How the Anna Maria Island trolley works
The Anna Maria Island trolley is Route 5 of the Manatee County transit system. It is free for everyone and runs along Gulf Drive between City Pier in Anna Maria and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. That covers the whole island, so you can reach the beaches, the shops and the piers without a car or a parking space.
It also helps on days that mix beaches with a boat trip. Leave the car at your rental, ride to the beach and build the day around your Anna Maria Island dolphin tours instead of around traffic.
Route 5: stops, hours and frequency
What to expect on a normal day.
The route
The trolley follows Gulf Drive from City Pier at the north end to Coquina Beach at the south end. The stop named City Pier tells you where the line starts. It does not mean the pier itself is open to visitors. For the pier, see the Anna Maria piers guide.
Stops
There are 35 stops in each direction, usually every 2 to 4 blocks. Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach both have a trolley stop, and the trolley also connects to Cortez Beach.
Hours and frequency
Service runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day, with a trolley about every 20 minutes. Late in the evening, from about 9:00 p.m., plan for up to 30 minutes between trolleys. Holiday service can differ, for example on Christmas Eve, so check the timetable before you count on a late ride home.
Where it does not go
Route 5 stays on the island. It is not an airport shuttle, and no direct trolley line runs from either airport to the island. Read the Anna Maria Island airport guide for transfers from Sarasota and Tampa.
Boat tours and activities around Anna Maria Island
Dolphin cruises, sunset boats, kayak trips and fishing charters, with live prices and availability.
Trolley or ferry?
They are two separate services with different rules.
| Trolley (Route 5) | Island ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid ticket, one way or round trip, with senior and military discounts |
| Days | Every day | Thursday to Sunday |
| Stops | Gulf Drive, City Pier to Coquina Beach | Bradenton Riverwalk, Historic Bridge Street Pier, Coquina Beach |
| Time | About every 20 minutes | About 50 minutes from the mainland to the island |
| Weather | A road service | Strong wind can stop individual days |
For most visitors, the trolley covers every trip along the island and the ferry is an extra, a slower ride from the mainland that arrives at the south end and the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The ferry does not stop at Anna Maria City Pier, and fares change, so check the current fares on the operator's ticket page before you plan around it.
Using the trolley well
Small points that save time.
Beach days
Coquina Beach is the last stop at the south end, and the beach has parking, showers and a lifeguard station. If your lodging is on the north end, one ride takes you the length of Gulf Drive. See the Coquina Beach guide for rules and facilities.
Staying without a car
A stay close to a trolley stop makes a car less important on the island. You will still want a plan for the airport and for trips to the mainland. The where to stay guide shows which town sits where along the route.
Evenings and sunsets
Check the last trolley before you settle in for the sunset. The late-evening gap can be up to 30 minutes, and the last service is at 10:30 p.m.
Egmont Key
The trolley does not connect to Egmont Key, and there is no free shuttle to it. The island is reached by boat only. See the Egmont Key guide.
Where the trolley takes you
Three stops for a first ride.
Anna Maria Island trolley: frequently asked questions
Is the Anna Maria Island trolley really free?
Yes. Route 5 is free for all riders, every day of the year. The island ferry is a separate service and charges fares.
What time does the trolley run?
Service runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day, including holidays. Holiday timetables can differ, so check before a late trip, for example on Christmas Eve.
How often does the trolley come?
A trolley comes about every 20 minutes. After about 9:00 p.m., plan for waits of up to 30 minutes.
Does the trolley go to the airport?
No. Route 5 runs on the island only. For Sarasota Bradenton and Tampa airports, use a taxi, a transfer, a ride app or a rental car, as described on the getting there page.
Does the trolley stop at the beaches?
Yes. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach both have a trolley stop, and the line also connects to Cortez Beach.
Where does Route 5 start and end?
At City Pier in Anna Maria in the north and at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach in the south, along Gulf Drive. The stop name City Pier does not mean the pier is open.