To get from RSW to Sanibel, drive west from Southwest Florida International Airport along Daniels Parkway and Summerlin Road to the Sanibel Causeway. You can also arrange a taxi, rideshare or rental car at the airport; LeeTran buses connect RSW with transfer points in Fort Myers.
- Airport: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), in Lee County, Florida.
- Causeway: The crossing is about 4.8 miles long.
- Ground transport: Rental cars, taxis, rideshares and buses are among the airport options.
Where is RSW, and how far is Sanibel?
RSW is in Lee County, Florida, southeast of Sanibel. The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce describes the airport as about a 45-minute drive from Sanibel-Captiva. From RSW, the drive to Kona Kai takes about 38 minutes by car; the inn offers guest rooms.
If your plans continue beyond the island, the route from Sanibel to Fort Myers is another part of the journey to plan.
How do you drive from RSW to Sanibel?
From RSW, follow Treeline Avenue Extension to Daniels Parkway, then take Summerlin Road toward the Sanibel Causeway. The directions below give you the main sequence for a drive from the airport:
- Turn right onto Treeline Avenue Extension.
- Turn left onto Daniels Parkway.
- Turn left onto Summerlin Road and continue to the causeway.
- Cross the causeway to reach Sanibel.
Once you reach the island, getting around Sanibel is a separate part of the plan; consider how you’ll make trips after the drive from the airport.
Rental cars, taxis and private transfers at RSW
RSW offers several ways to arrange a ride from the airport, including on-site rental cars, walk-up taxis and app-based rideshares. Confirm current pickup arrangements with your service provider before you go.
The airport has an on-site rental-car facility. Turo rentals may also offer airport pickup, but arrangements vary by host.
On-demand taxis take walk-up customers without reservations and use zone-based rather than metered rates. For pre-arranged taxis and limousines, meet the driver on the lower level outside baggage claim, in the parking garage across from Doors 2 and 5. Uber and Lyft pickups are on the arrivals level, where signs direct passengers to the rideshare area.
Shuttles and public transport: what should you confirm?
LeeTran buses connect RSW with transfer points in Fort Myers, and the airport bus stop is on the lower level of the parking garage. You can reach it by Crosswalk 2 from the upper or lower levels, or by Crosswalk 6 from the arrivals and ground level.
Some local hotels offer free airport shuttles, but you need to contact the hotel directly to arrange one. RSW provides information about hotel shuttles but does not operate them, so confirm pickup details with the provider before relying on a shuttle for the trip to Sanibel.
What should you know about crossing the Sanibel Causeway?
The Sanibel Causeway connects the mainland with Sanibel, and the crossing is about 4.8 miles long. A toll applies, but published amounts conflict: the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce gives $6, while Sanibel International gives $3. Neither source confirms the current amount, so check the official site before you go.
For traffic conditions on the way to the causeway, RSW points travelers to Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System. It provides real-time information about crashes, congestion and construction by phone, website, app and X feeds.
Choosing transport for your arrival
Driving gives you a direct route from RSW via Daniels Parkway and Summerlin Road. A rental car, taxi or rideshare lets you travel from the airport without first connecting through Fort Myers; for a taxi or pre-arranged transfer, check the pickup arrangements that apply to your service.
If you prefer public transport, LeeTran connects RSW with transfer points in Fort Myers, so confirm the onward journey before setting out for Sanibel. For a hotel shuttle, contact the hotel directly rather than assuming airport-provided shuttle information means the service will take you to the island.
For the drive itself, use the airport-to-Sanibel directions and check traffic conditions before you leave.
FAQs
How long is the drive from RSW to Sanibel?
The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce describes the drive as about 45 minutes.
Where do you catch a bus at RSW?
The airport bus stop is on the lower level of the parking garage. Crosswalk 2 connects from the upper and lower levels, and Crosswalk 6 connects from the arrivals and ground level.
How much is the Sanibel Causeway toll?
Published figures conflict: the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce gives $6, while Sanibel International gives $3. Neither confirms the current toll amount.