How Do You Get To Sanibel Island/Captiva Island?
Tropical Sanibel and Captiva Islands are easy to find and hard to forget. Located in sunny southwest Florida, the islands lie in the Gulf of Mexico, connected by causeway islands to Ft. Myers. North of Naples an hour, and two hours south of Tampa, the islands are easily accessed by several airports: RSW in Ft. Myers, Tampa International, MCO in Orlando, FTL in Ft. Lauderdale. I-75 is 30 minutes east of Sanibel. Sanibel and Captiva are connected by a small bridge
IF YOU’RE DRIVING:
Take I-75 to exit 131. Go west (Daniels Road) to a major intersection called Six Mile Cypress, where you’ll need to be in the left turn lanes. After turning, follow that road, which crosses US 41. Daniels now becomes Gladiolus. When you see Denny’s Diner, scoot over to the left turn lanes. At the major intersection of Summerlin Road, turn left. Follow this for several miles to the Sanibel Causeway tollbooths.
THE SANIBEL CAUSEWAY:
The toll to paradise is $6. Once you’re on the causeway, take it easy and take in the sights. If you need a bathroom break, there are restrooms on the second causeway island, on your left and right.
Approximate Driving Times
To Sanibel from Florida Airports:
Ft. Myers (RSW) 45 min
Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) 2.5 hrs
Miami (MIA) 3.5 hrs
Naples (APF) 1 hr
Orlando (MCO) 4 hrs
Sarasota (SRQ) 2 hrs
Tampa (TPA) 3 hrs
West Palm (PBI) 3 hrs
IF YOU’RE FLYING:
Many airlines fly into RSW (Southwest Florida International). This market is also served by Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA) airports. Save on airfare with Southwest Airlines, USA3000, JetBlue, and Spirt, among others; they fly right into Ft. Myers with many direct flights from major cities.
Both Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale are good bets for lower fares, and the drive to Fort Myers/Sanibel is less than 3 hours. If you fly into Tampa, we recommend taking I-275 to I-75, and avoiding I-4.
There are facilities to accommodate private jets at both RSW and the smaller, municipal Page Field airport at Ft. Myers.
IF YOU’RE RENTING A CAR:
Driving from RSW (Southwest Florida International) is an easy drive. As you leave the rental car area at the airport, you are automatically exited onto Airport Road. Get into the right lane and follow it to the end – Treeline Road. Turn right. This takes you all the way to Daniels Road. Turn left onto Daniels and follow the driving directions above.
NEED TAXI, LIMO OR AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE:
The Sanibel Taxi is available for all your transportation needs and shuttle service while you are enjoying your stay on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Visti their website for Airport Shuttle Service or even just Around Town Taxi Sevice. For more info visit: www.SanibelTaxi.com