Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs: Best Routes & Stops To Make!

Are you traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Bonita Springs and wondering what the best way to get between the two is?

These two Southern Florida cities are well known for their access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

They’re nice beach communities that are popular for travelers, especially spring breakers.

In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to get between the two, the stops to make along the way, and anything else that you’ll need to know for your Florida visit.

Flying From Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs: Airlines & Total Travel Time

While driving between these two Florida destinations will be faster, there is an option to fly if that’s what you prefer.

The airports that you’ll fly in and out of are the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Southwest Florida International Airport.

The flights between these two cities tend to be fairly long since they usually have layovers in places like New York or Texas.

This means that most flights are more than 6 hours long.  Although as the crow flies, the flight would only be around 100 miles.

The flights are also typically expensive, usually costing between $200 and $400/person. 

So while flying can oftentimes be more convenient, for getting between Bonita Springs and Fort Lauderdale, it typically isn’t the best choice.

Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs: Driving Distance

If you’re planning to make the drive from Fort Lauderdale to Bonita Springs, you’ll be glad to know that it’s a short and straightforward trip.

The drive will only take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes, which totals out to be about 120 miles.

Once you’ve made it out of the Fort Lauderdale area, you luckily won’t experience much traffic either, which will help keep the trip fast.

Almost the entire drive is along Interstate 75, just until you turn off into Bonita Springs.

There’s only one main route between these two destinations, which I’ll cover below.

But if you want to avoid tolls, there is an option for you.

Routes To Take Between Bonita Springs And Fort Lauderdale

There are a few different routes to take between these two cities.  The main route will get you there quickly and offers a straight shot without many turns, but it has tolls.

On the other hand, if you want to avoid tolls, you can take the roundabout way, which takes a bit longer.

Via I-75 (Fastest Option)

The main route that takes you between Bonita Springs and Fort Lauderdale will take you just under 2 hours of driving time.

It’s a fast drive with the shortest distance, and you’ll follow Interstate 75, otherwise known as the Everglades Parkway, for almost the entire thing, so it’s easy to follow.

After leaving the Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood area, you’ll jump right into I-75 and follow that until you’ve reached the turn-off for Bonita Springs.

You will find a toll along the Everglades Parkway that you’ll need to pass, which will cost you around $3 for a two-axel vehicle.  This is the fastest and cheapest way to get there.

Via US Highway 27 & FL-80 (Avoid Tolls)

If you don’t want to pay any tolls, consider taking the long way around.  This route will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes, or around 160 miles.

This route takes you up US Highway 27 and then onto FL-80 where you’ll go through Fort Meyers.

From Fort Meyers, you’ll connect to I-75 and make your way to Bonita Springs.

Because this road distance is so much longer, you really won’t save much more money than if you were to just pay the toll.

Although it is nice to skip tolls, taking the shorter route with tolls will actually end up saving you time and money!

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes? 

If you take the fastest route, along I-75 or the Everglades Parkway, you will pass a toll during your drive.  The toll will only cost around $3 for a two-axel vehicle.

If you really don’t want to pay any tolls, you can go around and follow US Highway 27 and FL-80, but it’ll end up taking an extra hour and 40 extra miles.

So it ends up being worth it to just pay the toll to take the shorter route.

Is There A Shuttle From Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs?

Unfortunately, there is no shuttle that takes people from Fort Lauderdale to Bonita Springs, or reverse directions.

But, there is one option if you aren’t wanting to fly or drive yourself.

Greyhound bus companies travel frequently between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, Florida, which is just a short distance south of Bonita Springs.

There are typically 2 buses per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon that stop at the airport and bus stations.

The ride is direct and only takes about 2 hours.  It’ll cost around $20-30.

But, since you won’t be dropped off right in Bonita Springs, you’ll need to find a way from Naples to wherever you’re going.  A taxi fare might cost around $30-40.

Stops To Make Between Fort Lauderdale And Bonita Springs

If you’ve chosen to take a road trip, there are many stops between these two cities to stop at that will make your trip more entertaining.  Here are a few of the best.

Hollywood

Before you leave the Fort Lauderdale area, make a stop in Hollywood.

While it has the same name as the home to movie stars in California, this Hollywood is much different.

Walk along the Hollywood Broadwalk, which lines the ocean, relax on Hollywood North Beach, or wander downtown into the shops and restaurants.

Everglades Swamp Tours

Just as you’re leaving Fort Lauderdale, you’ll come across a small tour company known as Everglades Swamp Tours.

Since you’re so close to the Everglades, it only makes sense to take a tour of the swampy wetlands.

At Everglades Swamp Tours, you’ll take an airboat tour through the wetlands in search of wildlife like alligators and coastal birds.

They have over 60 years of experience bringing people to the Everglades, so you can bet that they’ll provide you with the best experience!

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

If you’d like the possibility of seeing Florida’s largest cat in its natural habitat, the place to do it is at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge was created to protect the habitat of the Florida panther, which has lost much of its habitat due to human expansion.

There are plenty of trails throughout the refuge that you can wander and search for panthers, although they can be tricky to find.

Naples Botanical Garden

This nearly 200-acre botanical garden showcases some of the most beautiful tropical plants in its gardens.

They’ve received awards for garden excellence in the past and work to keep their gardens sustainable.

You can visit on your trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bonita Springs and admire all of the hard work that’s put into keeping a botanical garden together. 

Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs – FAQs

Is Fort Lauderdale Close To Bonita Springs?

Fort Lauderdale and Bonita Springs are only about 2 hours or 116 miles apart from each other.

How Do I Get From Fort Lauderdale To Naples Without A Car?

The best way to get between Fort Lauderdale and Naples without a car is by either taking a flight or a Greyhound bus.

How Far Is Bonita To Fort Lauderdale?

Bonita Springs is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale.

How Far Is Bonita Beach To Ft. Lauderdale?

The drive to get from Bonita Beach in Bonita Springs to Fort Lauderdale is just under 2 hours or 115 miles.

Wrap-Up: Fort Lauderdale To Bonita Springs

If you’re visiting Southern Florida, two of the best places to go are Fort Lauderdale and Bonita Springs, for their great beaches and access to ocean activities.

There are many ways to get between the two, depending on how you want to do it.

From flying or driving yourself or hopping aboard a bus and watching the Everglades go by, there are a few choices.

Either way, a visit from Fort Lauderdale to Bonita Springs will be a great way to spend your time in the Sunshine State!