Getting Around Pensacola

Getting Around Pensacola

Driving in Pensacola

The easiest way to get around in Pensacola is to drive. With the exception of downtown, parking is plentiful and free. Downtown has street parking and a few parking garages, most of which have small fees during the work day, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Downtown parking is free on the weekends, but may be scarce during special events. Travel through the city may be confusing for the first time driver; some of the major streets have multiple names, the most notorious of which is FL SR 296, which also goes by Bayou Boulevard, Brent Lane, Beverly Parkway, Michigan Avenue, and Saufley Field Road! In addition, many major thoroughfares curve, or run at odd diagonals. A map will come in handy. I-110 is a major interstate running north-south through Pensacola, and provides a very handy guidepost for travel through the city.

There are bicycle lanes throughout town along most major roads, but they're not easily noticed unless they are actually being used; look for small lanes on the side of the road with a bicycle symbol painted on the asphalt. Downtown Pensacola is great to see from a bike, especially the old Seville area and the historic district.

Using the Bus in Pensacola

ECAT, 1515 W Fairfield Dr, +1 850 595-3228. M-Sa 5:30AM-7:30PM, Su closed, exact times depend on route. ECAT provides public bus service to Pensacola and the immediate area, stopping at shopping centers and hospitals. The bus service doesn't serve the entire city, budget cuts have reduced the availability of routes, service is curt, and the routes are long and slow, but the buses are almost always on time. Route maps are available on the bus, and the bus driver can answer simple questions about how to get to most major destinations in Pensacola. For route planning, call the ECAT bus office ahead of time.

To board an ECAT bus, arrive at the bus stop at least ten minutes early; buses can't be flagged down. Have your money or ticket ready, and ask for a transfer before paying; the bus driver doesn't have to give you a transfer if you forget to ask. You receive one transfer for free, which is good for two hours; additional transfers are ten cents. Tickets are $1.75 per adult, $1.25 for older children and students with a valid student ID, 85¢ for Medicare card holders, and free for young children; make sure to have exact change! Unlimited day passes, seven-day passes, and thirty-day passes are available at the transit center. Bicycle racks are available on all ECAT buses, but make sure to remind the driver when you're disembarking that you need to retrieve your bike!

Using the Taxi in Pensacola

Taxi service in Pensacola can be expensive due to the long driving times required to get from one end of town to the other. Don't expect to find a cab when you need a ride, nor to hail one; usually you'll need to call the cab company, and expect a wait. A few taxi-stands are located in downtown Pensacola (good luck finding them), and at the airport. Rates for taxi cabs are set by city ordinance, and are as follows:

• $2 for the first one-ninth mile.
• .25¢ for each additional one-ninth mile ($2.25 per mile.)
• .50¢ for each bag of luggage over two bags.
• .50¢ for each passenger over the age of thirteen.
• .50¢ for trips between 9PM and 5AM.
• $18 per hour for waiting

There is also a minimum charge of $11 for any taxi ride from the Pensacola Regional Airport, plus a $1 surcharge if the cab fare is over $11.

• Americab Express, +1 850 490-0794.
• Metro Cab of Pensacola, +1 850 433-9999.
• Pensacola Taxi, +1 850 456-3000.
• Yellow Cab of Pensacola, 3434 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, ? +1 850 433-3333, [13]. The largest taxi service in Pensacola, and in existence since 1909, it typically has the shortest wait times for a cab, and their cars are clean and well-maintained.
• Roddawg Express Taxi Service, 213 S Navy Blvy, +1 850 554-8015. A unique taxicab experience where the cab is almost like a rolling jukebox; the ride has a thousand watt stereo system and a great entertainment selection.

More info on Pensacola available in the Pensacola Tourist Information main page.

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