Florida, USA
The main public bus service in St. Augustine is the Sunshine Bus Company. This service mainly caters to local residents. Its routes may not align directly with major tourist attractions, and service frequency is less than what a typical tourist might expect in a larger city.
For this reason, many visitors find walking, trolleys, or ride-sharing more convenient for sightseeing within the historic district.
Information and schedules for the Sunshine Bus Company are available on their official website.
Fares are typically paid with cash. Multi-day passes or tourist-oriented fare options are not available for this local bus system.
Service often runs during standard business hours, with limited evening service and no service on Sundays. Frequency varies by route.
Book by phone or find at stands near major hotels.
Metered fares based on distance and time. Tipping 15-20% is customary.
Uber and Lyft are widely available and often cost-effective.
Verify driver/vehicle details on apps before boarding for rideshares.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring St. Augustine and its surrounding areas, specifically if you plan to venture beyond the walkable historic district.
Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
Roads are generally in good condition. Parts of the historic district feature uneven cobblestone streets.
Parking in the historic district can be challenging. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility is the main option.
Beyond standard options, St. Augustine offers unique ways to explore, often focused on sightseeing and tours.
St. Augustine does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or similar unique local transport systems found in mountainous or steeply sloped cities.
Pedicabs offer short, whimsical rides in the historic district. Golf carts are useful for beach areas.
Many attractions comply with ADA standards. Trolley companies offer accessible vehicles.
For most tourists, the public bus system is not the most practical way to explore St. Augustine's historic sites. The limited coverage and frequency mean you may spend more time waiting or transferring than sightseeing.
Consider a hop-on-hop-off trolley pass for your first day. It provides an excellent orientation to the city and helps you decide where to spend more time.
