Orlando To Anna Maria Island: How To Get There & Stops To Make!

Are you planning a trip from Orlando to Anna Maria Island and are wondering about the best way to get between them?

Orlando is known around the world for its high concentration of theme parks, while Anna Maria Island is known for its glistening white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

There are several options for visiting these two great cities in Florida, from flying to driving.

Whether you’re looking for the fastest way or the cheapest, there are options for you.

If you choose to drive, there are many stops to be made along the way to make your trip even more fun.

In this post, I’ll go over everything that you need to know to make your travels between these destinations fun, safe, and run smoothly.

Flying From Orlando To Anna Maria Island: Airlines & Time

If you aren’t a fan of driving and would rather fly from Orlando to Anna Maria Island, then you can most definitely do that.

You’ll want to fly out of the Orlando International Airport and then into the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Anna Maria Island doesn’t have its own airport, and the one in Sarasota is the closest, being just 30 minutes away.

You can also fly into Tampa International Airport, but it’s a bit further away, taking about an hour to reach the island.

The flight would in theory only take about 45 minutes if you were able to take a direct flight, but there are rarely direct flights between these two destinations.

Most flights have layovers in places like Miami or Key West, and sometimes in cities outside of Florida, like New York City.

This means that most flights end up having a total time of 4 to 10 hours. Occasionally you can find ones that are just 3 hours, but this is less likely.

So, unfortunately, while usually flying saves you time, this route will just add time to your travel days.

Airlines that fly this route include Spirit, JetBlue, United, American, and more.

Orlando To Anna Maria Island: Driving Distance

If you don’t mind spending some time on the road, then driving from Orlando to Anna Maria Island is going to be the most convenient and efficient way to get there.

There are a few different driving routes to choose from, but all of them take only around 2.5-3 hours and are between 125 and 150 miles.

This drive time can also depend on what type of traffic is going on in the cities, since you’ll pass right through, of course, Orlando, and then you’ll also go past Tampa.

During rush hour, you might find traffic in these cities that can cause back-ups and create longer drive times.

Route Between Anna Maria Island And Orlando

There are two main routes that you can take to get between these two Florida cities. One has tolls, while the other avoids them.

Both routes are pretty similar in travel time, so, either way, you decide to go, you won’t be adding a whole lot of time on, maybe a max of 30 minutes extra.

Via I-4W and I-75S (Fastest Option)

If you’re searching for the fastest and most convenient way to get between Orlando and Anna Maria Island, then this is the route to take. It’s about 125 miles and will take just under 2.5 hours.

From Orlando, you’ll follow I-4W past most of the city’s largest attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios.

Take this road until you’ve almost reached Tampa, and then you’ll merge onto I-75S.

I-75S will bring you almost all the way to Anna Maria Island, just after Bradenton.

This route sees the most traffic so if you’re looking to avoid traffic, it may be best to take the next option.

It also has one toll, which is just to cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the island, and only costs about $1 for 2-axel cars.

Via Florida’s Turnpike And I-75S (Avoids Most Traffic)

If you don’t mind spending slightly longer on the road to avoid most of the traffic, then start by taking Florida’s Turnpike northwest of Orlando.

While this route will take about 30 minutes longer, it might actually end up being pretty even in a time when the original route has traffic.

Since this route takes you away from the busyness of Disney and other theme parks, you won’t have to worry as much about traffic.

After following the turnpike, merge onto I-75S and follow this until Anna Maria Island.

This route is about 3 hours in travel time, and you’ll also have the same toll for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Plus you might encounter some on the Turnpike.

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes?

Yes, there are tolls on all of the main routes that you would take to drive between these locations. 

There really is no great way to avoid tolls along this route since you’ll always have to pay to cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The positive part about this though is that it’s a very cheap fee, costing only around $1 for 2-axel vehicles.

Aside from this toll bridge, you can avoid using the Florida Turnpike and you won’t have to pay any other fees.

Is There A Shuttle From Orlando To Anna Maria Island?

There is no shuttle that takes you directly from Orlando to Anna Maria Island.

But if you’re looking to save some money, you can take a Greyhound Bus from Orlando to Sarasota.

There are buses that run throughout the week that will take you directly from places like the Orlando Airport or bus station to Sarasota.

From Sarasota, you will have to find your way to Anna Maria Island, likely by using something like a taxi or an Uber.

Stops To Make Between Orlando And Anna Maria Island

If you’re driving between Anna Maria Island and Orlando, then you might want some things to do along the way.

Here are the best stops to make for your road trip!

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Just down the road is Florida’s Titanic Museum, where you can learn all about the disastrous sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

There are over 300 artifacts inside with real-life recreations of the rooms on the ship.

You’ll also find options for guided tours, where you can learn even more about the historical day.

Disney World

Of course, what would a trip to Florida be without a visit to Walt Disney World? And since you’ll go right past it on your way to Anna Maria Island, it’s a must-do!

Disney is the ultimate destination for a family trip, and whether you have little ones or everyone is grown up, it’s great fun.

Visit one of the four parks and spend the day enjoying all of the fun Disney-themed rides.

Grab a bite to eat at the restaurants that will make you feel like you’re right in a movie, and meet all of your favorite characters. 

Dinosaur World

If you want to have a unique experience from some of the other theme parks in Central Florida, then make a visit to Dinosaur World.

This park has over 200 life-sized dinosaurs to see and learn all about. From towering t-rexes to stegosaurus, you’ll see all of your favorites.

Kids can even enjoy digging in the Fossil Dig and panning for gems as they learn about our prehistoric past.

Tampa

This major city is located on the western coast of Florida just a short 1 hour away from Anna Maria Island.

There are all sorts of things to do in the Tampa Bay area for every type of traveler.

If you’re a sports lover, then you may be interested in attending one of the professional sports games, like a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game or a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football match.

Thrill seekers will love riding the coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Adventure Island is the perfect outdoor waterpark for all ages.

There are also many tours and rentals available for things like sunset cruises, jet skiing, kayaking and dolphin watching in Tampa Bay.

Want to explore Tampa? Check out these Top 7 Kayaking Tours In Tampa!👈

Clearwater

Although slightly out of the way, Clearwater is a great stop between Orlando and Anna Maria Island.

It’s just to the west of Tampa and is home to some of the best beaches in Florida.

Head right over to Clearwater Beach to enjoy the amazingly soft sand, splash in the waves, and keep an eye out for dolphins.

Beachside restaurants with fresh seafood are abundant here, so you can enjoy a nice drink as you admire the views.

Clearwater also has many more fun activities like visiting the Clearwater Aquarium or wandering out to the beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park.

From Clearwater, you can also reach St. Petes Beach which is a popular destination for spring breakers and tourists.

Take a look at Clearwater’s Best Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours!👈

Eureka Springs Park

Just outside of Tampa on the way between Anna Maria Island to Orlando is the oasis that is Eureka Springs Park. Enjoy escaping into nature without having to go far from the city.

This over 30-acre park is home to the largest collection of publicly owned ferns in Florida, boardwalks that wind through beautiful forests of greenery, and a rose garden.

Some of the areas in the park make it feel like you’re in a rainforest. A quick stop will allow you to stretch your legs before you arrive on Anna Maria Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anna Maria Island Worth It?

Yes, Anna Maria Island is totally worth visiting! If you love white sandy beaches, gorgeous teal water, and a city with a laid-back vibe, then Anna Maria Island is for you.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Anna Maria Island?

The best time of year to go to Anna Maria Island is spring, between March and May.

This is when temperatures are cooler, it’s the shoulder season so there are fewer crowds, and it’s outside of hurricane season.

How Far Is It From Orlando To Anna Maria Island?

Orlando and Anna Maria Island are about 125 miles or just over 2.5 hours apart from one another.

How Close Is Anna Maria Island To Disney?

Anna Maria Island is located on Longboat Key, about 2.5 hours from Disney World. The drive is about 110 miles.

Wrap-Up: Orlando To Anna Maria Island

If you’re planning to travel from Orlando to Anna Maria Island or the other way around, whether it be by plane or car, there are definitely a few things to know before making your plans.

When driving, there are plenty of stops along the way to make your travels fun, and if you’re flying, you’ll want to know that it may take longer than you think.

Either way, these two fun Florida cities make for a great way to spend your vacation in the Sunshine State.