There are plenty of vacation rentals in the area, and many of the airports give you access to a rental car for your getaway. What is the nearest airport you should consider if you are flying into AMI? Take a look at a few options below.
1. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, SRQ
Photo Credit: josefkholiday via InstagramThe closest airport to Anna Maria Island is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which has the airport code SRQ. It is only about 45 minutes from Anna Maria Island, so you can maximize the amount of time you spend on Bradenton Beach.
Even though it can be a bit expensive to fly into this airport, it will get you to the beach the fastest. If you book your flight ahead of time, you might be able to save money on the cost of a flight. You may also be able to save money if you can find a flight on Allegiant.
2. Orlando International Airport, MCO
Photo Credit: Joni HanebuttIf you are looking for the cheapest flight in the area, you may want to consider flying into Orlando International Airport, which is MCO. The downside of flying into Orlando is that you will be a very long way from Anna Maria Island when you land.
It may take you a few hours to get to the airport from Orlando. If you want to plan a longer getaway, you may want to visit one of the theme parks in Orlando before you head out to Bradenton Beach or Holmes Beach.
3. Fort Myers Airport, RSW
Photo Credit: EQRoyAnother airport you may want to consider flying into is Ft. Myers Airport. You can take advantage of multiple public transportation options that will get you from Ft. Myers to AMI, but it will still take you several hours to get there.
You may have to transfer on a few buses, and you might have to take a taxi to finish the journey. Fort Myers does have a few cheap flights from time to time, so don't cross off this option immediately.
4. St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport, PIE
Photo Credit: Feng ChengSaint Petersburg Clearwater International Airport is another popular option for people who are looking to visit AMI. The flights are a bit more expensive, but you can save some time during the commute. If you are willing to rent a car, you can get to AMI very quickly.
If you want to save money on your trip, you might be able to take a few buses to finish the journey. Consider flying into St. Pete if you are looking to save time without breaking the bank.
5. Tampa International Airport, TPA
Photo Credit: Peter TitmussAnother relatively close airport is Tampa International Airport. It is only about an hour from Anna Maria Island, but it can be expensive to fly into. This is the perfect place if you want to rent a car or take a bus to the island itself. Even though the flights can be a bit expensive, you can save some money if you book ahead of time.
Get Ready for Your Vacation
Ultimately, these are the closest airports to Anna Maria Island. The price of the flight can vary significantly depending on the time of year you booked your flight, so be sure to take a look at multiple airports before you make a decision. There are several nearby airports, but some of them might be a three or four-hour drive from the airport. You might have a difficult time getting a nonstop flight into some of the smaller airports, depending on where you are coming from. Keep in mind that you can also get an Uber, no matter which airport you fly into.
Ultimately, Sarasota is probably the closest airport, as it is only a 30-minute drive from Anna Maria Island. On the other hand, it may also be the most expensive option. If you want to maximize your time in the Gulf of Mexico and Longboat Key, this could be the best airport to fly into.
Do not forget to check out some of the top Anna Maria Island vacation rentals as well. Many of them offer an early check-in for your getaway, and you should have a nice spot to park your rental car as well.
