Can I get to Clearwater beach by bus from Orlando/ Florida?

Hi
I've read about the Caladesi Island State Park and it sounds wonderful. Realy like to go there on a daytrip from Orlando. Is this possible to do independent by bus?
I haven't got a drivers liscence so I am a bit stuck. I understand Clearwater beach is not that far from Caladesi and it sounds nice to go there for the sun set if there are any connections.

Also will it be ok for just a day or would an overnight stay be better?
Thanks for any advice.
Elkie

There seem to be tour bus trips to Clearwater from resorts in the Orlando area, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them go to Honeymoon Island State Park, on the next island north (it's accessible by road), and there's a ferry to Caladesi from Honeymoon Island.

I did a quick check and found that the Belleview Biltmore Resort hotel, near Clearwater, hasn't been demolished yet. They have their own private beach! http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/rinfo.html</a>. Their staff might be able to figure out how you could get to the hotel from Orlando (they do house conventions!)

I suspect that trying to take something like a Greyhound bus to Clearwater would be unpleasant at best. Could I suggest Puget Sound as a much better place for non-auto transportation?

Caladesi isn't accessable from the Clearwater Beach resort area, unless you have your own boat. Last time I was there (2 years ago) I don't think there was any regular bus service to the ferry dock at Honeymoon Island SP from the Tampa/St. Pete area. I don't think it is very workable unless you can find a tour group with direct service.

i've done orlando to clearwater via greyhound
it's ok but you'll wait in tampa 6 hours minimum (see www.greyhound.com) and the end of the road is us 19 and gulf to bay
still a 15 usd (minimum) taxi to the ferry to honeymoon which IMHO is just as nice as caledesi

the trip as you invision is not doable - simple time limits

#! what are you talking about????? the biltmore is a PRIVATE ELUSIVE CLUB - they're not going to let an unknown past security......

#3, it's been a decade since I attended a conference at the Biltmore. Back then, they had plastic tile in the bathrooms, something that was popular back int he 1950s. The furniture seemed as though it might have been surplus from the World War II trainees who stayed there. They did have nice dining rooms and such.

The rates they quote at their website indicate that the facility isn't up to current Florida resort standards. What's interesting about it is that it's the last of the big old wooden hotels. I think the St Petersburg Times might have some stories in its archives about plans (evidently thwarted so far) to demolish it. I'd be willing to try it for a couple of nights.

The upscale Biltmore is the one in Coral Gables. It's another grand old establishment, and it's had a very rocky history. I think the current incarnation is the longest and by far most successful in its history.

I know that this post is from long ago, but I thought I'd leave my information in case anyone needs it who is currently looking here. I live in Clearwater and use the bus every day. There is Greyhound service from Orlando to Clearwater. The Clearwater station is not near the beach and not downtown but in a good neighborhood where you can find eating places or a motel if needed. However, you can get a local bus to downtown ($1.75, the number 60) and another to the beach. I think it runs till about 10 pm. The local company is PSTA and they have a website. Caledesi requires private transport. Many people living here (as in most of America) are horrified at the thought of going a few meters without a car, but it is possible to get around most places by public transportation. It helps keep our air clean, also, as the pollution from one bus beats 40 private cars.