If you’re planning a visit from Miami to Anna Maria Island, you may be wondering what the best way to get between them is.

Miami is known for having some of the best nightlife in Florida while Anna Maria Island is a barrier island with some of the most stunning white sand beaches.

They’re worlds apart but make for a great trip while in the Sunshine State. 

Anna Maria Island is one of my favorite places to visit on the Gulf Coast and is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a more low-key spot and to get away from the bigger crowds of Miami. 

There are quite a few methods of transportation between these two cities, including driving, flying, and taking a bus.  Plus many stops along the way to make your trip great if you drive.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the best ways to get between these destinations, what to see along the way, and how to ensure you have a smooth trip.

If you're looking at flying from Miami to Anna Maria Island, it's a great way to save some money, get there faster, and make your travel plans go even smoother.

 

 

 

 

If you've decided to drive, there are a few different options to consider for your driving route.  Depending on whether you want the fastest route or the most beautiful, here are your choices.

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes?

Unfortunately, you will come across one toll while you’re driving the route from Anna Maria Island, Florida to Miami, or vice versa. 

There isn’t any way to get around it if you want to visit the island, but it only costs about $1-2 for 2-axel vehicles, so it’s very cheap.

 

 

You can take a Greyhound Bus, which offers rides from multiple places in Miami to Sarasota or Tampa Bay most days of the week.

 

 

Fort Lauderdale is also a prime location for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming to reefs right from the beach.

Photo credit – Unsplash by Laurenz Krabisch

Within this nature preserve, you can go on airboat rides, watch for alligators and coastal birds, and enjoy Florida's nature.

Everglades And Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area

If you can’t make it all the way down to Everglades National Park, a stop at Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA is a great alternative.

Within this nature preserve, you can go on airboat rides, watch for alligators and coastal birds, and enjoy Florida’s nature.

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

While most of this surrounding area is closed to the public to protect the endangered Florida panther, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is a unique place to visit.

Here you can hike through prime habitat for Florida panthers, the rare chance to see the elusive panthers, and learn about what you can do to help protect them.

Another of Florida's famous islands is Marco Island, found just about halfway between Anna Maria Island and Miami. It's just slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour!
Located on the Gulf of Mexico is Fort Myers, a great place to visit any time of year with almost 300 sunny days.

Photo credit – Unsplash by Igor Oliyarnik

 

 

Beautiful sunset in Anna Maria Island

 

 

If you're looking for a break from the nightlife in Miami, then a MIami to Anna Maria Island trip is a great idea!

 

 

Booking a last-minute trip to Miami or Anna Maria Island?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!

Top Tours in Miami

Speedboat Sightseeing Tour (Miami Coastline Cruise Tour)

Little Havana Food & Walking Tour (Definitely the best food & walking tour in Miami)

Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Tour (Ride around the street arts of Miami via golf cart)

Top Tours In Anna Maria Island

Boat Excursion To Capri Island – (Small Group Boat Tour From Sorrento)

Parasailing Adventure – (Above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island)

Private Fishing Trip With Sight Seeing – (Half Day Tour Around Anna Maria Island)

Top Hotels In Miami

The Elser Hotel Miami – (Highly-Rated Located In Downtown)

Loews Coral Gables Hotel – (Top Location & Highly Rated)

Top Hotels & Accommodations In Anna Maria Island

Bungalow Beach Resort – (Beachfront Property In Bradenton Beach)

Captain’s Quarters At Anna Maria Island – (High Rated Villa With Private Pool)

Looking To Get Around In Miami & Anna Maria Island

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗