Getting Around
Spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the holidays.
With festivities happening throughout Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, there are plenty of ways to get where you’re going during Holidays in Lights. Whether you travel by water, trolley, public transit, rideshare, bike or on foot, use the options below to plan your trip and make getting around part of the experience.
Routes, fares and operating hours may change during the holiday season or for special events. We recommend checking directly with each transportation provider before traveling.
Clearwater Ferry
Take the Scenic Route
Skip the drive and enjoy Clearwater from the water aboard the Clearwater Ferry. The ferry provides water transportation connecting Clearwater, Clearwater Beach and Dunedin, making it a fun alternative for traveling between holiday destinations while avoiding roadway traffic and parking.
Reservations are recommended, particularly during busy periods, as capacity is limited.
Clearwater Jolley Trolley
Leave the Car Behind
Make your way around Clearwater aboard the iconic Jolley Trolley Transportation. The Jolley Trolley connects Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater, with service extending north through Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs.
On Clearwater Beach, North Beach and South Beach routes serve popular areas including Pier 60, Beach Walk, Clearwater Beach Marina, Island Estates and Sand Key. The Coastal Route provides another connection between the beach, Downtown Clearwater and communities farther north.
PSTA Grouper Express
From the Airport to the Beach
Flying into St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)? PSTA’s Grouper Airport Express provides on-demand and advance-reservation transportation between PIE and locations throughout Clearwater Beach, including Sand Key.
Rides can be requested through the Grouper app or online, making it an easy option for visitors who want to begin their Holidays in Lights experience without renting a car. Current published fares start at $8 for a single rider, with group pricing available.
Suncoast Beach Trolley
Explore Beyond Clearwater
PSTA provides additional public transportation options throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County. The Suncoast Beach Trolley travels along the barrier islands, connecting Clearwater Beach and Sand Key with communities farther south including Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, John’s Pass, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.
This can be especially useful for visitors staying elsewhere along the beaches who want to experience Holidays in Lights without driving into Clearwater.
Bike, Walk & Roll
Enjoy Clearwater at Your Own Pace
Many Holidays in Lights destinations are easy to explore without a vehicle once you arrive. Walk along Beach Walk, explore Downtown Clearwater on foot, or bring your bike and combine your trip with local trails and bike-friendly connections.
Jolley Trolley vehicles are also equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks for up to two standard bicycles, providing another way to combine biking with public transportation.
Rideshare & Taxi
Uber, Lyft and local taxi services like Way2Go Rides or United Taxi Service offer another convenient way to travel between Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, hotels and event locations.
During major events, designated pickup and drop-off locations may be established to help keep traffic moving. Check the individual event page before heading out for event-specific transportation information.
Plan Ahead for Signature Events
Holiday weekends and signature events may bring increased traffic and limited parking, particularly around Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater. Visitors are encouraged to plan their route before leaving, allow extra travel time and consider public transportation, trolley service or rideshare when available.
Getting there should be part of the fun. Park it. Trolley it. Ferry it. Ride it. Walk it. Then enjoy Holidays in Lights!
