Fort Myers SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW) Flights & Information

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the gateway to much of the Florida Gulf Coast, home to worldwide vacation hotspots like Sanibel Island, Marco Island, Naples and Captiva Island. It’s located in a fairly undeveloped part of Ft. Myers, central to everything but close to nothing. While it’s a nice, modern airport that’s easier to use than many larger hubs, it’s not bursting with things to do other than catch your flight.

If you do find yourself at RSW for an extended period of time, there are some bright spots. While the airport is undergoing a large construction project that will expand terminals and capacity, for now it’s a small, simple terminal split into 3 concourses. With free Wi-Fi and this handy guide, you can make the most of your time at Southwest Florida International Airport.

Arriving at RSW

The only flights into RSW that require immigration checks are a handful of nonstops from cities in Cuba, but it’s reported to be a smooth and quick process since there are no other incoming flights to compete with. This is not an international destination.

Domestic arrivals are straightforward too. The single-terminal building has 3 concourses – B, C and D – that all lead to baggage claim. Just follow the signs downstairs and find the appropriate carousel for your flight. Bags arrive quickly at RSW. I’ve never waited more than 15 minutes even during busy times like spring break and the winter holidays.

When you’re flying out of RSW, those busy times can be a little more challenging. The airport is on the smaller side, and during peak tourist seasons it can be a little understaffed on weekends. Airline ticket counters are smaller than what you’d find at larger airports, so plan an extra 20 minutes or so during weekends in March and April, Thanksgiving and the Christmas through New Year period.

Getting to RSW by public transportation

Only 1 public bus runs to Southwest Florida International Airport: LeeTran Route 50. It’s easy to pick up outside baggage claim – just walk to the curb near the priority shuttles and you’ll see the stop. The bus runs once an hour beginning at 7:24 am and ending at 8:50 pm.

Ft. Myers is a little more sprawling than most American cities, so the bus doesn’t take you into a proper city center, so to speak. The first stop is Daniels Parkway and US 41, 10 minutes outside the airport. From there, you can transfer to any number of LeeTran lines that take you all over greater Ft. Myers.

Route 50 continues to the Belltower Shops, HealthPark, the Sanibel Outlets and other destinations in Ft. Myers. It’s not as convenient as some other airport bus lines but does give you an option if you haven’t rented a car.

Getting to RSW by car

If you’re in Ft. Myers and aren’t visiting someone with a car, rent a car. Southwest Florida is a lot of sprawl and getting around is logistically stressful without your own automobile, even with rideshares and taxis available.

The airport has its own exit off Interstate-75, the main north-south expressway running through Ft. Myers. If it’s congested or closed for some reason, you can also take State Road 82 to Daniels Parkway from east of the airport, or Alico Road to Treeline Ave from west of the airport.

Rental cars are all located in the rental car building on the lower level of the parking garage, a short walk across the main drive from the terminal. No shuttles are required, though if you booked with an off-airport rental car company you can grab those shuttles at the east end of the parking garage. You’ll find a phone there to call whichever company you booked, since they don’t run regularly.

Ft. Myers has a contracted taxi company onsite and rides are charged by zone, not by distance. Each cab should have a map with the zones color coded so you can figure out your fare in advance. Be aware, though, the posted fares are only for up to 3 people – you’ll be charged more if your party is larger.

Ft. Myers does have Uber and Lyft, though the volume of drivers isn’t near what you might be used to in bigger cities. I usually pull up the apps to see what they’re charging, and if it’s comparable or more, I take a taxi. During peak times taxis are almost always cheaper and are ready to go when you are.

Security lines at the airport

Unlike some airports where you can blissfully stroll from concourse to concourse within the same terminal building, security checkpoints isolate each terminal into its own world at RSW. After passing the airline ticket counters you’ll find a long concourse with some shops and restaurants, and security checkpoints for concourses B, C and D.

Each checkpoint at RSW has its own TSA PreCheck line, so no matter where you’re headed you’ll have that option. Lines can be tricky during peak periods like spring break, baseball spring training or the holidays, as the small airport can feel a little overwhelmed.

During normal times there’s usually no wait, but if you’re flying out of Southwest Florida when the masses are too, definitely add half an hour or so if you don’t have TSA Precheck. Even if you do have TSA Precheck, waits can be 15 to 20 minutes.

Souvenir shopping at Southwest Florida

If you were a responsible beach citizen on your trip to Southwest Florida and took only memories as you left, all is not lost. You can find plenty of great, beachy souvenirs at RSW. Don’t be misled by the Beaches Travelmart, though – the “Beach” part of the name is more branding than anything else. It’s a great place for water, gum or some snacks.

Instead, I like to stop at A Day at The Beach in Terminals B and D. The shop is loaded with Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island apparel. You’ll also find adorable stuffed sea creatures if you have a child you’re shopping for, and some local hot sauces and other edible gifts too.

If you want something a little more Florida-fashion forward, Coastal Expressions is a fun little clothing boutique in Terminal C. It’s filled with colorful, tropical print clothing, jewelry and handbags, with kitschy keepsakes like flamingo mugs and shell-shaped soap dispensers for your home. I have a flamingo plate I got there that is always a conversation piece when people come over.

Best places to eat and drink at RSW

The trend of great local food popping up in airport terminals has not gotten to Ft. Myers as of yet. RSW boasts the usual lineup of chains, so you’re not going to starve – if you’re fine with Sbarro, Burger King, Dunkin’ or Great American Bagel, then RSW food options will do the job.

Those determined to have a sit-down meal can opt for Jose Cuervo Tequileria, a serviceable Mexican joint with a heavy emphasis on tequila – it’s in the main terminal. There’s also Shula’s Bar & Grill with the best burger in the airport.

For airport bars, Casa Bacardi is my favorite spot to have one last hurrah for my beach vacation, with plenty of fruity rum cocktails on the menu. The Dewar's Clubhouse is better if you’re into scotch, though both bars can make you whatever you want. RSW is severely lacking in lounges – there are none in this airport. If you’re the type who likes to get to the airport early and post up at the open bar in the lounge, it’s not happening in Ft. Myers. You can arrive a little later.

Pet relief areas at RSW

Southwest Florida International Airport has 4 pet relief areas, though they’re all more or less in the same location. On the lower level, outside baggage claim, you’ll find pet relief areas on either side of the terminal. Across the airport drive, you’ll also find them on either side of the rental car building.

You won’t find any upstairs of post-security, so make sure your service animal is relieved before heading to your gate. On the upside, the pet relief areas are bright, sunny swaths of grass that are fairly pleasant places when the weather is cooperating. I don’t have a dog but sometimes I’ll just go there for a little slice of greenery before heading for an entire day cooped up in an airplane.