Are you planning a trip from Orlando to Anna Maria Island and are wondering about the best way to get between them?
Orlando is known around the world for its high concentration of theme parks, while Anna Maria Island is known for its glistening white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
There are several options for visiting these two great cities in Florida, from flying to driving.
However, since it’s only 2 hours from Orlando to Anna Maria Island by vehicle, I don’t recommend flying.
If you choose to drive, there are many stops to be made along the way to make your trip even more fun.
In this post, I’ll go over everything that you need to know to make your travels between these destinations fun, safe, and run smoothly.

Orlando To Anna Maria Island: Driving Distance
If you don’t mind spending some time on the road, then driving from Orlando to Anna Maria Island is going to be the most convenient and efficient way to get there.
There are a few different driving routes to choose from, but all of them take only around 2.5-3 hours and are between 125 and 150 miles.
This drive time can also depend on what type of traffic is going on in the cities, since you’ll pass right through, of course, Orlando, and then you’ll also go past Tampa.
During rush hour, you might find traffic in these cities that can cause back-ups and create longer drive times.
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Routes Between Anna Maria Island And Orlando
There are two main routes that you can take to get between these two Florida cities. One has tolls, while the other avoids them.
Both routes are pretty similar in travel time, so, either way, you decide to go, you won’t be adding a whole lot of time on, maybe a max of 30 minutes extra.
✓ Via I-4W and I-75S (Fastest Option)
If you’re searching for the fastest and most convenient way to get between Orlando and Anna Maria Island, then this is the route to take. It’s about 125 miles and will take just under 2.5 hours.
From Orlando, you’ll follow I-4W past most of the city’s largest attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios.
Take this road until you’ve almost reached Tampa, and then you’ll merge onto I-75S.
I-75S will bring you almost all the way to Anna Maria Island, just after Bradenton.
This route sees the most traffic so if you’re looking to avoid traffic, it may be best to take the next option.
It also has one toll, which is just to cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the island, and only costs about $1 for 2-axel cars.
✓ Via Florida’s Turnpike And I-75S (Avoids Most Traffic)
If you don’t mind spending slightly longer on the road to avoid most of the traffic, then start by taking Florida’s Turnpike northwest of Orlando.
While this route will take about 30 minutes longer, it might actually end up being pretty even in a time when the original route has traffic.
Since this route takes you away from the busyness of Disney and other theme parks, you won’t have to worry as much about traffic.
After following the turnpike, merge onto I-75S and follow this until Anna Maria Island.
This route is about 3 hours in travel time, and you’ll also have the same toll for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Plus you might encounter some on the Turnpike.

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes?
Yes, there are tolls on all of the main routes that you would take to drive between these locations.
There really is no great way to avoid tolls along this route since you’ll always have to pay to cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The positive part about this though is that it’s a very cheap fee, costing only around $1 for 2-axel vehicles.
Aside from this toll bridge, you can avoid using the Florida Turnpike and you won’t have to pay any other fees.
Is There A Shuttle From Orlando To Anna Maria Island?
There is no shuttle that takes you directly from Orlando to Anna Maria Island.
But if you’re looking to save some money, you can take a Greyhound Bus from Orlando to Sarasota.
There are buses that run throughout the week that will take you directly from places like the Orlando Airport or bus station to Sarasota.
From Sarasota, you will have to find your way to Anna Maria Island, likely by using something like a taxi or an Uber.
Stops To Make Between Orlando And Anna Maria Island
If you’re driving between Anna Maria Island and Orlando, then you might want some things to do along the way.
Here are the best stops to make for your road trip!

1. Universal Studios
One of the very first stops to make along the way between these two cities is Universal Studios, which is technically located right on the outskirts of Orlando.
Universal is one of Orlando’s many theme parks and is the perfect place for a family-friendly day spent in Florida.
It’s made up of two parks, Universal Orlando Resort and Island of Adventures. In them, you’ll find places like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Marvel Super Hero Island.
Enjoy the towering roller coasters, character meet and greets, and even Univeral’s very own waterpark.
2. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Just down the road is Florida’s Titanic Museum, where you can learn all about the disastrous sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
There are over 300 artifacts inside with real-life recreations of the rooms on the ship.
You’ll also find options for guided tours, where you can learn even more about the historical day.

3. Disney World
Of course, what would a trip to Florida be without a visit to Walt Disney World? And since you’ll go right past it on your way to Anna Maria Island, it’s a must-do!
Disney is the ultimate destination for a family trip, and whether you have little ones or everyone is grown up, it’s great fun.
Visit one of the four parks and spend the day enjoying all of the fun Disney-themed rides.
Grab a bite to eat at the restaurants that will make you feel like you’re right in a movie, and meet all of your favorite characters.
4. Dinosaur World
If you want to have a unique experience from some of the other theme parks in Central Florida, then make a visit to Dinosaur World.
This park has over 200 life-sized dinosaurs to see and learn all about. From towering t-rexes to stegosaurus, you’ll see all of your favorites.
Kids can even enjoy digging in the Fossil Dig and panning for gems as they learn about our prehistoric past.

5. Tampa
This major city is located on the western coast of Florida just a short 1 hour away from Anna Maria Island.
There are all sorts of things to do in the Tampa Bay area for every type of traveler.
If you’re a sports lover, then you may be interested in attending one of the professional sports games, like a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game or a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football match.
Thrill seekers will love riding the coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Adventure Island is the perfect outdoor waterpark for all ages.
There are also many tours and rentals available for things like sunset cruises, jet skiing, kayaking, and dolphin watching in Tampa Bay.
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6. Clearwater
Although slightly out of the way, Clearwater is a great stop between Orlando and Anna Maria Island.
It’s just to the west of Tampa and is home to some of the best beaches in Florida.
Head right over to Clearwater Beach to enjoy the amazingly soft sand, splash in the waves, and keep an eye out for dolphins.
Beachside restaurants with fresh seafood are abundant here, so you can enjoy a nice drink as you admire the views.
Clearwater also has many more fun activities like visiting the Clearwater Aquarium or wandering out to the beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park.
From Clearwater, you can also reach St. Petes Beach which is a popular destination for spring breakers and tourists.
Take a look at Clearwater’s Best Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours!👈
7. Eureka Springs Park
Just outside of Tampa on the way between Anna Maria Island and Orlando is the oasis that is Eureka Springs Park. Enjoy escaping into nature without having to go far from the city.
This over 30-acre park is home to the largest collection of publicly owned ferns in Florida, boardwalks that wind through beautiful forests of greenery, and a rose garden.
Some of the areas in the park make it feel like you’re in a rainforest. A quick stop will allow you to stretch your legs before you arrive on Anna Maria Island.
Looking for more attractions and activities in Anna Maria Island? Read this blog post: 11 Things To Do In Anna Maria Island Florida! 👈

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna Maria Island Worth It?
Yes, Anna Maria Island is totally worth visiting! If you love white sandy beaches, gorgeous teal water, and a city with a laid-back vibe, then Anna Maria Island is for you.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Anna Maria Island?
The best time of year to go to Anna Maria Island is spring, between March and May.
This is when temperatures are cooler, it’s the shoulder season so there are fewer crowds, and it’s outside of hurricane season.
How Far Is It From Orlando To Anna Maria Island?
Orlando and Anna Maria Island are about 125 miles or just over 2.5 hours apart from one another.
How Close Is Anna Maria Island To Disney?
Anna Maria Island is located on Longboat Key, about 2.5 hours from Disney World. The drive is about 110 miles.
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Booking a last-minute trip to Anna Maria Island or Orlando?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours on Anna Maria Island
Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour – Anna Maria Island – (Top-rated Glass Bottom Tour)
Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island – (Top-rated Glass Bottom Tour)
Parasailing Adventure – (Above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island)
Top Tours in Orlando
Everglades Airboat and Wild Florida Tour – (Florida Wildlife Tour With Optional Lunch)
Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour – (2-Hour Tour Perfect for Nature Lovers!)
Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport – (Enjoy NASA’s Kennedy Space Center)
Top Hotels 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)
Top Hotels In Orlando
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas – (Perfect For Couples)
Ette Luxury Hotel & Spa – (High-Rated Luxury Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Anna Maria Island or Orlando?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗