RSW is one of the busiest family vacation airports in Florida. If you are arriving with children, a stroller, suitcases, and beach equipment, here is how to handle the transfer to your destination.
Car Seat Requirements
Florida law requires children under 5 to be in a car seat or booster. This applies to all vehicles including taxis and rideshare. Neither taxis nor Uber/Lyft provide car seats — you need to bring your own or book a private transfer with car seat service. If you are requesting a child seat through a transfer company, specify the type (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) and your child's age and weight when booking. Do this as early as possible — availability is not unlimited.
The Luggage Reality
A typical family flying to Southwest Florida for a beach vacation might have 3–4 large suitcases, a stroller, a car seat, a diaper bag, and possibly a cooler or beach equipment. This does not fit in a standard sedan. You need an SUV at minimum, ideally a van. Rideshare XL can work if available, but you cannot guarantee vehicle type. A pre-booked transfer lets you specify a van with enough cargo space.
To Fort Myers (20–30 min)
This short ride is manageable even with some improvisation. A rideshare XL or large taxi can handle a family of four with moderate luggage. If you have a car seat, install it quickly — the ride is short enough that drivers are generally patient. For larger families or heavy luggage loads, a private van transfer eliminates the guesswork.
To Sanibel Island (30–40 min)
Sanibel is a premier family beach destination, and the transfer from RSW is a meaningful ride. You cross the Sanibel Causeway (USD 6 toll) onto the island. The road to your resort may wind through residential areas with limited GPS accuracy. A driver who knows Sanibel saves time and frustration. Children will be tired after travel, so a comfortable vehicle with proper car seats and room for everyone makes a difference on this ride.
To Naples (35–45 min)
The I-75 drive to Naples is straightforward but long enough that kids in ill-fitting vehicles get uncomfortable. If you are heading to a resort in Naples or Vanderbilt Beach, the 45-minute ride in a properly equipped van with entertainment, car seats, and space to spread out is worth the cost. In peak winter season, traffic can stretch this to over an hour.
What We Recommend
Book a private van transfer and request child seats at booking time. Confirm the vehicle size based on your luggage count. For Sanibel-bound families, confirm the driver knows island roads. The cost — USD 65–120 depending on destination — split among a family is reasonable, and the comfort and safety advantages are significant.
If you are staying for a week or more, consider renting a car at the airport instead. You will need a vehicle during your stay anyway, and a rental SUV or minivan gives you full control over car seats, luggage space, and schedule. Just install your car seats at the rental center before heading out.
At the Airport
RSW has family-friendly facilities: clean restrooms with changing stations, restaurants with kids' menus, and a well-organized baggage claim. Luggage carts are available. The walk from baggage claim to ground transportation is short and level — manageable with a stroller. The terminal is air-conditioned, which matters when you step out into Florida humidity to meet your ride.