How Far Is Anna Maria Island from Tampa? Exact Distance & Time

Are you planning a trip from Tampa to Anna Maria Island? Wondering where to start and how far is Anna Maria Island from Tampa? If yes, you have landed to the right place. This blog post will help you regarding exact driving distance, duration, best routes, how to go and essential tips.

The route and distance of Tampa to Anna Maria Island is like a scenic and memorable road trip. This road trip is considered as one of the scenic road trips in Florida with plenty of activities, gorgeous beauty, plenty of attractions and plenty of shops.

Despite road trip, let’s take a look at how to get to Anna Maria Island from Tampa with distance, duration & more!

How Far Is Anna Maria Island from Tampa?

How far is anna maria island from Tampa driving? The total distance from Tampa to Anna Maria Island is approximately 55 to 60 miles but it all depends on your starting point and entire route you choose.

One of the most convenient routes or direct routes are one which takes you south on I-275, crossing the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge, before connecting onto US-19 or US-41. Via this route, you will reach State Road 64, which leads you directly onto the island.

Overall distance is relatively short but the traffic conditions and time of day may influence overall time.

What is the Average Travel Time?

Via I-275 S, it normally takes 1 hour and 1 minute of drive time from Tampa to Anna Maria Island. But during peak times of the week or day like holiday weekends, spring break, or Saturday mornings, the average travel time is around 1 hour & 30 minutes or more. This is I-4W. travel time.

To check estimated time, you can also use driving time calculator. If you want to avoid long lines of heavy traffic on the bridge or congestion near the island’s main access points, it is recommended to start your journey in early morning or during weekdays.

How Far is Anna Maria Island from Orlando?

Via I-4 W and I-75 S, the total distance is 125.7 mi which takes 2 hours and 6 minutes to get to Anna Maria Island from Orlando.

Through I-4 W and I-275 S, the distance increases by 38.4 mi with overall time of 2 hours & 19 minutes. But if you want to get through I-75 S, the traveling time is 2 hours 40 min with travel map.

How Far is Anna Maria Island from Tampa Airport?

The estimated total distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Anna Maria Island is approximately 52 to 58 miles. This all depends on specific destination on the island (e.g., Bradenton beautiful Beach, Holmes Beach, or Anna Maria city).

Best Ways to Get There

From Tampa to Anna Maria Island, you can complete your travel through multiple ways. All it depends on your budget, preference, and time constraints.

1. By Car (Most Recommended)

This is the most convenient and fastest way to get there without wasting unnecessary time. You can take:

• I-275 S across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This toll road price on fees on routes  is $1.50 with SunPass.
• Continue on US-19 S or US-41 S.
• Connect onto State Road 64 W into Holmes Beach (central part of the island).

Pros

• Flexibility
• Easy & access

Cons

• During busy times or months, parking can be limited.

2. By Public Transportation

How far is anna maria island from Tampa bus? From Tampa to Anna Maria Island, there are no direct bus services but few popular transport routes with connected transport services.

• Greyhound or FlixBus from Tampa to Bradenton
• Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) from Bradenton to the island

Because of wait times and interlinked stops, you can reach between 3 to 4 hours.

Pros

• Budget-friendly & reliable service

Cons

• Time-consuming and less convenient

3. By Taxi or Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)

For one-way rideshare service from one stop to another, you can expect to spend $90 to $140, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

Pros

• No need to drive

Cons

• Expensive, especially for return day trips

4. By Bicycle or Scooter

This option is for those who want to go on a adventurous road trip. it is possible to ride bike or scooter for 60-mile but road safety is a major concern. This takes 4–6 hours.

Pros

• Active and scenic

Cons

• Not practical for most travelers

Famous Stops Along the Way

When you drive from Tampa to Anna Maria Island, you can explore famous and interesting spots that can make your road tripe super special. These famous stops are:

1. Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the place from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tampa Bay. There are rest areas and fishing piers near the base of the bridge. This is one of the famous bridges with water views.

2. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is famous for arts scene and beach vibes. Some amazing features of this notable spot are:

• Great dining
• Waterfront parks
• Attractions like the Salvador Dalí Museum.

3. Bradenton

Bradenton is basically a peaceful city with a walkable downtown. If you are not in hurry, it is recommended to stop here to take a lunch or enjoy quick walk along the way. it offers:

• Riverwalks
• Local breweries
• Few cultural museums

How Far is Anna Maria Island from Miami?

From Miami, Florida, Anna Maria Island is nearly 240 to 250 miles, depending on starting point and chosen route. The most common route is I-95 N route.

• Merge onto I-75 N (Alligator Alley) across the Everglades.
• Exit toward Bradenton/SR-64 W.
• Continue west to Anna Maria Island.

How Far is Anna Maria Island from St Petersburg?

Approximately 35 to 40 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida and the estimated time is about 40 minutes to 1 hour. The common route of this way is:

• Take I-275 S over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
• Exit onto US-19 S or US-41 S.
• Follow State Road 64 W to Anna Maria Island.

Parking and Transportation on the Island

On Anna Maria Island, parking is often a bigger problem. On weekends and holidays, it is quite challenging to secure a parking lot. Here’s what you need to know:

Public Parking Lots

• Manatee Public Beach (Holmes Beach)
• Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach)

Street Parking

This is available but limited to few areas only. To find out, you can follow posted signs and avoid blocking driveways or beach access paths.

Alternative Transportation Options on Island

Free Island Trolley: Runs north to south every 20 minutes

Bike Rentals: Widely available for short-term use

Golf Carts: A fun way to get around, but rentals can be pricey

Once on the island, you likely won’t need your car much at all.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning your trip from Tampa to Anna Maria Island requires proper planning. Follow these tips to make your journey stress-free and convenient.

Leave Early: After 9 a.m., the road traffic is slowly increasing, especially near bridge access points.

Pack Wisely: Must bring beach essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks, but avoid overpacking.

Follow Rules: The island has strict noise and littering rules. Moreover, alcohol is prohibited on some beach areas.

Stay Hydrated: Florida heat is intense even during winter, so drink plenty of water.

Reserve Rentals in Advance: Early bookings are good to save from booking stress.

Wrapping Up!

How far is Anna Maria Island from Tampa? Not too far at all, just 55 to 60 miles and about an hour’s drive. With a little bit planning and by following this blog post’s guidelines, you can make your trip experience memorable and hassle-free.

Remember to choose most convenient way to getting there, comfortable accommodation and plan your activities accordingly. With these instructions and tips in your mind, you are sure to enjoy unforgettable experiences on this island.

Frequently Asked Questions