Siesta Key Trolley: Free Route, Hours, Stops, and 3 Other Ways to Get Around
The Siesta Key Trolley, officially Breeze Route 77 Siesta Islander, is a free open air trolley that runs from 8 AM to 10 PM every day and connects downtown Sarasota with Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach, South Village, and Turtle Beach Park and Campground, according to Sarasota County Breeze Transit. Everyone rides free, and the Breeze Rider app shows real time arrival estimates.
For guests in our rentals near Siesta Key Village, Beach Access 5 and 11, Southside Village, and Stickney Point, the trolley makes it easy to leave the car parked for most of the week. This guide covers the current route, hours, stops, and rider rules, plus three other ways to get around the island.
What Is the Siesta Key Trolley?
The Siesta Key Trolley is a public transit route run by Sarasota County. The county now calls it the 77 Siesta Islander, the new name for the route locals knew as the Siesta Key Breeze. It is part of Breeze Transit, the county system formerly known as Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT).
Every trip uses an open air trolley, so you feel the Gulf breeze the whole ride. Each trolley has a wheelchair lift and two designated wheelchair spaces.
Is the Siesta Key Trolley Free?
Yes. Sarasota County states that everyone rides free on the 77 Siesta Islander, including the mainland segment from downtown Sarasota. You do not need a ticket, a pass, or exact change.
What Are the Siesta Key Trolley Hours and Schedule?
The trolley runs from 8 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. When the county expanded the route in November 2024, it announced trolleys arriving about every 30 minutes. Check the Breeze Rider app for live arrival times before you head to a stop.
Hours change on four holidays:
- New Year’s Day: 8 AM to 8 PM
- Thanksgiving Day: 8 AM to 8 PM
- Christmas Eve: 8 AM to 8 PM
- New Year’s Eve: 8 AM to 1 AM
Where Does the Siesta Key Trolley Go?
On the island, the trolley follows Ocean Boulevard to Beach Road and continues down Midnight Pass Road, according to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Key island stops include:
- Siesta Key Village: restaurants, shops, and the Sunday market on Ocean Boulevard
- Siesta Beach: the island’s main public beach
- South Village: the shopping and dining area near Stickney Point Road
- Turtle Beach Park and Campground: the southern end of the route
On the mainland, Sarasota County lists boarding at six stops: Main Street at Indian Place, Main Street at Lemon Avenue, Main Street at Palm Avenue, Bayfront Drive at Ringling Boulevard, Osprey Avenue at Arlington Street, and the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall. That makes the trolley a free way to reach downtown Sarasota for dinner or a show.
What Are the Trolley Rider Rules?
- Wait at a designated stop. The county says the trolley only pulls over at designated stops.
- Pull the cable as you approach your stop.
- Leave the bike at home. The trolleys have no bike rack, and bikes are not allowed onboard.
- Keep belongings within reach and out of the aisle, which matters with beach chairs and bags.
What Other Ways Can You Get Around Siesta Key?
The trolley covers most trips, but three other options fill the gaps.
Breeze Route 33 Bus
Breeze Route 33 also travels to Siesta Beach, with transfers from Routes 14, 17, and 25 at the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall. The Siesta Key Chamber notes that Route 33 runs in the winter season, roughly December to April.
Tip Based Free Ride Shuttles
Private free ride services pick you up on request and work for tips. Jonny’s Original Free Ride serves Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Village, and Turtle Beach from 10 AM to late night daily and suggests a tip of $3 to $5 per person. Rides are useful after the trolley stops at 10 PM.
Golf Cart Rentals
A golf cart gives you your own schedule for short hops to the beach and the Village. Our Siesta Key golf cart rental guide covers prices, delivery, and the Florida rules on where you can drive one.
How Can You Plan Your Days Around the Trolley?
- Ride to Siesta Beach instead of driving and skip the search for a parking spot.
- Take the trolley to the Sunday market. The route runs along Ocean Boulevard, home of the Siesta Key Farmers Market in Siesta Key Village.
- Head south for a quieter beach at Turtle Beach Park, the end of the line.
- Watch the clock at night. The last trolley runs at 10 PM, so plan a ride share or free ride shuttle for later evenings.
Stay Close to the Trolley Route
Our properties sit near Siesta Key Village, Southside Village, Beach Access 5 and 11, and Stickney Point, all close to the trolley’s island route. Browse our Siesta Key vacation home rentals or contact us at VacationOnSiesta.com to plan a car free beach week.
Siesta Key Trolley FAQs
Is the Siesta Key Trolley free?
Yes. Everyone rides free on the 77 Siesta Islander, Sarasota County’s open air trolley that serves Siesta Key and downtown Sarasota.
What are the Siesta Key Trolley hours?
The trolley runs from 8 AM to 10 PM every day. Hours end at 8 PM on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve, and extend to 1 AM on New Year’s Eve.
How often does the Siesta Key Trolley come?
Sarasota County announced service about every 30 minutes when it expanded the route in November 2024. The Breeze Rider app shows real time arrival estimates.
Where does the Siesta Key Trolley stop?
The route connects downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach, South Village, and Turtle Beach Park and Campground. It only stops at designated stops.
Can you bring a bike on the Siesta Key Trolley?
No. The trolleys have no bike rack and bikes are not allowed onboard. Each trolley does have a wheelchair lift and two wheelchair spaces.
Plan more of your trip: Read our guide to getting to Siesta Key from the airport.
