5 Ways To Get To Anna Maria Island From Tampa Airport

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Anna Maria Island, located just off the coast of Florida, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, warm waters, and laid-back atmosphere. If you're flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and looking to get to Anna Maria Island, you have several options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore five ways to get to Anna Maria Island from Tampa Airport, including driving, taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, using public transportation, booking a shuttle service, and renting a car.

1. Driving from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island

If you prefer to drive, the journey from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. From the airport, take the I-275 South towards St. Petersburg, then merge onto I-75 South towards Bradenton. Take exit 220 for State Road 64 West towards Bradenton/Anna Maria Island, and follow the signs to the island. Keep in mind that you'll need to pay for tolls and parking, and be prepared for potential traffic congestion during peak travel seasons.

Tolls and Parking Fees

• Tolls: $2-$3
• Parking fees: $2-$5 per hour

2. Taking a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service

If you don't want to drive, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft is a convenient option. The journey from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can expect to pay around $60-$80 for a one-way trip, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Estimated Costs

• Taxi: $60-$80
• Uber/Lyft: $40-$60

3. Using Public Transportation

Using public transportation is a budget-friendly option, but it takes longer than driving or taking a taxi. From Tampa Airport, take the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus route 30 towards downtown Tampa, then transfer to the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) bus route 99 towards Bradenton. Get off at the Anna Maria Island stop, and from there, you can take a taxi or walk to your destination. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Estimated Costs

• HART bus fare: $2
• MCAT bus fare: $2

4. Booking a Shuttle Service

Booking a shuttle service is another convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. Several shuttle services operate from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island, including SuperShuttle and ExecuCar. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs around $40-$60 per person for a one-way trip.

Estimated Costs

• SuperShuttle: $40-$60 per person
• ExecuCar: $50-$70 per person

5. Renting a Car

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Anna Maria Island and its surroundings at your own pace. Several car rental companies operate from Tampa Airport, including Alamo, Avis, and Budget. The journey from the airport to the island takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Be sure to check the car rental company's policies and fees before booking.

Estimated Costs

• Economy car rental: $40-$60 per day
• Compact car rental: $50-$70 per day
• SUV car rental: $60-$80 per day

We hope this article has provided you with helpful information on how to get to Anna Maria Island from Tampa Airport. Whether you choose to drive, take a taxi, use public transportation, book a shuttle service, or rent a car, we're sure you'll enjoy your time on this beautiful island.