Miami to Sarasota, FL bus

Buses from Miami to Sarasota

At least three and as many as five buses depart Miami for Sarasota every day. On weekdays, three buses make this 180 miles (290 km) trip northwest from Miami to Sarasota, while on the weekends, the departures increase to five buses. Greyhound and FlixBus are the two companies with buses plying this route. These include direct and connecting buses, with most connecting buses including a single changeover in Orlando. Download the Omio app to view the available buses from Miami to Sarasota.

Miami to Sarasota Bus Time: Daily Departures

There could be anywhere between three and five buses leaving for Sarasota from Miami each day. On most weekdays, three buses make the trip and five buses during the weekend. The first bus to leave the station is a night bus by Greyhound, and it leaves at 12:01 a.m. However, there are days when Greyhounds aren’t available, and the first FlixBus bus to leave the station leaves at 8:35 a.m. There are several departures throughout the day most days, and the last bus leaving for Sarasota leaves at 2:30 p.m. You can view the departure timetable for the bus from Miami to Sarasota on the Omio app.

How long is the journey by bus from Miami to Sarasota?

The distance between Miami and Sarasota is about 180 miles (290 km). On most days, only direct buses ply this route, and a single connecting bus from Greyhound offers its services on Saturdays and Sundays. FlixBus and Greyhound are the two bus companies with buses plying this route. The fastest FlixBus bus from Miami to Sarasota covers the 180 miles (290 km) in about 3h 50min. A direct Greyhound trip to Sarasota takes about 7h 25min and 13h 54min with a single changeover in Orlando. The Omio app allows you to see the duration for the various buses before you book your ticket.

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Miami to Sarasota?

Departure bus station: Miami Airport Intermodal Station is about 6 miles (9.6 km) from downtown Miami, and the bus or ORANGE Line train should get you downtown easily. Facilities at the station include ticket offices, daytime parking, and elevators. The station is wheelchair accessible.

Arrival bus station: Cattlemen Transfer Station is about 6 miles (9.6 km) from downtown Sarasota, and the bus or taxis are the quickest way of getting downtown. The station is wheelchair accessible, and facilities include ticket offices, waiting room, parking lot, and clean restrooms.

Sarasota Bench Cityscape. Source: Shutterstock

Which bus companies travel from Miami to Sarasota?

Greyhound and FlixBus are the two main companies with buses from Miami to Sarasota. FlixBus is the main player, with at least three buses traveling northwest every day. On the other hand, Greyhound only provides one bus and only on specific days. Moreover, all trips by FlixBus are direct trips, and their buses get to the destination much faster.

The fastest FlixBus gets to Sarasota in around 3h 50min, while the fastest Greyhound takes about 7h 25min to complete its journey. However, if you’re looking to take a detour through Orlando, Greyhound buses are the only ones offering this service. During the weekends, they provide a connecting service with a single changeover in Orlando, and the trip takes a total of 13h 54min to get to Sarasota.

Greyhound buses from Miami to Sarasota

Greyhound is one of the major long-distance bus companies in the US. They have a bus from Miami to Sarasota at least six days a week. They have both direct and connecting buses, with the connecting buses available only during the weekend. Their buses are mostly night buses, with most departures from Miami happening at around 1:55 a.m. for the direct bus and 12:01 a.m. for the connecting service. The direct bus from Miami to Sarasota takes about 7h 25min, and the connecting one takes about 13h 54min, with a 4h 40min changeover in Orlando.

FlixBus buses from Miami to Sarasota

FlixBus is one of the newer long-distance bus companies that has steadily rose in the industry to become a leader in the sector. They have at least three daily departures from Miami to Sarasota. The departures can be up to four on a good day, with a morning, mid-morning, noon, and afternoon bus to Sarasota. FlixBus only has direct buses, and the first departure is at around 8:35 a.m., and the last departure is at around 2:30 p.m. They offer the fastest bus trip from Miami to Sarasota, taking about 3h 50min. You can also choose the slower FlixBus journeys taking around 4h 15min for cheaper fares.

Miami to Sarasota Bus: Services on board

You can only travel on an economy seat for the journey from Miami to Sarasota. Nonetheless, you’ll have many amenities to enjoy onboard a Greyhound bus. First, all buses have free Wi-Fi, and you also get a power outlet to keep your devices powered. Each seat is large and comfortable with extra legroom, and the buses are air-conditioned.

You are only allowed one carry-on which can fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Bikes are welcome on board, but only if packaged in a bike box. Service animals are the only animals allowed on the bus. People in wheelchairs shouldn’t worry as the drivers will assist in boarding, making transfers, or storing luggage, and all buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Traveling with FlixBus means that your comfort is guaranteed. There’s only one type of fare for this trip with no first- or business-class tickets.

Nonetheless, you will have many services on board to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. First, every seat is well-cushioned and offers enough lumbar support to keep you comfortable throughout the journey. The seats also have extra legroom, and you’re free to stretch as you please. Every bus offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, clean restrooms, air conditioning, affordable snacks and drinks, and enough space for your luggage. The buses are equipped to accommodate people in wheelchairs, and service animals are welcome on board.

Sarasota Port Cityscape. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap bus tickets from Miami to Sarasota

There are three ways you can save money as you book your bus ticket from Miami to Sarasota. First, book in advance. Booking your ticket weeks in advance allows you to get cheaper fares than booking on the day of traveling. Second, choose the slower or connecting journeys as these are much cheaper than the direct or faster journeys. Finally, be flexible with your travel dates. Some buses are cheaper on other days than others, and being flexible allows you to book your ticket when the fares are lowest.

To Sarasota by bus – travel tips

Sarasota is an ideal town for a vacation. If you haven’t been to Sarasota, you probably don’t know about the beautiful beaches, pristine golf courses, lush green gardens, historical landmarks, and cultural activities that make this town a paradise in Florida.

Sarasota has fantastic weather most of the year, meaning you’ll have more time to spend outdoors. Siesta Key Beach is one of the Sarasota beaches, and it has been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. So if you enjoy watersports, sunbathing, or building castles in the sand with your kids, Sarasota is the place to visit.

Another perk of visiting this town is the food. Since it’s in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll eat a lot of fresh, affordable seafood. This town has many great dining options, from casual sports bars and pubs to upscale bistros by the ocean. Couples too will love this town since it has many hidden gems ready to pamper you and your loved one.

Moreover, there are many pretty parks in Sarasota where you can sweep your partner off their feet with a great picnic or a night under the Floridian stars.