Sanibel Island, Florida: Which Airport To Choose?

If you're planning a trip to Sanibel Island, Florida, you'll want to know which airport to fly into. The closest airport to Sanibel Island is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, located just 18.6 to 30 miles away. Other nearby airports include Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Naples Municipal Airport, and Palm Beach International Airport. When planning your trip, consider factors such as flight availability, convenience, and cost when choosing which airport to fly into.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

RSW is the second-biggest single-runway airport in the United States and the third-largest in terms of geographic footprint, spanning 21.2 square miles of land. It is served by 11 airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue. The airport offers flights to and from major US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

The airport provides a range of amenities for travellers, including on-site car rental services, free Wi-Fi, and over 30 food and drink options. It is also noted for its convenience, with a quick and easy drive to Sanibel Island.

Upon arrival at RSW, travellers can choose from various transportation options to get to Sanibel Island. Car rentals are available at the airport, and the drive to the island is a scenic Gulf Coast route. Alternatively, taxi services, ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttle vans are also available.

For those staying at the Island Inn, the hotel recommends checking out their Directions page for more detailed instructions on getting to the inn from the airport and other parts of Florida.

Naples Municipal Airport

The airport has a $440 million annual economic impact and has been named the 2012 General Aviation Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation. It serves the needs of general aviation in southwest Florida and pumps $273 million into the local economy, both directly and indirectly.

Punta Gorda Airport

When considering which airport to choose, it is important to take into account factors such as proximity, accessibility, and travel times. Punta Gorda Airport may be a good choice if you are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere and convenient flight options, away from the hustle and bustle of larger airports.

In addition to its budget-friendly nature and convenient flight options, Punta Gorda Airport also offers a welcoming environment and efficient facilities, making it a great gateway for your journey to Sanibel Island.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The airport is designed for traveller convenience, with a spacious terminal that allows for smooth and easy movement. Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and other services are just steps away from the main concourse, and both short and long-term parking lots are adjacent to the main terminal. Check-in lines are much shorter than at mega-airports, and there are no long lines of planes for take-off or landing.

Several major airlines fly out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, including United, Delta, Air Canada, American, WestJet, and JetBlue. In November 2024, Allegiant Air announced eight new direct routes, with introductory one-way fares as low as $49. These routes include Albany, New York; Elmira, New York; Greenville, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Moline, Illinois; Omaha, Nebraska; and Roanoke, Virginia.

Palm Beach International Airport

The airport is easily accessible by road, with direct access from I-95, Southern Boulevard, and Congress Avenue. It is bordered to the west by Military Trail. It is also well-connected by public transport, with Palm Tran bus routes 40 and 44 serving the airport and connecting to the Amtrak/Tri-Rail West Palm Beach train station. The airport is also near the West Palm Beach Brightline Station and the West Palm Beach Amtrak/Tri-Rail station, with a shuttle bus service connecting the latter to the airport.

The airport has undergone several multi-million dollar projects to modernise and improve the passenger experience, including the expansion of Concourse B and the construction of a 7-story parking garage and 3 additional gates in Concourse C. The airport has one terminal, consisting of 32 gates (28 jetway gates and 4 hardstands) and three concourses: A, B, and C. A future Concourse D has been proposed for construction off the east side of the terminal.

Frequently asked questions