Transportation Options at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) offers several transportation options connecting the airport with Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and other destinations across Southwest Florida. Travelers can choose between public buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, and private vehicles.
Most transportation services are located on the ground transportation level outside the baggage claim area, making it easy for arriving passengers to quickly find their preferred option.
Tip: Southwest Florida is a car-oriented region and public transportation is limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is often the easiest way to move around the area.
Bus Services and Airport Shuttles
Public transportation at RSW is mainly provided by the LeeTran bus system, which connects the airport with several areas in Lee County. The most common route serving the airport is Route 50.
Location
Bus stops are located outside the terminal building in the ground transportation area near baggage claim.
Main Route
- LeeTran Route 50 – connects RSW with downtown Fort Myers and the Rosa Parks Transportation Center.
Typical Bus Fares
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ride | $1.50 |
| Day Pass | $4.50 |
| Reduced Fare (Senior / Disabled) | $0.75 |
Travel time to downtown Fort Myers is typically 50–60 minutes depending on traffic and stops.
Bus services are the most affordable transportation option, but they operate on limited schedules compared with taxis or ride-sharing services.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services (Uber / Lyft)
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are among the most popular ways to travel from RSW to nearby destinations. These services are available 24 hours a day and provide direct transportation to hotels, resorts, and residential areas.
Location
Taxi ranks and ride-share pickup zones are located outside the terminal building on the ground transportation level near baggage claim.
Typical Taxi Fares
- Downtown Fort Myers: $25–$35
- Cape Coral: $35–$45
- Fort Myers Beach: $35–$50
- Naples: $80–$100
Travel time to downtown Fort Myers usually takes 25–30 minutes.
Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis and can be booked directly from a smartphone.
Rail, Metro or Tram Connections
Southwest Florida International Airport currently does not have direct rail, metro or tram connections. Unlike some larger U.S. airports, the region relies mainly on road transportation.
Passengers wishing to use rail services must first travel to larger cities such as Tampa or Miami, which are several hours away by car.
Because there is no train or metro connection, rental cars or ride-sharing services are usually the fastest way to travel from the airport.
Car Rental Services
Car rental is one of the most popular transportation options at RSW, especially for visitors planning to explore Southwest Florida, the Gulf Coast beaches, or nearby national parks.
Location
Rental car counters are located on the ground level of the Short-Term Parking Garage, directly across from the terminal building.
Main Car Rental Companies
- Alamo
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Thrifty
Typical Rental Prices
- Economy cars: $40–$70 per day
- Mid-size vehicles: $60–$90 per day
- SUVs: $80–$120 per day
Booking your rental car online in advance usually provides better prices than renting directly at the airport.
Getting to the Airport by Private Car
RSW Airport is easily accessible by car via Interstate 75 and several major highways connecting the airport with cities across Southwest Florida.
Main Access Roads
- Interstate 75 (I-75) – main north-south highway serving the region.
- Treeline Avenue – primary road leading directly to the airport entrance.
- Daniels Parkway – connects the airport with Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Typical Driving Times
- Downtown Fort Myers – 25 minutes
- Fort Myers Beach – 35 minutes
- Cape Coral – 35 minutes
- Naples – 45–60 minutes
During the winter tourist season (January–March), traffic around Fort Myers can be heavier than usual, so allow extra time when driving to the airport.
Transportation Comparison from RSW to Downtown Fort Myers
| Transport Option | Average Travel Time | Approximate Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus (LeeTran Route 50) | 50–60 minutes | $1.50 | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | 25–30 minutes | $25–$35 | Direct and convenient travel |
| Uber / Lyft | 25–30 minutes | $20–$30 | Flexible ride-sharing |
| Rental Car | 25–30 minutes | $40+ per day | Exploring the region |
| Private Car | 25 minutes | Fuel cost | Local residents |
Popular Destinations from RSW Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Typical Transport Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Fort Myers | 16 miles / 26 km | 25 minutes | Taxi, Uber, Bus |
| Cape Coral | 20 miles / 32 km | 30–35 minutes | Taxi, Uber, Rental Car |
| Fort Myers Beach | 22 miles / 35 km | 35 minutes | Taxi, Rental Car |
| Naples | 43 miles / 69 km | 45–60 minutes | Taxi, Rental Car |
Many visitors to Southwest Florida stay in beach destinations such as Naples or Fort Myers Beach, so renting a car can make traveling between beaches, parks and cities much easier.