the Sarasota airport? Indeed, there is a lot of information online about Sarasota airport parking, but since most of this information offers paid parking services, finding out free or cheap Sarasota airport parking could be challenging. If this concerns you, continue reading because, in this article, I will give you everything you need to know about Sarasota airport parking, airport amenities, and other things that are useful to every visitor like you.

Introduction to Sarasota Airport

Sarasota Airport, popularly known as Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), is a commercial airport located inside Sarasota County within the US state of Florida. It is located 3 miles north of Downtown Sarasota and six miles south of Bradenton.

As of January 2023, Sarasota-Bradenton Airport is servicing ten local destinations within the United States with the highest number of passengers going to and from Atlanta Georgia. Other destinations with flights from and to Sarasota airport are Baltimore, Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; Newark, New Jersey; Nashville, Tennessee; Chicago–Midway, Illinois; Chicago–O’Hare, Illinois; New York–La Guardia. Boston, Massachusetts, and Indianapolis, Indiana. 

If you are from any of these locations and plan to visit Sarasota, landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport would be your best option instead of using other nearest airports like Tampa International Airport or the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.

Although it is considered a small airport by US standards compared to other local airports, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a medium-sized primarily business and general aviation facility. It does have a modest air taxi/air carrier operation as well. 

In December 2022,  a total of 377,775 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton-International Airport, compared to 347,268 passengers in December 2021.

Depending on your destination in and out of Sarasota, for the most direct route, Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is certainly your best bet. However, other options such as Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) may at times be cheaper, depending on where you are flying to or from.

Why Choose Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Whether you are coming to Sarasota or going out of the country for business, pleasure, or both, going through Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a breath of fresh air. Everything at SRQ is designed for everyone’s convenience. The spacious terminal allows you to move freely and smoothly without any stress or hurry. From airline ticketing, departing, arriving, baggage deposits, and claims, everything runs smoothly. Short and long-term parking lots are also available adjacent to the main terminal. 

Another advantage of using SRQ is that check-in lines here are much shorter than at the nearby airports and there are no planes waiting for take-off or landing. If you are a frequent flier, you’ll immediately notice the difference compared to other airports.

Landing in the most beautiful city in Florida is something one must be proud of. SRQ’s award-winning staff will ensure that your trip is off to an enjoyable and easy start. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has been named the Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation so knowing this would make you feel more at ease.

What To Do While Inside The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

If you are waiting for your flight and have enough time to look around, SRQ has a lot to offer and there are a number of things you can do or places to visit to enjoy your time while inside the airport.

Here are some of the lists of amenities you may enjoy while killing some of your time inside the SRQ.

1. Shopping

From gifts, apparel, snacks, and sports items to books and magazines, there is no shortage inside the SRQ.

• Gulf Coast Travelmart featuring Dunkin Doughnuts! This store offers a comprehensive assortment of news, delicious full-service menus, chilled beverages, travel accessories, and even Florida-themed apparel gifts. Gulf Coast Travelmart is featuring Dunkin’, America’s largest retailer of coffee by the cup.

• PGA Tour Shop. PGA Tour shops cannot be found just anywhere and this store here inside SRQ is quite popular. The store offers a wide assortment of gold equipment and exclusive apparel from Nike, Under Armour, and other popular sports brands. Whether you are a golf fanatic or not, having the latest golf hat is certainly a confidence booster when you are at the beach or swinging from the tee

• CNBC is another store that is worth stopping by. CNBC Sarasota-Bradenton airs the CNBC business day programming in the store and offers a broad range of popular newsstand items including magazines, books, and snacks, as well as Florida-themed apparel and gifts.  The Paradies Shops’ Travelmart and CNBC at SRQ participate in the Read & Return Program. This program allows travelers to buy a book, read it, return it within six months at a Paradies store with the original receipt, and receive 50% of their money back! The program is good on all hardcover or paperback books.

2. Pet Relief Areas

If you are traveling with your beloved pet, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport offers three animal relief areas. Outside the terminal, you can find two animal relief areas. One is located east of the terminal near the ticketing area, and the other is at the opposite end of the terminal near the taxis. Each pet relief area is equipped with animal waste disposal bags.

The third pet service/relief area is located post-security near Gate B2. This facility was built with the help of Southeastern Guide Dogs, to accommodate passengers traveling with service animals and pets.

3. Dining

SRQ offers snacks and drinks and full meals in both pre and post-security areas. There are at least ten diners inside the airport with four at pre-security, and six at post-security.

Restaurants in Pre-security

• Dewar’s Clubhouse – a full-service restaurant that serves several lunch and dinner items, including traditional sandwiches, entrees, and salads, plus a full bar specializing in a unique scotch selection
• Dewar’s To Go – provides similar items found in Dewar’s Clubhouse
• Freshens – if you love frozen yogurt
• Dunkin’ Doughnuts – also offers a full-service menu

Restaurants in Post-security

• Starbucks Coffee – America’s most recognizable coffee brand
• Gulf Breeze Café – delicious menu items, including fresh salads, sandwiches, soft drinks, and a full bar.
• Beach Market Café – offers the passengers to enjoy a quick beverage, snack, or bakery item, on the go.
• Kona Bar  – Serving craft beers and delicious menu items.
• Jimmy Johns – Serving breakfast and sandwiches.

4. Lost and Found Area

The Lost and Found program at the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority is managed in accordance with Florida Statutes. The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Police Department is responsible for the application and administration of the program.

The SRQ Lost and Found is one of the most important features of the airport. You may check the details and contact numbers by visiting the SRQ’s official website.

The number to contact differs based on how and when you lost your things. If inside the airplane or at the baggage claim, you must contact the Airline. Other available contact information includes security checkpoints and car rental agencies. It is always a must to be mindful of your items while traveling to avoid losing any of your belongings whether inside or outside your hotel room.

Lastly, the airport is open 24 hours. If you want to sleep here overnight, note that security requires a valid ID plus your boarding pass or proof of flight for the next day. For uninterrupted sleep, area hotels offer free shuttle service. 

Sarasota Airport Parking: Where to Park Your Car

Whether you are departing and leaving your car around the airport or renting a car when you arrive, knowing where to park inside or near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport can ease a lot of burdens, especially on busy days.

Although SRQ is a medium-sized airport and finding parking lots sounds like less of a challenge, having prior knowledge is important to avoid circling around waiting for a vacant parking lot. In this section, I will provide you with a number of parking services inside and around the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport so you can decide which is the best location for you to park based on your destination.

SRQ offers a number of different parking options and free parking shuttles operating between long-term lots and all overflow parking lots once the long-term is full. Except for cash, all four major credit cards are accepted (Amex, Mastercard, VISA, and Discover). Parking rates can change without notice so always keep your expectations low and prepare to pay extra dollars when the rates increase. Nevertheless, we update the following information when the rate changes. 

Sarasota Airport Parking Rates as of February 2023

Short Term Lot 

• 0-40 Minutes – $2.00
• Each additional 20 mins – $2.00
• Daily Maximum – $19.00

Long Term Lot

• 0-40 Minutes – $2.00
• Each additional 20 mins – $2.00
• Daily Maximum – $15.00

 Shaded Parking Lot

• 0-40 Minutes – $2.00
• Each additional 20 mins – $2.00
• Daily Maximum – $15.00

 Overflow Lot A (Credit Card Only)

• 0-40 Minutes – $2.00
• Each additional 20 mins –  $2.00
• Daily Maximum – $13.00

The complimentary shuttle bus operates only when all other parking lots are full

 Shaded Parking

To access the shaded lot, users will enter Airport Circle and turn right before reaching the terminal building.  The 400+ covered parking spaces are in a secure, fenced, and lighted area. The parking facility has an automated exit that only accepts credit cards as payment and does not provide staffed exit booths. Drivers entering the lot will take a ticket and must use a credit card when exiting. An intercom system is available in case of an emergency. 

For electric vehicles, SRQ provides eight level-2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The stations are complimentary for customers parking an electric vehicle in the short-term parking lot and can be found in row A8. 

Parking Outside Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

Parking at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is considerably more expensive compared to nearby off-airport parking lots offered by private companies and nearby establishments. 

While SRQ’s cheapest full-day parking costs $13, off-airport parking can cost you anywhere between $4.99 and $8.00 a day. Here are some of the nearest parking lots that could be your better choice. Please take note that their prices may change without prior notice.

Hampton Inn & Suites SRQ Airport Parking

$6.25/day, 0.2-mile from SRQ airport

Courtyard Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

$4.99/day, 0.2-mile from SRQ airport

Quality Inn Bradenton Sarasota North Airport Parking

$6.50/day, 3.3-mile from SRQ airport

Surestay Hotel By BW Airport Parking

$6.50/day, 0.5-mile from SRQ airport

Hyatt Place Sarasota Airport Parking

$8.00/day, 0.5-mile from SRQ airport

Some of the Most Common Questions Related to Sarasota Airport

Can you reserve parking at SRQ airport?

No. Pre-booking for parking is not available. You can pre-book at most off-airport parking lots that are typically less than the SRQ parking rates

How early do you need to arrive at Sarasota airport?

Plan to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight departure time. Whether it’s a busy season or not, it is always important to arrive at the airport in advance as every trip is different.

Does SRQ have a valet?

Yes. Vehicles dropped off at the curbside for valet parking are automatically parked in a covered space inside a secure, fenced, and lighted parking lot near the terminal building. Valet parking is $18 maximum per 24 hours.

Is parking free in Sarasota?

There are free public parking spaces throughout downtown Sarasota, both off-street (garages and lots) and on-street (curbside). The Downtown Sarasota Parking Map identifies a number of these free parking locations. Signage is posted if time restrictions are enforced.

What does SRQ airport stand for?

Eventually, a change had to be made. Of the unused codes, IATA selected, as the best-unassigned combination of recognizable letters to replace SSO, the two letters SR, to which the “filter” letter Q was added. So around 1956, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport became SRQ.

Is SRQ a small airport?

Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a medium-sized primarily business and general aviation facility.

Who owns Sarasota airport?

The airport is operated by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority under a certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which complies with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 139.

Does Sarasota airport have customs?

The U.S. Customs Service office at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport consists of a Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for arriving commercial flights, an air cargo office for inbound international freight, and a General Aviation Facility (GAF) at gate B8 for private aircraft wishing to arrive from foreign. 

Conclusion

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport provides many parking options and secured parking lots, however, if you are looking for cheaper Sarasota airport parking, off-airport parking lots at nearby establishments can be your great options.

Whether you are visiting Sarasota for just a few days or longer, make sure to enjoy your time while you are in beautiful Sarasota.