How Do You Get to Sanibel Island?

How Do You Get to Sanibel Island?

Planning a trip to Sanibel Island and have no idea how to get there? We have composed the perfect guide so you don’t get lost along the way!

In 2017 116.5 million people still visited the state, a record high.

It may be the appeal of the beach, the sunshine, or just the ability to unplug from your regular life, but Florida is still a popular vacation location for all.

One of the most popular islands is Sanibel, so read on to learn how to get to Sanibel Island, Florida.

How to Get to Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island is a barrier island located between Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and Captiva. When you are planning your trip, take into account the time of year, who is in your party, and how much luggage you are lugging.

Before you go, be sure to read up on the history of the island, it will help you plan your trip and decide what type of transportation you really need.

By Car

Regardless of your starting point, you will hop on Interstate 75, into Florida to get to Sanibel.

  • Take Exit 131 (Daniels Parkway) and head west (turn right), which will put you on Summerlin Road;
  • Take a left on Summerlin Road;
  • It will end you at the Sanibel Island Causeway and Toll Plaza.

There is a $6 fee to cross over to the island. Currently, there is construction, but also take into account the time of year. During high season (January – April), you can expect long waits.

By Air

The largest airport in the area is Florida Regional South West (RSW). It services flights from all over the states, with direct flights from many international cities including Berlin.

Slightly further away, is Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). PGD is located in Charlotte County and can add 30-45 minutes to your trip. The benefit is that PGD is serviced by a discount airline that sometimes has significantly cheaper flights.

By Taxi

There are several taxi companies to choose from on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, including Island Taxi, Sanibel Double D Taxi Service, and Apple Airport Transportation.  Prices will vary, so be sure to get a quote before you choose a company. Prices also vary by season.

By Uber or Lyft

Many people are using Uber or Lyft to get from point A to Point B, these are also options to get from the airport to your hotel or rental house.

By Your Rental House

If you are renting a house on Sanibel, talk to the booking agent or owner. Sometimes, they will have someone pick you up, as part of your rental agreement, but expect an additional charge.

By Friend

If you are lucky enough to have friends that live on, or near these beaches, you can always be asked to be picked up.

Be sure to treat them to lunch for their time, at one of the great restaurants on the island. If you come in late in the day, check out the Green Flash on Captiva. The Green Flash is actually located on Captiva, the next island over, but if you are lucky you will get to see the elusive Green Flash as the sun sets.

Getting Around Once You Get There

As you are working through your travel plans, consider how you are planning on traveling on the island.

In this case, cars may seem like the easiest option, but parking on the island is limited and often expensive. Each time you leave Sanibel you will need to pay the $6 toll to get back onto Sanibel.

Getting Around the Beaches

Most of the beaches in the area have a trolley system. On Sanibel, it is the Sanibel Trolley Tour. On other beaches, you can check out the Lee Tran website.

Rent a Bike or Golf Cart

You can miss a lot of things when you are traveling by car. When you are in Florida, rent a more interment way to see the area. Sanibel has an extensive bike path system and may use it to get from one place to another. Golf carts are also popular, especially if you are traveling with the young or old.

If you decided to rent a bike when you are in town, don’t panic, there are 2 grocery stores that will deliver your groceries to you — Bailey’s General Store and Jerry’s Foods,

This adds to the easy of your vacation and keeps you evenly balanced on your bike.

Water Taxi

Have you ever taken a water taxi? if not this is the place to give it a try.

Often times the waterways see as much traffic as the roadways. This also gives you a way to explore the other island in the area as the locals do. A word of caution, this is a very safe way to travel, but if the weather is questionable, you may want to choose another option, no one wants to get seasick on the vacation.

Vacations are options are to explore new areas, why not use your trip to Sanibel to explore alternative transportation options. We often spend a significant amount of time in our cars. Because of the unique set up of Sanibel, you can easily try other modes of transportation.

Are You Ready to Book Your Trip?

Now that you know how to get to Sanibel Island, Florida, when are you booking your trip. This island has so much to do to ensure that your vacation is everything you imagined.

Check out our amazing cruises and eco-tours or spend time checking out the islands arts and cultural options. Come enjoy paradise with us.