Sanibel travel guide

Sanibel Tourism | Sanibel Guide

You're Going to Love Sanibel

With a population of 6,469, Sanibel is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Sanibel has to offer.

Activities & attractions in Sanibel

Where to Eat in Sanibel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Cielo (1244 Periwinkle Way) and Il Tesoro-Sanibel (751 Tarpon Bay Road) are great picks.

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$160
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$160
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Sanibel

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Chicago and takes around 2h 48m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sanibel, including RedCoach, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Tampa, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around $50. From Fort Lauderdale, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 125 miles.

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Chicago and takes around 2h 48m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sanibel, including RedCoach, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Tampa, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around $50. From Fort Lauderdale, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (4,698 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
SWISS
Good (955 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,587 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (490 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,966 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,964 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (925 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,167 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,724 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (728 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 119 reviews)
$266+
Diamondhead Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 504 reviews)
$262+
The Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 19 reviews)
$142+
Latitude 26 Waterfront Boutique Resort - Fort Myers Beach
2 stars
Good (7.9, 1115 reviews)
$158+
Sunset Beach Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 19 reviews)
$206+
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
3 stars
Good (7.8, 746 reviews)
$228+

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $24 per day, on average, or $97 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 78% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $24 per day, on average, or $97 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 78% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38.