Lois Larson
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a major airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida, United States. The airport serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. RSW offers nonstop flights to 74 destinations by 15 airlines, including cities throughout the US and internationally in Canada, Cuba, and Europe. The airport features a single runway and terminal with three concourses (B, C, and D) and 28 gates, offering domestic and seasonal international flights. While there is no information on whether a space shuttle can land at RSW Fort Myers Airport, the airport is located near several major Florida airports, including Tampa (2 hours away) and Miami and Fort Lauderdale (2.5 hours away).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The airport's history and location
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida, United States. It is one of the newest airports in the nation, having been certified for operation in May 1983. The airport is about 16 miles southeast of downtown Fort Myers, and is in close proximity to major landmarks like Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and the Gulf of Mexico. RSW is also near the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a popular natural beauty spot.
A number of sites were considered for the new regional airport, including southern Charlotte County, Estero, and northeast Cape Coral near Burnt Store Marina. The government of Lee County ultimately selected a site near the end of Daniels Parkway, which was a dirt road at the time. An advantage to this location was its proximity to Interstate 75, which was under construction and would provide easy access. Construction of the airport began in 1980, and it opened on schedule on May 14, 1983.
Upon opening, the airport was named Southwest Florida Regional Airport (the airport code RSW is short for "Regional South-West"). It originally included a single 8400-foot runway and a passenger terminal with 14 gates on two concourses. Today, RSW features a single terminal with three concourses (B, C, and D) and 28 gates, offering domestic and seasonal international flights. The airport is the second-busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 10 million passengers annually. It is also one of the top 50 US airports in terms of land size, sitting on 13,555 acres of land.
Traveling from Newark Airport: Taking the MTA
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![By Piers Bizony:The Space Shuttle: Celebrating Thirty Years of NASA's First Space Plane [Hardcover]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51POfXGjuDL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Transport options to and from the airport
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located about 16 miles southeast of downtown Fort Myers. It is one of the newest and busiest airports in the region, serving over 10 million passengers annually. The airport offers nonstop flights on 15 airlines to 74 destinations across the globe.
There are several transport options available to and from the airport:
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport. The cost of a taxi from RSW to downtown Fort Myers is around $30-$35 on average. However, prices can vary depending on your destination and the time of day, with surge pricing during busy times.
Airport Shuttle or Private Transfer
You can book an airport shuttle or private transfer in advance through platforms like Jayride. This option offers a hassle-free and comfortable journey to and from the airport. You can compare economy, business, and luxury rides in various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans, and buses. A shared shuttle is a cost-effective choice, while a private transfer provides a more direct and personalized service.
Public Transit
LeeTran Airport Service provides hourly bus service between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a transfer point at Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, with connections to other routes. Bus service times may vary seasonally.
Driving
RSW is conveniently located within driving distance of several major Florida airports, including Tampa (2 hours), Miami and Fort Lauderdale (2.5 hours), Orlando (3 hours), and Atlanta (8 hours).
Airport Cigarette Buying: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attractions and activities in the region
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and is the region's busiest airport, serving over 10 million passengers annually. The airport is a gateway to the greater Fort Myers area, offering nonstop flights to 74 destinations across the U.S. and internationally.
Fort Myers and the surrounding area offer a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors. For those seeking a beach vacation, Fort Myers Beach is approximately 30 minutes from the airport, while Sanibel Island is a 45-minute drive away. Both offer the idyllic Old Florida beach experience with gentle waterways and a rich cultural environment.
For history enthusiasts, Fort Myers has engaging museums, attractions, and parks that showcase the region's rich history. The area also boasts the beautifully restored homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, located just 10 miles from the airport. These historic landmarks provide a glimpse into the lives of these American icons and are a must-visit for those interested in architecture and history.
Nature lovers can explore the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a natural beauty spot, or visit the local butterfly garden, home to over 1,000 live butterflies and unique species. The area is also home to Florida manatees, offering a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Sports fans can catch a game at the nearby sports venue, home to the Boston Red Sox during Spring Training. This venue is notable for its green design and use of renewable energy.
With its sunny climate, Fort Myers also offers various wellness activities and self-care experiences for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation during their trip.
How to Connect Windows to Apple Airport Printer
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dining and shopping options at the airport
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is a medium-sized airport that offers a range of dining and shopping options for travellers.
Dining Options:
As part of the airport's Terminal Expansion Project Phase 1, several restaurants closed in April 2025, including Nathan's, Quiznos, Shula's Bar & Grill, and Starbucks. However, travellers can still find various food and beverage options post-security on all concourses. Options include fast food, sit-down restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go choices. Fort Myers Brewing Co. and a new Starbucks location are among the available options. By 2027, the refresh of the existing concourse concessions is expected to be complete, offering an enhanced dining experience for travellers.
Shopping Options:
RSW also provides a variety of shopping opportunities for travellers. "A Day at the Beach" offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in coastal charm. They offer beach-themed gifts, apparel, souvenirs, and even travel gear for those heading to the nearby beaches.
Nearby Attractions:
In addition to the dining and shopping options within the airport, travellers can explore a variety of nearby attractions. Fort Myers is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island, offers white sand and warm waters ideal for swimming and water sports. Times Square, nearby the beach, provides a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops. For nature lovers, Bowditch Point Park offers serene walking trails and a secluded beach.
Fort Myers also boasts cultural venues such as theatres and art galleries, showcasing local and international talent. The city hosts festivals celebrating music, art, and local heritage, with live performances and local cuisine. Additionally, history buffs can explore the beautifully restored homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, located just 10 miles from the airport.
With its range of dining and shopping options, as well as nearby attractions, RSW Fort Myers Airport offers travellers a well-rounded experience as they pass through Southwest Florida.
Airport Solicitation: Is It Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's future expansion plans
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is undergoing a historic terminal expansion project to improve airport efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options. The project is expected to be completed by December 2027 and will allow for an additional 10,000 to 15,000 passengers daily.
The expansion includes a new ticketing lobby and Bag Claim area, a new baggage handling system, and a new Concourse E with 14 initial gates and the infrastructure to support 19 gates in the future. The new concourse will include a new Transportation Security Checkpoint, expanded retail, and food and beverage concessions. There will also be airside improvements, chiller plant building upgrades, and road and curbside improvements to reconfigure and expand terminal access roadways.
The first phase of the expansion, costing $331 million, will see the consolidation of Transportation Security Administration checkpoints into a new 16-lane configuration, providing additional seating, concession spaces, and a business lounge. More than 164,000 square feet of space will be remodelled, and 117,000 square feet of new walkways and concession space will be added to the airport terminal.
The second phase of the expansion project is estimated to cost over $800 million. With the addition of Concourse E, there will be a total of 33 gates, providing the capacity to meet the future air transportation needs of the region. The expansion will also provide bright open spaces, natural light, soaring ceilings, and new concessions programmes with more technology and representation of local and national brands.
Last-Minute Airport Parking: Can You Book on the Day?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
RSW is the airport code for Southwest Florida International Airport, which is short for "Regional South-West".
The RSW airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida, United States. It is about 16 miles southeast of downtown Fort Myers.
There are various transportation options available at the RSW airport, including taxis, airport shuttles, private car transfers, buses, and trains.
I cannot find specific information about the space shuttle landing at the RSW airport. However, as a major county-owned airport, it is one of the busiest airports in the region, serving over 10 million passengers annually.
