Getting Around Fort Myers
From airport transfers to island hopping, here's everything you need to know about navigating Southwest Florida.
Flying In: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Location: 15 miles from Fort Myers Beach, 25 miles from Sanibel
Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and more
Airport Tips
- Allow 2 hours for domestic departures, 3 for international
- Terminal has good dining options if you arrive early
- Cell phone lot available for free waiting during pickups
- Rental car center is connected via tram—follow signs
Transfer Times & Costs
25-35 min
40-55 min
20-30 min
30-45 min
Transportation Options
A rental car is recommended for most visitors, but here's a complete breakdown of all your options.
Rental Car
Most visitors—essential for exploring the islands and beaches
Pros
- • Complete freedom to explore at your own pace
- • Required for Sanibel, Captiva, and many attractions
- • Air conditioning in the Florida heat
- • Easier with luggage and beach gear
Cons
- • Parking can be challenging and expensive at beaches
- • Traffic on the islands during peak season
- • Gas prices tend to be higher in tourist areas
💡 Tips
- • Book in advance during peak season (Dec-Apr)—prices can double last minute
- • Consider a compact SUV for beach gear and kayaks
- • Gas up before heading to Sanibel—prices are higher on the islands
- • Free parking is rare—budget $5-10/day for beach parking
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Airport transfers, nights out, and occasional trips without parking hassles
Pros
- • No parking worries at crowded beaches
- • Safe option after happy hour
- • Convenient airport pickup/drop-off
- • No insurance or gas concerns
Cons
- • Limited availability on Sanibel/Captiva
- • Surge pricing during peak times
- • Wait times can be long during busy periods
- • Gets expensive for multiple daily trips
💡 Tips
- • Download both Uber and Lyft—compare prices for each trip
- • Airport to Fort Myers Beach: typically $25-35
- • Airport to Sanibel: typically $45-60
- • Consider scheduling rides in advance for airport pickups
Trolley & Bus (LeeTran)
Budget travelers staying near Fort Myers Beach
Pros
- • Very affordable
- • Beach Trolley runs the length of Fort Myers Beach
- • Air-conditioned
- • No parking hassles
Cons
- • Limited routes—doesn't reach Sanibel/Captiva
- • Infrequent service (30-60 min between buses)
- • Stops running early evening
- • Can't reach most attractions outside FMB
💡 Tips
- • Beach Trolley is great for hopping between Times Square and Bowditch Point
- • Google Maps shows real-time bus arrivals
- • Free transfers within 90 minutes
- • Most useful if your hotel is on the trolley route
Bicycle
Sanibel Island exploration—25 miles of dedicated bike paths
Pros
- • Sanibel was designed for bikes with 25+ miles of paths
- • Great exercise and eco-friendly
- • Easy parking at beaches and shops
- • Fun way to explore at a relaxed pace
Cons
- • Not practical for getting between Fort Myers and the islands
- • Hot and humid in summer months
- • Limited cargo capacity
- • Rain showers can interrupt your ride
💡 Tips
- • Billy's Rentals on Sanibel is the most popular outfitter
- • Electric bikes ($50-70/day) are worth it in summer heat
- • Helmets are free with most rentals
- • The Sanibel bike path connects all major beaches and attractions
Boat & Water Taxi
Island hopping, scenic transportation, and reaching offshore beaches
Pros
- • Scenic way to travel
- • Access beaches not reachable by car (Cayo Costa)
- • Skip bridge traffic to Sanibel
- • Often includes wildlife sightings
Cons
- • Weather dependent
- • More expensive than driving
- • Limited schedules
- • May get seasick on rough days
💡 Tips
- • Captiva Cruises offers water taxi between Fort Myers Beach and Captiva
- • Key West Express offers day trips to Key West
- • Book Cayo Costa ferry in advance—it sells out
- • Morning crossings are typically calmer
Parking Guide
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers Beach (Times Square) | $3-5/hour, $20-30/day | Lots fill by 10 AM in peak season. Street parking is limited. |
| Sanibel Beaches | $5/hour or annual pass | Bowman's, Lighthouse, and Gulfside have the largest lots. |
| Captiva | $5-10/hour | Very limited. Consider biking from Sanibel. |
| Downtown Fort Myers | Free-$2/hour | First hour free in city garages. Street meters enforced. |
| Lovers Key State Park | $8/vehicle | Single fee covers all day. Lots rarely fill. |
Driving Tips
Sanibel Causeway
$6 toll (cash or SunPass). No toll returning to mainland.
Peak Traffic
Avoid the causeway 10 AM-12 PM and 4-6 PM during season.
Speed Limits
Sanibel strictly enforces 35 mph. Watch for wildlife!
GPS Navigation
Google Maps works well. Don't rely solely on car GPS.
Rain Storms
Summer afternoon storms are intense but brief. Pull over if needed.
Wildlife Crossings
Watch for gopher tortoises on Sanibel—stop and let them pass.
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