Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

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 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Sanibel has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Sanibel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Thistle Lodge Restaurant (2255 West Gulf Drive) and Cielo (1244 Periwinkle Way) are great picks.

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$292
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$292
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.

Car

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

Bus

You can travel by bus to Sanibel using Bus or Tornado Bus. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around $104. From Tampa, the ticket costs about $59 for a journey of 145 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.

Car

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

Bus

You can travel by bus to Sanibel using Bus or Tornado Bus. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around $104. From Tampa, the ticket costs about $59 for a journey of 145 miles.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (7,073 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,344 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,890 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,947 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,800 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,451 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (790 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,733 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,230 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,571 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,339 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,361 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,071 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (351 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,046 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,279 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,867 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,206 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (974 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

See all
Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, Excellent reviews)
$462+
View
Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$661+
View
Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$695+
View
Pink Shell Beach Resort And Marina
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$538+
View
Lighthouse Resort: Inn & Suites
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$312+
View
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$471+
View

Hiring a car in Sanibel

Expect to pay $1.57 per litre in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.76 and $25.02.

Expect to pay $1.57 per litre in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.76 and $25.02.

Sanibel Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Sanibel city guide for the best Sanibel travel tips. To help you organise your Sanibel trip ideas, this Sanibel visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.