Nearest Airports in Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida, a popular tourist destination, is served by two airports: Naples Municipal Airport (APF) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages for travelers.
Naples Municipal Airport (APF), located a mere 9-minute drive from the city centre, is ideal for private and smaller aircraft travelers. Its proximity makes it highly convenient, especially for quick access to Naples [1][2]. However, APF caters mostly to private pilots and travelers with private jets, as it does not offer extensive commercial airline service [5].
On the other hand, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), situated approximately 36 miles from Naples, is the primary full-service commercial airport for the region [1][2]. RSW boasts a wide variety of airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, and more, offering numerous domestic and international flights [1]. The airport also features modern facilities with TSA PreCheck, food, shops, lounges, and excellent car rental services directly connected to the terminal [1].
However, RSW's distance from Naples results in a 45-minute drive, and during peak winter and spring seasons, the airport can be quite busy, with longer TSA security lines, larger crowds, and higher parking/transport costs [1].
For those who prefer public transportation, the Lee County Transit bus 50 transfers to Lee County Transit 240 and then to Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus 600/11 for the journey to the airport. This option, however, takes approximately 4-5 hours and costs $5-8 in total (multiple fares) [3].
When it comes to ground transportation, driving and renting a car includes fuel and rental fees, approximately $6-9 in fuel plus the rental cost [4]. Shared shuttle services take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, costing around $25-50 per person, while private town car services take the same time and cost $100-150 [4]. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) take around 39-47 minutes and cost around $50-80 for a taxi and approximately $61 for Uber [6].
In summary, Naples Municipal Airport (APF) offers unmatched proximity and convenience for private and smaller plane travelers but limited commercial flight options, while Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) provides a broad range of commercial flights and amenities at the expense of a longer drive and busier airport environment [1][2][5]. Your choice depends on whether proximity or flight availability and services are your priority.
References: [1] https://www.flylcpa.com/ [2] https://www.flyrsw.org/ [3] https://www.leegov.com/transit/Pages/Routes.aspx [4] https://www.flyrsw.org/ground-transportation [5] Naples Municipal Airport (APF) Information, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.flyapf.com/ [6] Naples, Florida Taxi and Rideshare Fares, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.taxifarefinder.com/usa/florida/naples/
- For travelers seeking a quick and convenient airport, Naples Municipal Airport (APF) offers its proximity to the city center, making it an ideal choice for private and smaller aircraft travelers.
- In contrast, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located further from Naples, offers a wider variety of airlines with numerous domestic and international flights.
- RSW caters to commercial flights and features modern facilities with TSA PreCheck, food, shops, lounges, and excellent car rental services directly connected to the terminal.
- However, the distance from Naples results in a longer drive to RSW, and during peak seasons, the airport can be quite busy, with longer TSA security lines, larger crowds, and higher parking/transportation costs.
- Public transportation options are available, but the journey to the airport via bus 50 and transferring to CAT bus 600/11 takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- For those preferring ground transportation, driving and renting a car, shared shuttle services, private town car services, taxis, and rideshares are available; each option varies in cost, duration, and affordability.
- Ultimately, the choice of airport depends on whether proximity to the destination, commercial flight availability, or accessible amenities and services is a priority in one's travel, lifestyle, or financial planning.
