The Best and Closest Airport to Bonita Springs, FL

Bonita Springs, Florida does not have an airport.  Despite having a population of 55,000 people and being the 724^th largest city in the United States, Bonita Springs is dependent on neighboring cities for access to air transportation.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is located three miles east of Interstate 75.  It is the closest major airport to Bonita Springs, and provides easy access to Ft. Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, Greater Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf Islands, as well as other points along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The airport serves the five-county area of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades.  The area is known for its weather, outdoor activities, and world-renowned beaches. The airport’s location puts all the attractions of the region within easy driving distance. While it is an International Airport, most of the traffic is domestic flights.

RSW Airport: A Top-50 US Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is considered one of the top 50 U.S. airports. It has reached this accolade both in terms of passenger volume and in terms of customer service.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022.  Thus, solidifying its position as one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. This impressive number reflects the airport’s popularity and efficient operations.

In addition, it has recently been recognized as the number one airport in the country based on a comprehensive analysis by Travel Lens. This ranking takes into account several factors, including wait times, passenger satisfaction levels, Google review ratings, and CO2 emissions.

Here Are Some Key Points About RSW:

• Exceptional Customer Service: RSW received an impressive passenger satisfaction rating of 846 out of 1,000, making it the fourth highest in the U.S.
• Wait Times: The average wait time at Southwest Florida International Airport is 16 minutes, which ranks it as the 28th shortest among U.S. airports.
• Google Review Rating: RSW boasts a Google Review Rating of 4.5 out of 5, placing it among the top airports in the country.
• Terminal Navigation: When it comes to reviews for airport queuing times, RSW stands out with 66.67% of 4 or 5-star reviews, surpassing airports like Portland, Oregon (61.29%), Tampa (57.45%) and Orlando (45.00%).
• CO2 Emissions: The airport produces only 79 grams of CO2 emissions per passenger, which is the second lowest in the U.S.

With 14 airline partners and 60 nonstop destinations, RSW is committed to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers. The ongoing $331 million expansion project, which began in October 2021, aims to improve airport efficiency and provide travelers with more amenities and options. Whether you’re flying in or out of RSW, you’re in good hands!

Getting from RSW Airport to Bonita Springs

To get from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Bonita Springs, you have a few options for airport transportation:

1. By Car:
   • The quickest way is to drive. It’s approximately 18.9 miles from the airport to Bonita Springs.
   • Take I-75 South and then exit onto Imperial Parkway. This route should take around 22 minutes.
   • Alternatively, you can take Daniels Parkway and then join I-75 South for a slightly longer route.
   • Rental Cars are easily accessible at the airport – just across from baggage. we recommend National Car Rental as a good way to get your car.
2. By Bus (Good Luck):
   • If you prefer public transportation, you can take the bus.
   • First, take the Line 50 bus from RSW to South Fort Myers Transfer/P&R Arrival.
   • Then transfer to the Line 240 bus from South Fort Myers Transfer/P&R Departure to Coconut Pt. Mall – PLAZA DEL LAGO @ MEDITERRANEAN in Bonita Springs. The total journey time is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes.
3. By Taxi, Rideshare or Private Transfers:
   • You can also take a taxi or a town car directly from the airport to Bonita Springs. The travel time is around 22 minutes.

Other Bonita Springs Airport Options

If RSW doesn’t meet your transportation needs, then here are two other small airports that you may consider as best options:

1. Naples Municipal Airport (APF), 18 miles away. Naples Airport located just two miles northeast of the central business district of Naples, Florida, is the closest airport.  However, it primarily serves general aviation. Unfortunately, at the moment no scheduled commercial flights are operating from this airport.  It is situated minutes away from downtown Naples, and I-75. It offers convenient access for pilots and passengers.
2. Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), 50 miles away.  Okay, we may be reaching on this one, but Punta Gorda Airport, located on Florida’s southwest coast between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, offers convenient air travel options and is a very easy airport to access. Sun Country and Allegiant Airlines provide low-cost, nonstop air service from PGD to more than 50 destinations.

Other Major Airports (perhaps more accessible for international flights than RSW, but further away):

1. Fort Lauderdale – 116 miles away
2. Miami International Airport – 127 miles away
3. W. Palm Beach – 154 miles away
4. Tampa International Airport– 156 miles away
5. Sarasota-Bradenton Airport – 108 miles away

Why Visit Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs is a welcoming beach community in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples. Accordingly, it offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and sparkling beaches. It has great beaches, parks and golf courses. Here are some compelling reasons to visit:

Parks in Bonita Springs:

1. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: This pristine park is a gem for nature enthusiasts. With its 2.5-mile beach adorned with natural vegetation, it’s perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, and swimming in the shallow blue waters. The park also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
2. Clam Pass Park: Another coastal treasure, Clam Pass Park boasts scenic beauty, wildlife, and a serene atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for beach lovers and those seeking tranquility.
3. Dog Beach Park: If you’re traveling with your furry friend, this rightly named park is one of Florida’s only no-leash beaches. The secluded shoreline and shallow waters make it a top choice for pet-friendly beach outings.
4. Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center: Explore the local flora and fauna at this educational center. Fishing and outdoor activities are popular here, and you’ll find a deep appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.

Whether you’re a beachcomber, a nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, Bonita Springs offers a warm welcome and a chance to connect with the beauty of Southwest Florida. It is a sought-after destination for both visitors and residents.

Where to Play Golf in Bonita Springs

Certainly! If you’re looking for great golf courses in Bonita Springs and Naples, you’re in for a treat. Here are some top-notch options:

Bonita Springs Golf Courses:

1. Spanish Wells Country Club:
   • Features 27 holes of Championship Golf in three different 18-hole combinations.
   • The landscape embodies the natural beauty of Bonita Springs with tropical palms, mature oak trees, and diverse water features.
2. Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club (South Course):
   • A public course with scenic views and well-maintained fairways.
   • Offers an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all levels.
3. Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club (East Course):
   • Another public course within the Spanish Wells community.
   • Known for its friendly atmosphere and challenging layout.

Naples Golf Courses:

1. Tiburón Golf Club (Gold Course):
   • Designed by Greg Norman, this course is situated in the heart of North Naples.
   • Features stacked sod wall bunkers and no conventional rough.
   • Home to the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout.
2. Tiburón Golf Club (Black Course):
   • Nestled among Florida pines, the Black Course offers undulating greens and crushed coquina waste areas.
   • Another gem at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples.
3. Old Corkscrew Golf Club:
   • Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course is routed through the natural landscape of Southwest Florida.
   • No homes, just cypress trees, tall pines, and wetlands.
   • A challenging layout that demands accuracy over distance.
4. Naples Grande Golf Club:
   • Located in Naples, this private club offers a rigorous yet beautiful course.
   • Designed by architect Rees Jones, it features numerous water features and dramatic elevation changes.

Remember to check tee times and availability before planning your golf outing. If you are interested in other golfing opportunities outside of Bonita Springs, please visit our post: How Many Golf Courses are there in the World.

Best Beaches in Bonita Springs

Certainly! Bonita Springs, nestled along the Southwest Florida coast, boasts several beautiful beaches. Here are some of the best ones:

Barefoot Beach Preserve:

Little Hickory Beach Park:

Bonita Springs Public Beach:

Dog Beach Park:

Remember to pack your sunscreen and enjoy the sun-kissed shores of Bonita Springs! 

Bonita Springs Growth

Bonita Springs, located in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples, has experienced steady growth over the past 25 years. Cos first visited the area back in the 1980s. Bonita Springs was little more than a small dot on the map back then. Here are the details:

Population Growth:

• The city’s growth rate of 2.62% annually has contributed to its expanding population.
• Bonita Springs is growing moderately quickly; it is growing faster than 80% of similarly sized cities since 2000.
• Since the year 2000, Bonita Springs has grown by 66.1%. As of 2024, the metro area population stands at 472,000, reflecting a 1.72% increase from the previous year.

Reasons for Growth

1. Centrally Located: Bonita Springs lies between Fort Myers and Naples, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and healthcare. Its smaller size and proximity to larger cities make it an attractive choice for residents.
2. Great Winter Weather: With temperatures in the 70s and 80s during winter, accompanied by plenty of sunshine, Bonita Springs offers a delightful climate for snowbirds and year-round residents alike.
3. Access to Beautiful Beaches: Pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast are a major draw. Crystal-clear waters and enchanting shorelines make it a beach lover’s paradise.
4. Enchanting Nature Preserves: Surrounded by vibrant nature preserves, Bonita Springs showcases Florida’s diverse ecosystems. These natural areas provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of wildlife.
5. World-Class Golfing: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class golf courses in the area, making it a golfer’s dream destination.
6. Not Overly Commercialized: Unlike some parts of Southwest Florida, Bonita Springs maintains a quaint, small-town feel with fewer chain stores and franchised restaurants.
7. Good Educational Options: The city offers educational facilities for families, contributing to its appeal.
8. No State Income Taxes: Florida’s lack of state income tax is an added benefit for residents.

In summary, Bonita Springs combines natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to visit or to live.