Getting around Clearwater Beach and Sand Key without a car
You can get around Clearwater Beach and Sand Key from Sheraton Resort on Sand Key without a car by using the hotel’s complimentary local shuttle, the Jolley Trolley (free for hotel guests with a room key), on-site bike rentals, and nearby walking routes and trails to reach Sand Key Park, Belleair Beach and Clearwater Beach. For longer trips or airport transfers, use rideshare/taxi services or arrange shuttle service—the hotel’s concierge can help book these.
In this guide
Arriving without a car: airports and shuttles
The closest airport is St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), commonly a 20–27 minute drive; Tampa International (TPA) is a larger airport about a 30–40 minute drive. The Jolley Trolley does not serve airports directly, so plan an airport shuttle, taxi, or rideshare for your arrival.
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key lists a complimentary local shuttle; the concierge can confirm pickup options and schedules. If you prefer private transfer, ask the concierge or BookResorts agents (phone +1 (888) 605-1350) to arrange one.
- Closest airport: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) — ~20–27 minutes by road
- Larger regional airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA) — ~30–40 minutes by road
- Hotel concierge can help arrange shuttle, taxi, or rideshare pickup
| Airport | Typical transfer option |
|---|---|
| St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) | Shuttle / taxi / rideshare |
| Tampa International (TPA) | Shuttle / taxi / rideshare |
Hotel shuttle, Jolley Trolley and local transit
The resort offers a complimentary local shuttle; confirm pickup times and stops with concierge. For beach-area transit, the Jolley Trolley South Beach Route runs along Gulf Boulevard with a stop directly at Sheraton Sand Key and hotel guests ride free with their room key card.
Jolley Trolley runs daily roughly from mid-morning to late evening (about 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., later on Fridays and Saturdays). Non-guests pay per ride; hotel guests should carry their room key card to ride for free.
- Jolley Trolley: stop at Sheraton Sand Key; runs roughly 9:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Hotel shuttle: complimentary—ask concierge for schedule
- For trips outside trolley hours, use rideshare or taxi
| Service | Who pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel local shuttle | Hotel guest | Complimentary—confirm schedule with concierge |
| Jolley Trolley (South Beach Route) | Hotel guests ride free with room key; others pay | Runs along Gulf Blvd; connects Sand Key with Clearwater Beach |
Biking and walking between Sand Key Park and Clearwater Beach
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key offers on-site bicycle rentals for a fee (about $20) so you can pedal the nearby trails and Gulf Boulevard. Sand Key Park and Preserve is about a 5–7 minute walk from the hotel and has nature trails and picnic areas.
Clearwater Beach proper is across a short bridge from Sand Key and is typically a 20–30 minute walk or a short Jolley Trolley ride. Walking along Gulf Boulevard and the beach access paths is straightforward but be aware of sun exposure and bring water and sun protection.
- Bike rental available on-site (about $20) — check front desk for availability
- Sand Key Park: roughly 5–7 minute walk from the resort
- Clearwater Beach (Pier 60 area): roughly a 20–30 minute walk or short trolley ride
| Destination | Approx. travel time (no car) |
|---|---|
| Sand Key Park | 5–7 minute walk |
| Belleair Beach | 5 minute walk |
| Pier 60 / Clearwater Beach | 20–30 minute walk or Jolley Trolley |
Rideshares, taxis and local ferries
For destinations beyond the trolley routes or when you need faster point-to-point travel, rideshare services and taxis are readily available in the Clearwater Beach area. The hotel concierge can call a taxi or help with rideshare pickup instructions.
For certain island trips—such as Caladesi Island State Park—you will take a passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island; that ferry departs from a location north of Clearwater Beach, so expect a shuttle, taxi, or rideshare to reach the ferry terminal.
- Use rideshare or taxi for early-morning/late-night trips or direct travel to attractions not on the trolley route
- Ferry to Caladesi Island departs from Honeymoon Island — plan transport to the ferry terminal
- Concierge can assist with booking local tours, dolphin cruises or arranging pickups
| Attraction | Recommended transport without car |
|---|---|
| Dolphin-watching tours (Clearwater Marina) | Rideshare / Jolley Trolley + short walk |
| Caladesi Island ferry (Honeymoon Island) | Rideshare / taxi to ferry terminal |
| Busch Gardens day trip | Rideshare or organized tour transfer |
Getting to nearby dining and hotel restaurants on foot
Rusty's Bistro, Mainstay Tavern, Slo Joe's Turtle Bar and the Poolside Café are on-site at Sheraton Resort on Sand Key, so you can reach them from your room without a car. In-room dining is also available if you prefer to stay in.
If you want restaurants off the resort, Belleair Beach and nearby Clearwater Beach restaurants are a short trolley ride or walk away—confirm current hours and whether reservations are recommended for Rusty's Bistro via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant.
- On-site dining: Rusty's Bistro (breakfast & dinner), Mainstay Tavern (lunch & dinner), Slo Joe's Turtle Bar (poolside drinks), Poolside Café (grab-and-go)
- Rusty's Bistro accepts reservations via OpenTable or by phone (+1 727-595-1611)
- For off-site meals, use Jolley Trolley or a short rideshare
| On-site venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Rusty's Bistro | Breakfast & Dinner (reservations accepted) |
| Mainstay Tavern | Lunch & Dinner (walk-in usually OK) |
| Slo Joe's Turtle Bar / Poolside Café | Poolside drinks and quick bites |
Accessibility, luggage and room types to consider
If mobility matters, the hotel lists accessible parking, accessible entrances, a pool hoist and at least one Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr). The front desk and concierge can advise on routes around the property and the easiest ways to reach beach access points and the trolley stop.
Rooms with balconies are offered as Room, Balcony; Room, Balcony, Resort View; and Room, Pool View. If you want quick access to the lobby services, event spaces or shuttle pick-up, mention this at check-in (standard check-in starts at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM).
- Accessible room type: Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr)
- Other room names: Room; Room, Balcony; Room, Balcony, Resort View; Room, Pool View
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM
| Need | What to ask front desk/concierge |
|---|---|
| Mobility/roll-in shower | Request Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr) |
| Shuttle or tour booking | Ask concierge to schedule pickup |
| Bicycle rental | Ask front desk about on-site rentals (~$20) |
