Southwest Florida International Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport is not just a transit hub, but a true prelude to your tropical holiday. Instead of the usual hustle and bustle of giant hubs, you will be greeted by a light-filled terminal where even the architecture sets the mood for the relaxed rhythm of the Gulf Coast. Thanks to its thoughtful layout and cosy atmosphere, travel here is easy and stress-free, allowing you to reach the white sandy beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Islands faster.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The airport is renowned for its passenger-friendliness and efficient organization of space, which distinguishes it favorably from its larger neighbours in Florida.

Convenient Navigation and Compactness. The entire airport complex consists of one main terminal with three concourses (B, C, and D). This makes orientation intuitive: passengers do not need to use trains or shuttles to reach their boarding gates.

Resort Atmosphere. The building's interiors are designed to let in maximum natural light, and the presence of live plants and spacious waiting areas creates the feeling that your holiday has already begun. There is no oppressive crowding here typical of megacities.

Transport Accessibility. One of the main advantages for tourists is the location of the Rental Car Center. It is within walking distance, located directly on the ground level of the parking garage opposite the terminal, saving travellers from having to wait for a shuttle bus with their suitcases.

Service. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory, as well as designated pet relief areas. For those wishing to have a bite, cafés offering local and international cuisine are available, many of which open early in the morning.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in the city of Fort Myers, USA. If you have questions before departure or upon arrival, please use these details.

• Official Airport Website: You will always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules on the official website: www.flyrsw.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, you can call: +1 (239) 590-4800.
• Airport Address: 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33913, United States.
• Email: The airport prefers to receive inquiries via the contact form on the official website to direct your request to the correct department.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminal (excluding TSA checkpoints), contact the airport's Lost and Found bureau. If your checked luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact your airline's representative immediately.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number.

There are several ways to get to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located southeast of the city of Fort Myers. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel around the region. The airport serves not only Fort Myers but also neighbouring cities such as Cape Coral and Naples, so transport accessibility is well developed here.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the buses of the local transport network, LeeTran. Route No. 50 connects the airport with the Bell Tower Shops transfer hub, from where you can reach other districts of Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The bus trip from the city centre, including transfer, will take over an hour. This option is suitable for travellers without a large amount of luggage and with sufficient time reserves. The fare is only a few dollars.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Ridesharing

A more comfortable and faster method is to order a taxi or use mobile apps such as Uber or Lyft, which are widely used in the USA. The trip from downtown Fort Myers to the airport will take approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a taxi ride is usually $35-50. You can also book a private transfer (shuttle) in advance, which is especially convenient for large groups or families with children.

Car Rental

Car rental is one of the most popular options among tourists in Florida, as it provides maximum freedom of movement. A large Rental Car Service Center is located at RSW airport, situated directly opposite the terminal. All leading rental companies are represented here. You can reach the airport by rental car via Interstate 75 (Exit 128). This is an ideal option if you plan to travel extensively around the southwestern part of Florida.

Airport Parking

If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, several parking options are at your service. There is both Short-term Parking, located next to the terminal and suitable for quick drop-offs or meeting passengers, and Long-term Parking, which is a more economical solution for those leaving their car for several days. Free shuttles run from the long-term parking lots to the terminal.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is distinguished by a structure that is thoughtful and convenient for passengers. Instead of several separate buildings, one main terminal operates here, from which three passenger concourses (piers) extend — B, C, and D. Such spatial organization significantly simplifies navigation and makes moving around the airport intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport layout is logical and simple. The main terminal is divided vertically into two main levels. On the upper level, you will find airline check-in counters and the main security checkpoint, after which passengers enter the general secure zone with gates to the concourses. The lower level is entirely dedicated to the arrivals area: baggage claim belts, customs control for international flights, and exits to parking lots and ground transport stops are located here.

All three concourses (B, C, and D) are connected to the main building and are accessible after passing security. You can move between them freely on foot, which is convenient for transfers or if you simply want to visit shops and restaurants in another wing. Each concourse serves specific airlines, so it is recommended to check your flight information on the departure board to head straight to the correct boarding gate.

The time required to complete formalities may vary. On average, it is worth allowing at least 1.5-2 hours for check-in and security before a domestic flight departure. During the peak tourist season (in winter and during spring break), passenger flow increases significantly, so it is better to arrive with time to spare, especially if you are travelling on an international flight.

To navigate the airport, simply follow the clear and understandable signs. The central hall of the terminal serves as the main landmark, from where it is easy to get to any required zone — whether it be check-in, security, or boarding gates. Thanks to the unified structure of the terminal, the risk of getting lost is minimal, making your stay at RSW comfortable and predictable.

The history of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is closely linked to the transformation of this region of the USA into a popular tourist destination. The airport officially opened on May 14, 1983, taking on the role of the main commercial aviation hub for the city of Fort Myers and its surroundings. It was built to replace the old Page Field Airport (FMY), which could no longer cope with the growing passenger flow. Initially, the complex consisted of one terminal and a runway 2,560 meters long, but the rapid development of the region quickly required expansion.

The first stage of modernization took place in the early 1990s. In 1993, the runway was extended to 3,658 meters, which allowed RSW to accept large long-haul aircraft, including flights from Europe. This gave impetus to the development of international tourism, especially from Germany. In the same year, the airport received its modern name — Southwest Florida International Airport, emphasizing its new international status.

A key moment in the airport's development was the construction of a new terminal complex. The grand opening of the Midfield Terminal Complex, located between the two runways, took place on September 9, 2005. The project, costing 438 million dollars, radically transformed the airport, significantly increasing its capacity, number of gates, shops, and restaurants. The old terminal was repurposed for private and business aviation needs. Thanks to this update, RSW has repeatedly been ranked among the best airports in the country for passenger service levels.

Interesting fact: the IATA code **RSW** is an abbreviation for "Regional South-West", which accurately describes its location in Florida. The airport continues to improve today: in recent years, new projects have started to expand the main terminal and security zones, confirming its readiness for future growth and status as one of the most important transport centres in the region.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make the wait for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminal is designed taking into account the needs of modern travellers, whether they are tourists, families with children, or business people.

Throughout the airport, there are numerous restaurants, cafés, and lounges where you can have a quick snack or a full meal. The selection ranges from popular fast-food chains to restaurants featuring local cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores offering souvenirs, books, electronics, and Duty-Free goods. Also, for passenger convenience, there are premium lounges where one can relax in a calmer environment.

Staying connected at RSW is very simple. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, and numerous stations with sockets and USB ports are equipped for charging gadgets. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are available. In case of necessity, passengers can seek medical assistance at a special station.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on full accessibility of the infrastructure, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, as well as request assistance services from their airline.

For those who need to work, there are zones in the airport suitable for using a laptop. Although there may not be specialized conference rooms within the terminal itself, many nearby hotels offer a full range of business services, including meeting room rentals. These hotels are also an excellent option for those with an early departure or a long layover.

At Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), passengers need not worry about hunger — there is a wide selection of establishments here for every taste and budget. From a quick coffee on the run to a leisurely dinner before a flight, everyone will find a suitable option. It is worth noting that the main gastronomic choices await you after passing security control.

Before Security (Landside): In the public area of the main terminal, the choice of establishments is limited, but you can find coffee shops offering beverages and light snacks here. This is an excellent option if you have arrived at the airport early or are seeing off loved ones.

After Security (Airside): Having passed inspection, you will enter the departure halls (Concourses B, C, D), where the main concentration of restaurants, lounges, and cafés is located.

• For a quick snack, popular chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin', and Burger King are perfect. You can always grab a coffee, sandwich, or classic burger to go. It is also worth visiting Great American Bagel for fresh bagels with various fillings.
• For a full lunch or dinner, you can comfortably settle in one of the restaurants. PGA TOUR Grill specializes in healthy food, offering grilled dishes, salads, and hearty sandwiches. At Shula's Bar & Grill, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an American sports lounge and order a juicy steak.
• To experience local flavour without leaving the airport, visit Casa Bacardi or Jose Cuervo Tequileria. The menu features dishes with Caribbean and Latin American motifs, and the drinks menu offers signature refreshing beverages for a great start to your holiday.

Many establishments, for example, PGA TOUR Grill, accommodate passengers with special dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu. Prices vary from affordable at fast-food points to average and higher in full-service restaurants. Most cafés and restaurants operate from early morning until late evening, aligning with the flight schedule.

To ensure your journey from Fort Myers begins without haste and stress, plan your time correctly. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — at least 3 hours. During periods of high load, for example, on public holidays, it is worth allowing extra time for completing all procedures.

Check in for your flight online — this is a great way to save time. This way, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the special counter. Security screening at USA airports is carried out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Be prepared to remove outerwear, shoes, and take out all electronics larger than a mobile phone from your carry-on luggage for separate scanning. Passengers participating in the TSA PreCheck programme undergo screening via a simplified procedure.

When packing carry-on luggage, remember the "3-1-1 rule" for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in volume, packed in one transparent bag of about 1 litre (1 quart) volume, and one such bag is allowed per passenger. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous items are strictly prohibited in the cabin.

If you have a transfer at this airport, study its map in advance to orient yourself quickly. Those arriving from other countries will have to undergo border control (CBP), collect their luggage, and pass through customs. Even if your luggage is checked through to the final destination, you will likely have to collect it and re-check it after passing customs control.

To save money, book parking on the airport website in advance — this is often more profitable than paying on-site. Take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally high, so your own snacks will help preserve your budget.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information and possible rebooking options. Clarify if you are entitled to compensation (for example, vouchers for meals or a hotel). While you wait, you can explore the shops and restaurants available in the terminal.

Regarding seat selection on the plane: an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours; a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Seats at emergency exits usually have more legroom, but booking them may cost more and impose certain obligations.