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You are here: Home / Getting Here and Travel Tips
Getting Here and Travel Tips
Getting Here
Fly
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), the region’s largest airport, is just 40 minutes to the north in Fort Myers via I-75. Most major domestic airlines serve the airport. The airport has a newly expanded terminal and has good reviews from travellers for the welcome and customs process (www.flylcpa.com). International travellers may also fly into Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport or Orlando International Airport then drive to Naples.
Direct flights into Naples Municipal Airport (www.flynaples.com) are available from Fort Lauderdale, Key West and the Bahamas on Yellow Air Taxi; and the airport is a DayJet DayPort location with per seat regional service from many other DayJet airport locations.
Naples Air, Inc. is an FAA authorized air charter company approved to fly to 48 states, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Naples Air provides charter services covering a wide range of needs, and serves customers at Naples Municipal Airport, Marco Island, Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. They also offer scenic bi-plane rides out of Naples Municipal Airport.
Drive
Main access to the area is via I-75, known as Alligator Alley. You can drive I-75/Alligator Alley to Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City from either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. From I-75, four exits offer drivers entry into the area. Exit 101 to SR 84 leads visitors to downtown Naples. This is the best exit for visiting Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, the Naples Pier and the many shops, galleries and restaurants in Old Naples. Exit 101 is also the exit for Marco Island - just follow Collier Boulevard (SR 951) west to the island. Exit 105 provides east and west access via Golden Gate Parkway. Exit 107 (Pine Ridge Road) leads you directly to U.S. 41 and the heart of Naples. Exit 111 (Immokalee Road) leads to North Naples to the west and the National Audubon Society's renowned Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, just 15 miles east. Coming south from Orlando, take I-4 west toward Tampa, then exit onto I-75 and drive south to Naples.
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City and Immokalee can also be reached from Miami via U.S. Highway 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. This road is easily accessible from Miami International Airport. The Tamiami Trail, designated as a National Scenic Byway and Florida Scenic Highway, celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2008. This two-hour drive takes you through the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. There are numerous scenic stops along the way. Drivers passing at sunrise and sunset are often rewarded with stunningly beautiful imagery. Anytime of the day you may also spot many species of birds and wildlife.
For the latest traffic information, you can call 511 toll-free from a USA phone. Ask for Southwest Florida 511 and then say either the road name or city name for news. You can also visit www.SouthwestFlorida511.com.
Public Transportation
Greyhound Bus Line offers regular service into Naples.
2540 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL 34104-4331
(239) 774-5660
Collier Area Transit offers the public CAT bus service within Collier County.
The Naples Trolley (www.naplestrolleytours.com) is a private trolley tour service operating in Naples. The Naples Trolley Tour is narrated, with a lot of information about local shopping and attractions. You can get on and off the trolley as many times as you wish with a one-day ticket. (800) 592-0848
Airport Shuttle/Limousine
MBA Airport Transportation, www.mbaairport.com, (239) 225-0428
Alligator Alley Express, www.alligatoralleyexpress.com, (239) 643-7209
Ambassador Limousine, www.ambassadorlimo.net/exec.html, (239) 948-1522
Checker Cab/Metro Cab, (239)-455-5555
Classic Luxury Airport Transportation, www.classicluxurytransportation.com, (239) 394-1888
Cruisers/Atlas Limousines, (239) 226-0237
Dolphin Transportation, www.dolphintransportation.com, (239) 530-0100
Gulf Coast Luxury Limousines (239) 394-4687
Naples Airport Shuttle, www.naplesairportshuttle.com, (888) 569-2227
Naples Transportation, Tours & Event Planning, www.napleseventplanningandtours.com, (800) 592-0848
Travel Tips
What to Bring
The Paradise Coast is a casual, warm-weather destination, so informal, lightweight clothing will serve you well. For nights, especially in winter, consider bringing a sweater or blazer because the air can become cool. Air-conditioned restaurants, hotels and stores can also be chilly.
Shopping
Shopping is excellent in Naples and Marco Island. You’ll find plenty of resort casual clothing and beachwear. There are more than 100 art galleries in the greater Naples area with everything from locally inspired tropical scenes to collectible art. For personal hygiene items and medicine, visit a CVS or Walgreens pharmacy. If you have a room with a kitchen or mini-refrigerator, you will find good snack and meal items along with wine and beer at any Publix supermarket or at Wynn’s market in Naples.
Documents
A passport is required for entry from any of the 27 visa waiver countries into the United States. Beginning in January 2009, all visa waiver travelers, including children, must complete the Electronic System of Travel Authorization - or ESTA, prior to departing on their trip. This online registration replaces the inbound customs information form that used to be filled out on the airplane. For more information, click here . Your tour operator or travel agent can also provide assistance with the ESTA, or visit the official ESTA Web site. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c4C4E4FF8-76E4-6BA2-F98A-8E81802F7DF6_kEA308C55-67F6-A013-9B36-1E8D3C4963A4 Filling out your ESTA application is free and easy.
Once You’re Here
Get directions to your destinations or refer to this map before heading out from your hotel.
If you need immediate medical or police assistance, dial 9-1-1. The call is free on a pay phone.
Be aware of the customary American practice of tipping in restaurants. Most restaurant servers are paid very small wages, and make most of their income from tips. The standard tip for a meal is between 15%-18% of the total, or 20% for especially good service. Some resorts and restaurants will automatically include the tip on the check, but most do not and customers are expected to add in a tip of their choice.
Driving
Florida law requires safety belts for all front-seat automobile passengers. Children younger than age four and weighing less than 40 pounds [approximately 18 kg.] must be in a child safety car seat.
Obey all traffic signs and speed limits. Remember to use your indicators before changing lanes or turning. Unless there is a sign that says NO RIGHT TURN ON RED, you may turn right during a red (stop) light from the right lane after coming to a full stop, and then checking to make sure the way is clear.
Florida law requires that drivers turn on their headlights in the rain.
Do not drive while intoxicated. The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are quite severe and may include jail time and a large monetary fine. Arrange for a sober, designated driver or use taxis or limos if you plan to imbibe spirits.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is available at a few Paradise Coast locations. Cashpoint machines are much more plentiful and allow debit and credit card users to withdraw money from their home accounts. You can access your account from any cashpoint machine (or ATM) whose symbols are the same as those on the back of your debit or credit card. Be sure to remember the PIN associated with your credit or debit card.
Oftentimes, major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at restaurants, attractions, stores and accommodations.
Travelex America, on the second floor at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, can exchange most currencies.
Travelex America
Southwest Florida International Airport
11000 Terminal Access Rd.
Fort Myers, FL 33913
239-561-2204
www.flylcpa.com
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