Airports & Local Transportation

The SunRunner

The SunRunner is Tampa Bay’s very first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, offering a train-like transit line that connects downtown St. Pete to South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach.

Downtown Looper

Hop aboard the bright red-and-yellow Downtown Looper for a free trip connecting you to all the major museums and attractions in downtown St. Pete. The Downtown Looper route operates Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. to midnight; Saturdays 8 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays 8 a.m to 10 p.m.

Cross Bay Ferry

This seasonal high-speed ferry between downtown St. Pete and Tampa runs from November through May. Check the website for up-to-date information on the ferry schedule. 

Coast Bike Share St. Pete

If you’d rather bike around town, check out Coast Bike Share! You’ll find many convenient bike “hubs” to pick up or return a bike throughout St. Pete. Simply register using the Social Bicycles mobile app. Next, enter your account number and PIN on the bike’s keypad. You’ll soon be ready to ride. (Don’t forget to return your bike.) 

Electric Scooters

Another super-popular way to get around, E-Scooters are available throughout downtown as well as the Edge District and Grand Central. The concept is similar to the bike share: Rent yours through the Razor or Veo app – and be sure to read the rules before you get scootin’. 

Transportation in St. Pete Beach

Central Avenue Looper

The Central Avenue Trolley route offers round-trip services from Bay Shore Drive to St. Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille. Check the website for operating hours and fares. Seniors and passengers with disabilities ride at a discounted rate.  

Suncoast Beach Trolley

Explore St. Pete/Clearwater’s beach communities stretching from Clearwater Beach to Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille. You can board the trolley at the Park Street Terminal in Downtown Clearwater, or at any trolley stop along the beachfront route. Trolleys arrive every 20 to 30 minutes between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Check the website for ticket fares (tip: affordable full-day unlimited ride passes are also available). Note that children ages five or younger can ride for free with an adult.

Rideshare

Ridesharing services are easy and affordable ways to travel around town. It’s almost second nature these days to use your phone to “call” an Uber or Lyft. Download the apps before you arrive in St. Pete/Clearwater so you’re all set to request your ride when you get here. 

Parking in St. Pete/Clearwater

Parking access and cost varies depending on where you are in the area. St. Pete, for example, has several parking garages that offer easy access to the downtown area. If you decide to use street parking, you’ll find that many downtown St. Pete streets have metered parking; the easiest way to use the meters is to download the ParkMobile app on your phone, but you can also use a credit card or coins to pay. Find more information on parking in downtown St. Pete.

Similar to St. Pete, you’ll find that some parking is metered in downtown Clearwater – you may pay by coin, credit card or the ParkMobile app. Downtown Clearwater also has parking garages and paid parking lots available. Find more Clearwater parking information.

Parking is free throughout the cities of Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Safety Harbor so grab any spot you find. Near the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, expect to pay at a parking lot.

If you want to find a parking spot near one of our beautiful beaches, check out our guide to beach parking.

Walkable Communities

Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy sightseeing and sunshine in St. Pete/Clearwater! Here are some ultra-walkable areas to explore:

Tarpon Springs

Located at the northern end of the St. Pete/Clearwater area, Tarpon Springs boasts a truly authentic Greek culture with many historical and architectural treasures. Visit Dodecanese Boulevard for the famous Sponge Docks district and fabulous Greek cuisine at Mykonos or Hellas. Pop by Tarpon Avenue, the area’s main street, which features many restaurants and shops.

Palm Harbor

Tiny-but-cute downtown Palm Harbor is a nostalgic throw-back to a simpler time. Check out 11th Street between Nebraska Avenue and Florida Avenue for your pick of local restaurants, watering holes and shops. Fireside Pizza Cafe is a friendly little spot with inside and patio dining (bring your pup). Check out the Thirsty Marlin for a tiki bar atmosphere with live music several days a week.

Dunedin

Enjoy Dunedin’s small-town charm as you stroll through its delightful Main Street. Take a walk or bike ride along the Pinellas Trail. Stop at family-owned restaurants (many are dog-friendly, such as Skip’s Bar & Grill) and check out the cute shops. Or meet new friends and enjoy a cold beer at one of the seven breweries within a one-mile radius here.

St. Pete

One of Florida’s best cities to explore on foot, St. Pete is full of fun and local flavor. Discover funky Central Avenue with its many street murals, indie cafes and shops. Upscale Beach Drive and the glistening St. Pete waterfront are perfect places to take a stroll. 

Pass-a-Grille

This quaint, historic downtown close to the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay is filled with eclectic shops and restaurants. Check out super-cute 8th Avenue, with shops such as Dody Boutique, carrying stylish beachwear and swimwear. And be sure to have a drink and a grouper sandwich at The Hurricane, a local landmark. 

Gulfport

Check out Gulfport’s waterfront restaurants and pubs along Shore Boulevard South, as well as the main thoroughfare, Beach Boulevard, for charming dining, gallery and shopping options. This colorful little town is chock-full of events, too (don’t miss the annual GeckoFest).