It can be difficult to have a car on your vacation. If you’re flying into your destination, you have to worry about renting a car. Then, when you’re driving around every day, you have to worry about finding affordable parking places and gas. Wouldn’t it be easier not to worry about it? On Anna Maria Island, you don’t have to! The free Anna Maria Island trolley is the most convenient way to get across the island, and it stops near many of our vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island!
About the Trolley
The Anna Maria Island trolley is a free service that takes guests and locals around the 7-mile island (and even onto the mainland!). The trolley runs every day from 6 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Keep in mind that services are not available on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day, among others.
Locals and visitors alike have loved the trolley for years. It takes you to all the island’s major attractions for free, and if you want to go onto the mainland, simply catch the Longboat Key trolley at Coquina Beach, pay a $1.50 fee per person, and you’ll be taken to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota.
On the trolley, you’ll find air conditioning and comfortable seats as you travel through Anna Maria Island. The trolleys even have bike racks if you need to store your cycle! Keep some basic rules in mind before you board. No open food or drink containers are allowed, and you must wear a shirt and shoes to get on. Don’t play your personal electronics without headphones, and don’t block the aisles with your bags or other personal items. The trolley also does not allow electronic bikes or scooters, weapons, flammable or explosive material, or profanity or loud talking.
Trolley Routes and its Convenience
The trolley on Anna Maria Island is so popular mainly because of how convenient it is. The trolley stops all around the island, so you’re never left waiting for longer than 20 minutes (sometimes 30 minutes toward the end of the day).
It stops at some of the area’s most popular attractions, so you can get anywhere you want to go without ever getting in a car!
The trolley starts its route at the north end of the island at the Anna Maria City Pier before moving on to Pine Avenue, where you can find some awesome shops and Anna Maria Island restaurants. After that, the next major stop is Gulf Drive/Wachovia, before you head on to Manatee County Public Beach. This is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, especially if you have kids since this beach is known for being particularly family-friendly.
The route picks back up to take you to Gulf Drive/27th Street, then Gulf Drive/Bridge Street. Historic Bridge Street is another great shopping spot on the island, with everything from local boutiques to mouthwatering restaurants serving up fresh local seafood. Finally, the trolley’s southernmost stop is at Coquina Beach, giving you the chance to enjoy one of Anna Maria Island’s best beaches. If you do want to go to the mainland, this is where you’ll switch to the Longboat Key trolley.
Plan Your Anna Maria Vacation
Our rental properties are designed with you in mind, giving you everything you need for a fantastic stay. It doesn’t matter if you’re just vacationing with your partner or if you’re bringing the whole family along for the ride. We’ve got plenty of room! Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals.
Places to Stay
If you’re looking for a quick, convenient, safe, and budget-friendly way to reach all the best things to do on Anna Maria Island, then the trolley is for you. The best part? There is a trolley stop within walking distance of many of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
