Fly & Drive guide
Fly into RSW, drive to Fort Myers / Sanibel
Your route
RSW
Southwest Florida International Airport
Fort Myers / Sanibel
About 1 h 14 min · 33 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to RSW
Compare fares into Southwest Florida International Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at RSW
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Fort Myers / Sanibel. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Fort Myers / Sanibel
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Fort Myers / Sanibel
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Fort Myers / Sanibel
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: NPS · Public domain
Before you land
Reservations
Gulf Coast Shelling and Mangrove Preserve Access
Entrance to J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the federal government and is separate from Sanibel Causeway tolls. Many local beach parking lots use mobile payment apps; travelers should check the official city website for current parking hourly rates. Peak season lodging requires months of lead time for both Sanibel and Captiva.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
November – April
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Fort Myers / Sanibel?
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from RSW to Fort Myers / Sanibel?
Roughly 1 h 14 min (about 33 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Fort Myers / Sanibel?
Entrance to J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the federal government and is separate from Sanibel Causeway tolls. Many local beach parking lots use mobile payment apps; travelers should check the official city website for current parking hourly rates. Peak season lodging requires months of lead time for both Sanibel and Captiva.
