Airports & the ferry

Airports

Approximate driving distance and time to Manatee Public Beach with no traffic, calculated with OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM). Island traffic (especially on the bridges on weekends and in season) can add a lot more. Routes from Tampa and St. Pete may include toll roads or bridges.

• ●Local tipBook your ride to the airport the day before. Rideshare can be thin on the island on a Saturday morning. source

Gulf Islands Ferry

• ●The Gulf Islands Ferry runs between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier downtown and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The ride takes about 50 minutes. source
• ●A small pontoon now hops from the Bridge Street Pier to Coquina Beach, about 20 minutes. It started in September 2026. source
• ●Round trip on the main route is $11 for adults and $7 for seniors 60 to 79, military and kids 4 to 18. Under 3 and 80 plus ride free. The Coquina hop is $9 round trip for adults and $5 for seniors and kids. Service fees may apply. source
• ●Park free downtown at the City Centre garage on 3rd Ave W between 10th and 12th streets. Parking by the Bridge Street Pier is tight. source
• ●Beach chairs, towels and coolers are fine. No bikes, and no pets except service animals. source
• ●The Anna Maria City Pier stop is expected back in 2027 or 2028, after the pier reopens and a new landing goes in. source

Days and times: The official pages don't agree on days right now. The county lists Wednesday to Sunday, and the ferry's latest update says Thursday to Sunday. Check the live schedule before you plan around it.

On the island

Hop the free island trolley from the Bridge Street Pier or Coquina, or rent a golf cart. Traffic tips are on bridges & traffic.