What is the Closest Airport to Anna Maria Island FL? (Prices & Distance)

Aerial view of Cortez beach withe sand beach and his little wood pier on blue water, Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA

Planning a trip to the beautiful Anna Maria Island in Florida? Wondering where you can fly into to get there?

Whether you’re looking for the closest option or one with the most flights, this post will help you find several options for the closest airport to Anna Maria Island.

So open up SkyScanner (or whatever flight finder you use) and let’s dive into which airport you should choose!

( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here. )

Closest Airport to Anna Maria Island

If you’re looking for the closest airport to Anna Maria Island, it’s Sarasota Bradenton Airport without a doubt. But while this may be the closest there are some other factors you might want to consider that I’ll cover in these next sections.

I’ll walk through pricing, directions, and popular airlines that fly into each which may impact your trip planning! Here goes…

1. Sarasota Bradenton Airport to Anna Maria Island

Sarasota, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the bay.
Sarasota, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the bay.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport to Anna Maria Island, located just 15 miles away. If you’re looking for the convenience factor, this is it. You won’t find a closer airport.

It’s an easy ride share to/from the island or you can grab a rental car (I highly recommend renting a car).

Since it’s an international airport, it’s also not overly expensive like some regional airports.

  • Pricing: $$, Check flight prices
  • Top Airlines: Delta, Frontier, Allegiant, Air Canada, jetBlue, Southwest, United, American Airlines
  • Directions: Take US Hwy 41 N and FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W to 50th St in Holmes Beach

🚗 Need a car? I recommend Discover Cars for great rates and availability!

2. St. Pete Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

Palm trees and colorful beach umbrellas in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

St. Pete Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is another airport option for travelers heading to Anna Maria Island. It’s about 35 miles north of the island. While it’s not as close as Sarasota Bradenton Airport, it’s still a convenient choice for those looking for more flight options.

Allegiant Air is a top airline that operates out of this airport and actually offers around 60 direct flight routes to several areas within the country.

The pricing to fly in and out of St. Pete Clearwater Airport can vary by airline, but it generally offers some affordable options. The claim to fame is the many non-stop direct options from smaller airports around the US.

From the airport, grab a rental car to drive to Anna Maria Island. The drive takes a little under an hour, and you’ll have great views along the way.

  • Pricing: $$, Check flight prices
  • Top Airlines: Allegiant, Sun Country Airlines
  • Directions: Take the I-275 S to the US-19 S and then FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W

3. Tampa International Airport to Anna Maria Island

Tampa, Florida, USA downtown skyline at sunset.
Tampa, Florida, USA downtown skyline.

Tampa International Airport (TIA) is located about 60 miles from Anna Maria Island, making it a convenient option for travelers who may not find direct flights to Sarasota Bradenton Airport.

This is a major airport that serves the Tampa Bay area, and as such, many airlines fly in and out of here. Prices can vary but the airport generally offers competitive rates.

From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to Anna Maria Island. This drive takes about an hour and a half, but you’ll have beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico along the way.

  • Pricing: $$, Check flight prices
  • Top Airlines: Delta, Frontier, Air Canada, British Airways, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Spirit, American Airlines
  • Directions: Take the I-275 S to the US-19 S and then FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W

4. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Florida Fort Myers colorful facades and palm trees in USA
Florida Fort Myers colorful homes and palm trees

Southwest Florida International Airport, located in Fort Myers, is another airport option for travelers heading to Anna Maria Island.

The airport is a little over 100 miles from the island, making it a bit further away than the other airports mentioned. Nevertheless, it is still a viable option for travelers looking for even more flights and airlines.

Southwest Airlines is the dominant airline that operates at this airport (currently at least), but many other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, also offer flights to various destinations. Prices to fly in and out of this airport can vary, but it generally offers reasonable rates.

The drive should take about an hour and a half, so a little further than the others so far but not too far. This is also a great way to see the Fort Myers/Naples area before heading to Anna Maria Island.

  • Pricing: $$, Check flight prices
  • Top Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, United, JetBlue
  • Directions: Take I-75 N and then N Tamiami Trail/US Hwy 41 N to FL-789 N

5. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando downtown welcome sign with tropical scene

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located about 125 miles from Anna Maria Island, making it the farthest airport option mentioned in this post.

While it’s not the closest airport, it’s still a popular choice for travelers who want to explore more of Florida (specifically around Orlando) before heading to the island.

Many major airlines fly to and from this airport and prices for flights vary depending on the airline and travel dates. I’ve personally found that Orlando is usually cheaper, but maybe that is just a timing thing.

The drive towards Anna Maria Island will take around two and a half hours, but it can definitely be a lot more if there’s traffic – be warned!

  • Pricing: $, Check flight prices
  • Top Airlines: Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Delta, Silver Airways
  • Directions: Follow FL-417 Toll S, I-4 W and I-75 S to US-41 S/S Tamiami Trail/US Hwy 41 S in Manatee County and take exit 2 from I-275 N

Rental Car & Airport Shuttle Anna Maria Island Information

Renting a car at the airport is the most cost-effective option. Airport car rentals generally are the cheapest rates you’ll find (check out Discover Cars for competitive daily rates).

Pro Tip: A car is also the best way to get around the island.

If that’s not an option for you, there are shuttle services available to pick you up from the airport. Many hotels offer their own shuttle services, but if yours doesn’t, there are plenty of services available online (check out GetTransfer).

🚗 Need a rental car? I recommend Discover Cars for competitive rates!


Map of Airports Near Anna Maria island

In case you were interested in a more visual way to see these nearby airports, I’ve got you covered!


AMI Airports: FAQ

Still have a few questions? Hopefully these FAQs help clear up any lingering questions or concerns.

How to get from the airport to Anna Maria Island?

I personally recommend renting a car to get to the island from the airport, but you can take a shuttle or ride share as well. In my opinion, Anna Maria Island is a car kind of place where you definitely need one to get around (beaches, restaurants, and all over).

What city is Anna Maria Island closest to?

The closest city to Anna Maria Island is Sarasota (about 40 minutes away) – it’s on the Gulf Coast of Florida south of Tampa and North of Naples and Fort Myers.

What is the cheapest time to fly to Anna Maria Island?

The best time to visit (and the cheapest) is if you go off season. In season for Anna Maria Island would be summer, which is a heavy time to travel here and also more expensive. Spring months and fall months can be a good option for fewer crowds and less expensive.


Final Thoughts: Closest Airport to Anna Maria Island

So there you have it, folks – your guide to the closest airport to Anna Maria Island. While there are several options to choose from, Sarasota Bradenton Airport is the closest and most convenient choice.

Unless you’re wanting to do some sightseeing along the way, I’d recommend flying into this airport.

And don’t forget to rent a car! It’s the best way to see every nook and cranny of this beautiful island. Enjoy AMI!

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