RSW Rental Car Guide: Southwest Florida International Airport
Renting a car at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at RSW that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at RSW
Rental counters are in the Rental Car Service Center on the ground level of the parking garage, directly across the street from baggage claim. No shuttle needed.
Go down to baggage claim, exit the terminal and cross the street to the service center. Off-airport Fox Rent A Car uses the shuttle pickup point at the east end of the parking garage, lower level.
RSW pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Florida adds a $2 per day rental car surcharge (first 30 days), plus 6.5% sales tax (6% state plus Lee County's 0.5% surtax) and airport charges such as a concession recovery fee. Check your agreement for the exact amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at RSW can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at RSW
RSW hosts 10 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Payless, Dollar and Thrifty (usually the lowest base rates; compare the all-in total)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
RSW-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
On-airport rental at RSW is a short walk from baggage claim, so off-airport only makes sense if the price gap is big.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Fox Rent A Car picks up by shuttle at the east end of the parking garage and can be cheaper; check its hours against your flight times.
How to save the most at RSW
- Compare the all-in total. At RSW, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at RSW?
Cross the street from baggage claim to the Rental Car Service Center on the ground level of the garage; no shuttle needed.
What is the average rental car price at RSW?
There is no reliable average for RSW: rates peak in season, roughly January to April. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at RSW?
Florida's $2 daily rental surcharge, 6.5% sales tax (6% state plus Lee County's 0.5% surtax), and airport charges such as a concession recovery fee.
Which rental car company is best at RSW?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Payless, Dollar and Thrifty usually have the lowest base rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from RSW?
Only if the price gap is big. Fox is off-airport and picks up by shuttle at the east end of the garage, lower level; compare all-in totals.
Are there any quirks to renting at RSW?
Local bridges, the Sanibel Causeway and Alligator Alley are tolled, so bring a SunPass-compatible transponder or check the rental toll fees.