Getting Around

by devadmin | Jul 1, 2019 | Insider's Guide | 0 comments

Enjoy our Anna Maria Island Map including Beach Access Points

Airports:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Situated about an hour's drive from the island, TPA offers a plethora of flight options, direct flights, and reasonable pricing, making it a convenient choice.
• St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE): Approximately 45-50 minutes away, PIE provides budget-friendly options, albeit with fewer departure city choices.
• Sarasota/Bradenton Airport (SRQ): The closest airport, only 25-30 minutes away, although it offers fewer airline options and direct flights depending on your departure city.

Parking:

Parking regulations are strictly enforced on the island, with violations including parking on sidewalks, streets, and facing the wrong direction. Be mindful of parking signs and regulations to avoid penalties.

Taxi & Rideshare:

Uber and Lyft operate on the island, and local taxi services such as Island Taxi, Bruce’s Taxi, and Yellow Cab are available for your convenience. We do NOT recommend using Lyft or Uber for airport transportation during peak Saturdays as they may cancel due to traffic times.  Getting on and off the island can take up to 2 hours during holidays and peak weekend days.

Airport Shuttle Service:

Remember to book shuttle services in advance, as most require at least 24 hours notice. 

Monkey Bus:

For $5 per person, call the bus to arrange transportation for your whole group! 941-565-6542

Contact the Monkey Bus

Free Island Trolley (MCAT):

Whether this is your first time on Anna Maria Island, your 50th time, or you’re a native, there is no better way to get around the island than to ride the free Anna Maria Island trolley. Sit back, relax, enjoy the view and leave the driving and parking to someone else. Hop on and off as often as you like. Several trolleys loop the island from Coquina Beach on the southern tip in Bradenton Beach up to the City Pier in the City of Anna Maria on the northern end of the island on a daily basis. The trolleys also run on most holidays.

Early birds will be excited to know island trolley service starts at 6am from both ends of the loop. Trolleys typically run at 20 minute intervals until 9pm, then every 30 minutes until 10:30pm. (times may vary due to unforeseen incidents, traffic conditions or weather) You’ll never be far from a trolley stop, you can usually find them every two to four blocks. With 35 northbound and 35 southbound trolley stops, it’s easy to get anywhere you want to go on the island.

For a list of all the trolley stops, route and time table, pick up an AMI Chamber of Commerce island map at the Chamber office, the visitor kiosk at Manatee Beach or at various businesses around the island. You may also find a schedule on the MCAT site here.

The front of the trolley holds two single seat, two-wheeled bikes 16 inches or higher. It is easy to load your bikes on the rack, then unload them at any trolley stop and go exploring on your own. Be sure to take all your belongings when you get off the trolley. Should you leave something on the trolley, please contact MCAT lost and found at 941-747-8621.

We invite you to enjoy the free island air-conditioned trolley. Not only is it fun, but you will be helping reduce traffic and congestion on the island. Please read about our Trolley Giving Back Program to learn more about how it contributes to keeping the trolley free as well as giving back to the local community. If you find it in your heart to help, donations are gratefully appreciated. There are donation boxes on each of the trolleys.

For more information, visit www.mcat@mymanatee.org or call 941-747-8621.

We strive to make your travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, providing a variety of transportation options to suit your needs.