Anna Maria Island may be only seven miles long, but knowing how to get around can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your visit. With limited parking, charming walkable neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches spread across the island, choosing the right transportation helps you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the coastal lifestyle.
Whether you’re arriving from the airport, planning to explore multiple beach spots, or simply heading out to dinner, Anna Maria Island offers a variety of convenient options—from the free island trolley and golf carts to private shuttles and ride services. Some are practical, some are fun, and a few offer the best of both.
This guide covers the best transportation options on Anna Maria Island, including how to get here, how to get around once you arrive, and which choices are best depending on your travel style.
Contents
Free Trolley
The Anna Maria Island Trolley is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the island—and it’s completely free. Running daily from early morning through late evening, the trolley travels the full length of Anna Maria Island with stops every two to four blocks, making it simple to hop on and off wherever you’d like.
In fact, many visitors rely on the trolley as their primary transportation. As explained in my Do You Need a Car on Anna Maria Island? guide, the free trolley alone is often enough for a full, stress-free trip.
Trolleys arrive approximately every 20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and every 30 minutes from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. It’s a reliable option for reaching the beaches, restaurants, shops, and piers without worrying about parking.
For added convenience, the myStop app allows you to track the trolley in real time so you know exactly when the next one will arrive. Just remember to wear shoes and a shirt when boarding.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to get around Anna Maria Island. They’re easy to drive, convenient for short trips, and perfect for cruising to the beach, restaurants, and shops while fully embracing the island lifestyle. With open sides and breezy seating, golf carts make every outing feel like part of the vacation.
They’re especially ideal if you’re staying on the island and want the flexibility to explore without worrying about parking a full-size vehicle. Most rental companies offer four- and six-passenger carts, with some offering larger options for families and groups. Street-legal carts can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, which covers most of Anna Maria Island.
Rental companies typically deliver the cart directly to your accommodation and pick it up at the end of your stay, making the process simple and hassle-free.
For everything you need to know—including rental companies, pricing, rules, and tips—see The Ultimate Golf Cart Rental Guide for Anna Maria Island, where I break down the best options and how to choose the right cart for your trip.
Ride Services
AMI Airport Shuttle Guy
Private airport shuttle exclusively to and from Anna Maria Island. They service Sarasota Bradenton International Airport for $95 and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport for $150. The rides are private in spacious vehicles which accommodate one to seven passengers and luggage. Please note that child seats are not included.
AMI Transportation
AMI Transportation offers a host of sedans and larger vehicles for your transportation needs. They have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2008. Car and booster seats are provided at no extra cost for children.
Beach Limo
Beach Limo provides reliable transportation for airport transfers, special occasions, and everyday travel needs. They offer online reservations, 24/7 service, and a luxury fleet designed for comfort and convenience. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or celebrating something special, their professional service makes getting around stress-free.
Cartier Limousine Services
Cartier is a member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. They offer airport transportation for Anna Maria Island as well as transportation for special events. They have several vehicles to choose from for transportation to/from Tampa International Airport.
Coastal Elite Transport
Based in Sarasota, Coastal Elite Transport is a woman-owned, family-operated black car service offering upscale transportation for every occasion. Whether you’re headed to a night out, the airport, a cruise port, or a special event, they provide a safe, luxurious, and reliable ride. Their vehicles are meticulously maintained, and every ride includes thoughtful amenities like complimentary snacks, ice-cold waters, mints, and phone chargers.
Their fleet includes a Genesis G80 Sport which accommodates two people and two bags and a Ford Expedition Max which accommodates seven people and seven bags.
Coastline Shuttle Services
Coastline offers door-to-door pickup and drop-offs to local airports, special events, and local attractions. Typically, they service Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. Other airports require special reservations. Their Escalades accommodate 6 passengers. For larger groups their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans accommodate 11 passengers. Coastline will provide a car seat for an additional $25 fee.
Coast Line Limo
Coast Line Limos specializes in airport transfers to/from Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and more. Their fleet includes the following:
- Premium Sedan · seats 3 with 3 bags
- VIP Sedan · seats 3 with 3 bags
- Cadillac Escalade · seat 6 with 6 bags
- Premium SUV · seats 6 with 6 bags
- VIP SUV · seats 4 with 4 bags
Kelly’s Island Transportation
Kelly’s island Transportation provides transportation to and from airports, cruise ports, concerts, events, local attractions, dinners, weddings, and appointments both local and throughout Florida. Additionally, they offer carseats in varying sizes and include Publix curbside pickup at no additional fee.
Their fleet has 10 vehicles ranging from sedans to minivans and a trailer.
Monkey Bus
Monkey Bus is a fun way to get around Anna Maria Island. Perhaps you are planning a night out with libations or want to enjoy the sights of Anna Maria Island without worrying about traffic.
The Monkey Bus uses a fleet of small buses to offer door-to-door service all over Anna Maria Island and across the bridge to Cortez. They do not offer scheduled stops but hey offer rides seven days a week from noon to 3:00 AM. The cost is $5 per person.
Besides providing transportation, they take music request and answer questions about the Island.
Paradise Car Service
Paradise Car Service is a locally owned business that provides airport transportation services ranging from a sedan or Town Car to a full stretch limousine. They not only service any of the airports in the region, but they also can provide transportation solutions to cover your shopping, dining, golfing, and concert needs.
Navigating the Bay offers a comprehensive range of sedan and SUV transportation for Anna Maria Island including airport transfers, quick trips, nights out, and events. They service Tampa International Airport, St. Pete Bradenton International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Their amenities include complimentary water and snacks, Wi-Fi, and car seats.
We Drive Tampa
We Drive Tampa offers convenience through their door-to-door pickup and drop-off services. Their large fleet of vehicles include the following:
- Premium sedans · seats 2 with 2 bags
- Luxury SUV Midsize · seats 3 with 3 bags
- Luxury SUV Large · seats 6 with 6 bags
- Luxury Van · seats 12 with 12 bags
- Luxury sprinter van · seats 14 with 14 bags
- Luxury bus · seats 25 with 28 bags
Bikes
Biking is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore Anna Maria Island. With flat terrain, bike-friendly streets, and beautiful coastal views around every corner, it’s easy to ride to the beach, grab breakfast, or explore different neighborhoods at your own pace. Many areas have dedicated bike paths or wide shoulders, making cycling both safe and enjoyable for riders of all levels.
Bikes are especially convenient for short trips and areas where parking can be limited. You’ll find plenty of bike racks near beaches, restaurants, and shops, and rentals are widely available across the island. Most rental companies offer a variety of options, including cruisers, tandem bikes, and child attachments, and will deliver directly to your accommodation.
For a full breakdown of rental options, tips, and the best places to ride, see Pedal Your Way Through Beautiful Anna Maria Island, where I share everything you need to know to explore the island on two wheels.
Conclusion
Anna Maria Island makes getting around easy and enjoyable, whether you hop on the free trolley, cruise in a golf cart, or explore by bike. Most visitors find they don’t need a car once they arrive, and getting from place to place quickly becomes part of the laid-back island experience. Beyond transportation, there are even more memorable ways to move through the island and its surrounding waters.
For a different perspective, explore by water with the Ultimate Guide to Jet Ski Rental on Anna Maria Island or the Ultimate Guide to Kayaking on Anna Maria Island, soar above the coastline in Parasailing: A Unique Way to Explore Anna Maria Island, or slow things down with Experience The Magic of Horseback Riding on Anna Maria Island. However you choose to get around, each option offers its own way to discover the beauty and charm of Anna Maria Island.
Until next time…
· izzy
Discover the best spots to eat, sip, and unwind across Anna Maria Island with this comprehensive restaurant guide. Whether you’re craving fresh Gulf seafood, sunset cocktails, or hidden local favorites, this ebook makes planning your next meal easy and delicious.
Perfect for visitors and locals alike, vacation rental owners, and foodies — it’s your go-to resource for dining on Anna Maria Island.
2 responses to “Guide to Transportation for Anna Maria Island”
Hello,
I’ve the owner of Sundial Transportation, and have been in business for almost 12 years. Just noticed you had a lost of island Transportation and wondered if you created this yourself or require payment for this service.
We are licensed and insured as a couple companies you have posted are not.
Would love to hear from you.
Hi. I sent you an email. izzy