Are you flying into Florida for your Anna Maria Island for your vacation getaway? You’re in luck because Anna Maria Island is conveniently located near some of the top international airports in Florida. Anna Maria Island is secluded from the chaos of the city and the interstate which is how it keeps its charming, small-town atmosphere.
The drive from the airport to Anna Maria Island can be looked at as a time for adventure for some depending on where you are coming from. There are a ton of attractions along the way so be sure to make a note in your itinerary. Some visitors like to plan their vacation on Anna Maria Island by splitting their time spent on the Island with time set aside for the most popular Florida attractions.
The top airports people choose to fly in for their Anna Maria Island stay are Tampa International Airport (TPA), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and Orlando International Airport (MCO). They usually book their car rentals here as well because the airport is one of the best places to get a great rate for transportation. Whether you’re in a hurry to get to the Island, or you want to see all that Florida has to offer along the way, driving to Anna Maria Island will be easy.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Anna Maria Island
Most of the 2 and ½ hour drive from Orlando to Anna Maria is on the interstate, but you will find plenty of attractions that you will want to add to your itinerary during this trip. Once you get to the Gulf Coast, you will find the beauty of Florida to be irresistible. There are a couple of toll charges along the way, so plan accordingly.
Directions:
- Get on FL-417 Toll S in Meadow Woods from Jeff Fuqua Blvd.
- Follow FL-417 Toll S, I-4 W, and I-75 S to US-41 S/S Tamiami Trail in Manatee County. Take exit 2 from I-275 N.
- Continue onto US-41 S/S Tamiami Trail. Take FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W to Pine Ave in Anna Maria
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Anna Maria Island
The drive from Tampa to Anna Maria Island isn’t exactly a straight line and will take a little over an hour. Your scenic drive will take you over the famous Skyway bridge which is scary for anyone that hasn’t been on it. You will also get to see the majestic Manatee River. These attractions make the drive much more entertaining. There is a small toll charge to pass over the Sunshine Skyway bridge each way so make sure you have some cash/change on hand.
Directions:
- Take George J Bean Outbound Pkwy/George J Bean Pkwy to I-275 S.
- Follow I-275 S to US-19 S in Manatee County. Take exit 5 from I-275 S.
- Continue on US-19 S. Take S Tamiami Trail and FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W to Pine Ave in Anna Maria.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to Anna Maria Island
This airport is the closest international airport to Anna Maria Island, so the 30-minute drive is over in no time. Make sure you follow the speed limit here because there is a zero tolerance for speeding. Also, be sure to watch out for pedestrians because Florida law requires motorists to yield to them. If you have a few extra minutes to actually enjoy all of Anna Maria Island, it’s well worth it to take the longer route by taking US-41 South towards downtown Sarasota and then make a small detour to Lido Key and then follow FL-789 all the way up to the island. You will really get a feel for the atmosphere on the Island by taking this route.
Directions:
- Head east toward 15th St E/301 Blvd E.
- Take US-41 N, El Conquistador Pkwy, 75th St W and FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W to Pine Ave in Anna Maria.
