TRANSPORTATION

If you are driving, Gulfport Hideaway Apartments has plenty of available parking–see the Directions page for driving direction. However, since the resident owner provides transportation from and to the airport for rentals longer than a week, it is quite possible to stay at the Gulfport Hideaway Apartments and do all your sightseeing entirely by public transit.

Gulfport is within Pinellas County. The entire county is serviced by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). They have an excellent website utilizing Google Transit Trip Planner as well as PDFs of the various bus schedules. The regular PSTA bus system, in cooperation with a number of Trolley services, provides easy access to anywhere in the area.


PSTA and Gulfport Trolley signs
 

Gulfport Hideaway Apartments are within two very short blocks of PSTA and Gulfport Trolley stops–in many cases, those are one and the same stop. The best deal is to purchase an all-day pass, called the Daily Unlimited GO Card, which may be bought on the bus. This pass allows the passenger to use any of the buses within Pinellas County for one whole day and to get on and off as often as desired. It’s $4 for an adult and $2 for seniors and disabled. Up to three children who are five years old or younger may ride free with an accompanying adult.

When purchasing any type of ticket on the bus, exact change is required. GO Cards may also be bought in 7-day and 31-day denominations. In addition to GO Cards, one-way fees may also be paid. For a full listing of fares and qualifications see PSTA Bus Fares. Your GO Card allows you to transfer to and from any trolley and bus within the county.
 
All of downtown Gulfport is within easy walking distance of Gulfport Hideaway Apartments. Gulfport is a pedestrian and bicycle friendly community. PSTA buses provide bicycle carriers which make combination bike/bus trips very easy.
 
Using either the Google Maps website or the Google Transit Trip Planner on the PSTA site, it is possible to quickly and easily plan your bus trip. Simply go to Google Maps (that’s my preference) and click on “Get Directions.” In the “From” field enter 5620 29th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707, which is the address of Gulfport Hideaway Apartments. In the “To” field enter the address of where you wish to go. If you don’t know the address, you can also enter place names (like Beach Theater, Muvico Theaters, Sweetbay) or generic names (pharmacy, grocery). Google will show you some choices to narrow down which destination you desire. Then, select the means of transportation (by car, public transit, on foot), the approximate time you want to depart or arrive and click “Show Directions.”
 
You’re done!
Suncoast Beach Trolley sign
 

 
Below are a number of typical trips. You can click on them and see how the trip planner works. By clicking on “Show Options” you can change the departure times and pick alternate routes from the example trip. Give it a try. It’s fun.

various barrier island beach locations

various shopping opportunities

various entertainment venues