Updated: May 2026
Anna Maria Island is only seven miles long, but how you get around shapes the entire experience. Limited parking, charming walkable neighborhoods, and beaches spread across three distinct towns mean that the right transportation choice can turn a good trip into a great one.
The good news — the island makes it easy. Whether you’re arriving from the airport, heading out to dinner, or just trying to get from one end to the other without circling a parking lot, there’s an option that fits. Some are practical, some are fun, and a few manage to be both.
Free Trolley
The Anna Maria Island Trolley is free, runs the full length of the island, and stops every two to four blocks. For many visitors it becomes their primary transportation — and honestly, it’s enough. As I cover in my Do You Need a Car on Anna Maria Island? guide, the trolley alone can carry you through a full, stress-free trip.
Trolleys run daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every 20 minutes, and every 30 minutes from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The myStop app lets you track arrivals in real time so you’re never just standing there wondering. Shoes and a shirt required when boarding.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are the most Anna Maria Island way to get around — open sides, a breeze off the Gulf, and no parking stress. Street-legal carts can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, which covers most of the island. Most rental companies offer four- and six-passenger options, deliver directly to your accommodation, and pick up at the end of your stay.
For everything you need — rental companies, pricing, rules, and tips — see The Ultimate Golf Cart Rental Guide for Anna Maria Island,
Bikes
Biking is one of the most scenic ways to move through the island. Flat terrain, bike-friendly streets, and coastal views make it easy to ride to the beach, grab breakfast, or explore neighborhoods at your own pace. Rentals are widely available, most companies deliver to your accommodation, and options include cruisers, tandems, and child attachments.
For routes, rental options, and tips see Pedal Your Way Through Beautiful Anna Maria Island.
Monkey Bus
The most fun transportation option on the island, full stop. Small buses, door-to-door service across Anna Maria Island and into Cortez, seven days a week from noon to 3:00 AM, for $5 per person. They take music requests, answer questions about the island, and make a night out genuinely easier. If you’re planning an evening with libations, this is your ride.
Uber & Lyft
Both operate on Anna Maria Island — but with a caveat. Service can be inconsistent, especially during peak season and late nights when demand outpaces availability. They work best as a backup rather than a primary plan. For reliable airport transfers and evening transportation, the private services below are a better bet.
Ride Services
For airport transfers, special events, and getting around the island without the hassle of driving or parking, Anna Maria Island has a strong selection of private transportation options. Here’s what sets each one apart.
AMI Airport Shuttle Guy
The only shuttle service exclusively dedicated to Anna Maria Island airport runs. Private vehicles accommodate one to seven passengers with luggage. Note that child seats are not included.
AMI Transportation
A Chamber of Commerce member since 2008 with a solid local reputation. Sedans and larger vehicles available, and car and booster seats are provided at no extra cost — a thoughtful detail for families.
Beach Limo
A reliable option for airport transfers, special occasions, and everyday travel with online reservations and 24/7 availability. Good for those who want the flexibility of around-the-clock booking.
Cartier Limousine Services
.A Chamber of Commerce member offering airport transportation and special event service with multiple vehicle options for Tampa International Airport runs.
Coastal Elite Transport
A family-operated black car service based in Sarasota that stands out for its amenities — complimentary snacks, ice-cold water, mints, and phone chargers come standard. Their Genesis G80 Sport seats two with two bags; their Ford Expedition Max seats seven with seven bags
Coastline Shuttle Services
One of the more versatile options for larger groups — Escalades for up to six passengers and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans for up to eleven. They service Sarasota Bradenton, Tampa, and St. Pete-Clearwater airports, with other airports available by special reservation. Car seats available for an additional fee.
Coast Line Limo
The widest airport coverage on this list — Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and more. A good pick if you’re connecting through a less common airport. Fleet options range from premium sedans to Cadillac Escalades and SUVs, all with clear passenger and bag capacity listed.
Kelly’s Island Transportation
The most versatile service on the list — airport transfers, cruise ports, concerts, events, local attractions, dinners, weddings, and appointments across Florida. They include car seats in varying sizes and offer Publix curbside pickup at no extra charge, which is a genuinely useful add-on for longer stays.
Paradise Car Service
A locally owned option covering the full range — airport transfers, shopping, dining, golf, and concerts. Fleet runs from sedans and Town Cars to a full stretch limousine, making it one of the more flexible choices for special occasions.
Navigating the Bay
A comprehensive sedan and SUV service covering airport transfers, quick trips, nights out, and events. Services Tampa, St. Pete Bradenton, Orlando, and Sarasota Bradenton airports. Amenities include complimentary water and snacks, Wi-Fi, and car seats.
We Drive Tampa
The largest fleet on this list with the widest range of vehicle sizes — from premium sedans to a 25-passenger luxury bus. If you’re coordinating transportation for a large group, wedding, or event, this is the most scalable option available.
Coastal Close
Getting around Anna Maria Island is part of the experience — whether you’re cruising on a golf cart, hopping the free trolley, or letting the Monkey Bus take you home after a long night on Bridge Street. Most visitors quickly realize they don’t need a car at all, and that realization is its own kind of island freedom.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the roads, the Ultimate Guide to Jet Ski Rental on Anna Maria Island and Experience The Magic of Horseback Riding on Anna Maria Island are two very different ways to see the island from a whole new angle.
Until next time…
· izzy
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