This is one of the questions I get most from visitors: do you actually need a car on Treasure Island? The honest answer is 'mostly yes, but not always.' Here's how getting around really works once you're here.
For most trips, a car makes life easier
Our beach towns are spread out along Gulf Boulevard, and the grocery stores, restaurants and day-trip destinations are more convenient with your own wheels. If you're planning to explore — downtown St. Petersburg, John's Pass, a few different beaches — I'd rent a car. It also makes the drive from the airport simple.
When you can skip it
If your plan is simply to settle into a beach home, walk to the sand, and eat nearby, you can absolutely get by without one. The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs up and down Gulf Boulevard and connects the barrier-island beaches for a small fare — it's a fun, low-stress way to hop between them. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) works well here too, and many of our guests use a mix of walking, the trolley and the occasional rideshare.
A quick word on parking
If you do drive, know that public beach-access parking is metered and fills up fast on weekends and in peak season. The nice thing about staying in a rental home is that you park at the house and walk to the beach — no meters, no circling. That alone changes how much you'll want to drive day to day.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a car in Treasure Island, Florida?+
For most visitors, a car is recommended — the beach towns are spread along Gulf Boulevard and day trips are easier with your own vehicle. But if you plan to stay put near your beach home, you can manage with the Suncoast Beach Trolley, rideshare and walking.
Is there public transportation on Treasure Island?+
Yes. The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs along Gulf Boulevard and connects the barrier-island beaches for a low fare, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area.
Is parking easy at Treasure Island Beach?+
Public beach-access parking is metered and can fill up on weekends and in peak season. Staying in a rental home usually means you park at the house and walk to the sand.
