Updated 2026-08-15 · RSW.travel Airport Guides
Flying into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)? This guide covers everything you need for a smooth trip to Southwest Florida — parking, getting to your destination, where to stay, what to do, and answers to the questions travelers ask most.
Southwest Florida International Airport is operated by the Lee County Port Authority and serves as the main gateway to Southwest Florida. Top 50 US Airport with 11M+ Passengers, RSW has become an increasingly convenient way to reach this stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast without connecting through a larger, more congested hub.
RSW has covered garage and surface lot options. Book ahead — especially during snowbird season (Jan–Mar) when lots fill fast.
Compare and reserve RSW parking in advance →
Here's how far the most popular destinations are from the airport:
On the other end, Everglades City is the longest drive on this list at 70 miles (~1 hr 15 min) — worth knowing if you're planning a day trip. A rental car is the easiest way to cover this ground; see current rates below.
Compare rental car rates at RSW →
Depending on what you're after, here's how the areas near RSW break down:
Once you've landed, here are the highest-rated experiences in Southwest Florida:
See all top-rated activities near RSW →
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the primary airport serving Fort Myers, Naples, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral, and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. It's located about 15 minutes southeast of downtown Fort Myers off I-75 at exit 131 (Daniels Parkway).
RSW is approximately 25 miles from Fort Myers Beach, about a 35–45 minute drive depending on traffic and season. During peak snowbird season (January–March), the drive can take longer due to bridge traffic on Estero Boulevard.
RSW is served by all major US carriers including Delta, Southwest, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country, and Allegiant. Delta and Southwest carry the most passengers, with nonstop service to 50+ destinations.
The short-term garage at RSW is $18/day with the first 20 minutes free. The long-term lot is $11/day and includes a complimentary shuttle, and the covered parking garage is $18/day. Valet runs about $30/day. RSW accepts advance online reservations for all on-airport facilities — worth using between January and April, when capacity is tight.
Highly recommended. Southwest Florida is spread out — there's no practical public transit between Fort Myers, Sanibel, Naples, and the beaches. RSW has an on-site rental car center connected to the terminal by a covered walkway.
The peak season runs November through April. For the best balance of great weather and lower costs, consider November, early December, or April–May. Hurricane season officially runs June through November.
More than 11 million people flew into RSW last year — and thousands of them decided to make Southwest Florida home. Whether you're looking for a vacation property, an investment rental, or a permanent move, we can help you navigate the process.