Question 1

How far is Fort Myers from Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Fort Myers is approximately 125 miles from MCO and most Orlando hotel areas, taking 130–145 minutes via I-75 South then SR-80 (Palm Beach Blvd) west. From Disney World it's 125–140 minutes; from I-Drive / Universal it's 130–145 minutes. The route runs south through Orlando, across the Caloosahatchee River bridge into Fort Myers. Allow extra time on weekends, holiday weekends, and during snowbird season (December–April).

Question 2

How much does an Uber cost from Orlando to Fort Myers?

Accepted Answer

Standard rideshare from MCO or Disney to Fort Myers runs $300–$450 one-way. On weekends, during snowbird season, and during sunset return windows, expect $450–$700 one-way. A private car service at $395 (flat rate, no surge) is only slightly more than a base rideshare but eliminates all the pricing risk — especially on the return trip after a full beach day on Sanibel when surge is at its highest.

Question 3

Is there Uber coverage at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both Uber and Lyft serve RSW, but pickup queues can run 10–20 minutes during peak arrival waves (winter snowbird flights, Sunday evenings). A pre-booked private car service meets you at the RSW curb with a name sign, helps with luggage, and costs $65 from RSW to Fort Myers or $75 to Cape Coral — comparable to rideshare but without the queue and without surge on delayed flights.

Question 4

Is parking easy at Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach?

Accepted Answer

Parking on Sanibel Island is limited — Bowman’s Beach ($5/hour, often full by 11 AM), Lighthouse Beach (smaller, fills by noon), and paid lots at the causeway. Captiva is even tighter. Fort Myers Beach has paid lots at Bowditch Point and Lovers Key ($5–$10/day) that fill by mid-morning in season. A private car service drops you at the door and picks you up at the same spot when you're ready — no circling, no meter runs, no $30 parking lot.

Question 5

Should I drive myself or use a car service to Fort Myers?

Accepted Answer

If you're already renting a car for other parts of your Florida trip and comfortable with I-75: drive yourself — parking is fine at hotel lots and most restaurants. If you're staying in Orlando without a car: a private car service at $395 one-way (or $725 round-trip with the driver waiting all day) is the cleanest option — door-to-door, flat rate, no 125-mile drive back at 9 PM after a full shelling day on Sanibel, no surge pricing during snowbird season.

Question 6

Can I combine Fort Myers with Sarasota or Tampa in one trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many Florida visitors pair a Fort Myers / Sanibel beach day with a Sarasota or Tampa stay. The most efficient pattern is Orlando hotel → Fort Myers → Sarasota (or Tampa) → Orlando hotel, all on the same flat-rate private car reservation. Your driver waits at the beach during your day, then continues to the next stop or back to Orlando when you finish, with no rideshare swap-ins and no surge pricing through the multi-stop itinerary.

Question 7

How long does it take to drive from Orlando to Fort Myers?

Accepted Answer

The drive from Orlando to Fort Myers takes approximately 130–145 minutes via I-75 South then SR-80 West. From MCO it's about 135+ minutes; from Disney 125–140 minutes; from I-Drive / Universal it's 130–145 minutes. It's a straight highway run down I-75 through Naples/Fort Myers and across the Caloosahatchee — no complicated routing, no mountain roads. Add 30–45 minutes on weekends, holiday weekends, and during snowbird season (December–April).

Question 8

What is the best time to leave Orlando to avoid traffic to Fort Myers?

Accepted Answer

Leave between 7:30 and 9:00 AM on weekdays to arrive at Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel by lunch. On weekends, leave by 7:30 AM to beat I-75 southbound traffic through Fort Myers. Avoid the 4–6 PM weekday evening commute on the return — leave the beach by 4 PM if you want to avoid paying rush-hour drive time through Fort Myers. Fort Myers is a full-day destination — plan 8–10 hours for shelling, Ding Darling, and sunset dinner on the bay.

Question 9

How much does a car service to Fort Myers cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

There is no scheduled shared shuttle from Orlando to Fort Myers — only private car service or rideshare. Round-trip pricing for an Orlando-based family of 4 runs as follows: rideshare $600–$900+ round-trip before surge, $1,000–$1,600+ with weekend or snowbird-season surge; private flat-rate car service $725 round-trip from any Orlando origin with the same driver waiting all day — making it the most predictable option for families and dramatically more comfortable for a Sanibel shelling day with coolers, chairs, and luggage.