Flying In: Sarasota (SRQ), Tampa (TPA) or Fort Myers (RSW)?

Which airport is best for Siesta Key, Sarasota and Cape Coral? Drive times, routes and when Tampa is worth the extra miles.

Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) is the easy answer for our Sarasota and Siesta Key homes. It is small, calm and close: about 15 to 20 minutes to Southgate, about 20 minutes to Gulf Gate and about 20 to 25 minutes to Siesta Key, traffic permitting. More airlines fly here than ever, so check it first.

Tampa International (TPA) is often the better deal, with more nonstop flights and more airlines. From TPA it is about 60 to 70 miles to our Sarasota homes, roughly an hour and 15 to an hour and 30 minutes. The prettiest route crosses the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over the mouth of Tampa Bay, a soaring cable-stayed bridge with views your kids will talk about. There is a small toll.

For Cape House in Cape Coral, Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers is the closest major airport, about 35 minutes away. Punta Gorda (PGD) is about 45 minutes away and is served mostly by low-cost flights. Tampa is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Cape Coral, so we only suggest it when the fare savings are big.

Whichever you choose, a rental car makes life easier. Every BigTree home has free parking on the property.

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