SKIP A RENTAL CAR ON SIESTA KEY TO SAVE $500-$1500 PER WEEK
Planning a Siesta Key vacation? Consider skipping the rental car to save between $500 and $1500 per week. By staying near your main attractions or close to the trolley route, you can avoid the hassle, expense and disconnected experience of driving. Skipping the rental car on Siesta Key will make your trip less stressful, more authentic and more cost-effective.
SKIP THE RENTAL CAR?
Enhanced Access
Hotel zoning restrictions give vacation rentals access to areas, like restaurant rows and beaches, hotels can’t reach. Nowhere is this truer than on Siesta Key. The island’s village-like layout creates an amazing opportunity to stay at a vacation rental and experience top restaurants and beaches without ever getting into a car.
Proximity to Attractions
No-car-required rentals are common on Siesta Key. Most rentals between the Siesta Village in the north and Turtle Beach in the south are best enjoyed without setting foot in a car. Siesta Key Village and Crescent Beach vacation rentals are guaranteed to be a short-safe walk or bike ride to dozens of great bars and restaurants. Properties outside these neighborhoods are limited only by their proximity to Midnight Pass Rd. and Beach Rd. trolley stops. Rentals outside these areas might benefit from a car rental, but the island does have enough free taxis and Ubers for hire to still keep transportation convenient and cost-effective.
FREE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
A perk of visiting or living on Siesta Key are the free transportation options. The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley and tips-only taxi services provide fun-free ways to explore the area. Siesta Key is also perfect for enjoying biking and walking.
Free Rides
Siesta Key Breeze Free Trolley: No reservations are needed, runs 8 AM until 10 PM, just pick it up on the route running from the southern tip of Midnight Pass Road to the northern tip of Beach Rd. Pick up points north of Stickney Point Road are designated “bus stops” on the road. South of Stickney Point Road you can be picked up or dropped off anywhere by simply waving down the driver. For more information or specific inquiries, you can contact Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) at 941-861-5000.
Free “Tips Only” Taxi Services: These services are perfect for late-night rides or when you need a direct trip to your destination. Here are some popular companies – Jonny’s Original Free Ride; 941-928-9200. Siesta Key Free Ride; 941-952-8294, Surfside Free Ride; 941-961-8294, Siesta Key Frog Hop; 941-349-3764, and Jimmie’s Free Ride; 941-284-1587.
Biking and Walking
Siesta Key is perfect for biking and provides a fun intimate and very flexible way to explore the island. Neighborhoods have sidewalks with little or no traffic. All main roads have both sidewalks and bike paths including the 14 mile round-trip along the shoreline from the Siesta Key Village to Turtle Beach. Popular destinations like restaurants are all also near beach accesses where you can cool off with a quick swim or even a nap.
When a Rental Car Might Make Sense
For longer stays where you might grow tired of the world’s greatest beach or if you plan to visit attractions spread over a larger area, a rental car might be useful. Here are some strategies to save even if a rental car is required:
- Book Early: Reserve your car when you book your flight to get a good rate.
- Watch for Deals: Use websites like AutoSlash or Expedia to track prices and set up alerts for better deals.
- Stay Flexible: Most rental car reservations aren’t binding, so you can cancel and rebook if you find a better rate. Have someone in your group keep an eye out for deals while you’re at the airport or waiting in line – you could save $100 or more per day depending on the season.
– Gertrude Rentals
