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RSW traffic

My Hertz rental rez warns me that there is congestion at RSW airport. How bad is this so I can figure how much time to allot when I return the vehicle?

Thanks in advance

RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) in Fort Myers does experience periodic congestion, particularly during peak travel times such as early morning, late afternoon, and around holiday periods. Traffic delays are usually caused by a combination of rental car returns, passenger drop-offs/pick-ups, and ongoing road construction projects near the airport entrances.

Here’s what to expect and tips to plan your timing:

  • Rental Car Returns: The Hertz, Enterprise, and other rental car lots are located a short drive from the terminal. Returning your vehicle can take 15–25 minutes on average, depending on the time of day.
  • Peak Traffic Times: Morning (6–9 am) and late afternoon (4–7 pm) tend to be busiest. If your flight is during these periods, allow extra time for potential delays on the airport access roads.
  • Construction Alerts: There have been recent projects improving roadway access and parking areas. While they may cause minor slowdowns, construction is mostly localized to entry/exit ramps rather than the main airport lanes.

Suggested time allotment:

  • During off-peak hours: 20–30 minutes should suffice for returning the rental car and getting to the terminal.
  • During peak hours or if you want to be extra cautious: allow 35–45 minutes.
  • Check live traffic apps (Google Maps, Waze) before you leave for real-time updates on congestion and estimated drive times.

Overall, while RSW is not as congested as major hubs like MCO or MIA, giving yourself extra buffer time—especially if returning a car and checking in for a flight—is recommended to avoid stress.

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