Getting Around Palm Island Resort: Island Access, Nearby Cities & Transportation
A Private Island Retreat with Easy Access to Southwest Florida
Palm Island Resort offers a secluded private island resort experience in Florida, just a six-minute car ferry ride across the Intracoastal Waterway from the mainland. While the distance may be measured in yards, the true journey is toward relaxation and peace, away from everyday distractions. Guests enjoy the perfect balance of island privacy with proximity to the cultural, recreational, and dining attractions of Sarasota and Southwest Florida.
Palm Island Resort is ideally located between Florida’s western hub of Tampa/St. Petersburg and Southwest Florida’s largest city, Cape Coral. Easily accessible via Interstate 75 and within driving distance of several major airports, the resort offers convenient access to a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions. Just 45 minutes from Sarasota, Palm Island Resort places guests near a vibrant arts and cultural scene, world-class beaches, fine dining, and entertainment options suitable for every taste and budget. This unique location combines big city amenities with the charm of small-town, coastal Florida living, making it perfect for family vacations, destination weddings, and group getaways.
GPS Coordinates for the Car Ferry:
• 26.870734N
• 82.31136W
Hours of Operation: Click Here for Palm Island Transit
Directions from Major Cities
From Tampa/North:
Take I-275 S to I-75 S (~75 miles). Exit at N. River Rd (Exit 191), turn right onto River Rd (~10 miles), left onto Winchester Blvd (~7 miles), then left onto Placida Rd (~1.6 miles) to Panama Rd. Follow signs to the Palm Island Ferry Transit, and continue 1 mile to the resort.
From Fort Myers/South:
Take I-75 N to Exit 170 (Kings Highway/Arcadia/Port Charlotte), left onto Kings Highway, first right onto Veterans Boulevard/SR-776 (~15 miles), then left onto Gasparilla Road/CR77 (~12 miles). Turn left onto Panama Blvd to the Palm Island Transit Car Ferry Landing, board the ferry, and continue 1 mile to Palm Island Resort.
Nearby Airports for Easy Travel
Palm Island Resort is conveniently located within driving distance of several major airports:
TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TPA) is about 100 miles north and is served by most major airlines with a variety of nonstop flights from many different destinations, with seasonal service provided by charter carriers.
ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PIE) is about 90 miles north and is served by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, and seasonal Canadian service provided by SunWing.
SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) is about 50 miles north and is served by several major domestic and commuter carriers as well as seasonal international and domestic charter carriers.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RSW) is located about 70 miles south and is served by most major airlines with a variety of nonstop flights from many different destinations, with seasonal service provided by charter carriers.
PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT (PGD) is conveniently located in Charlotte County, about 35 miles south, and is served by Allegiant Air with nonstop service to over 45 destinations. Air Trek also provides private jet charter service.


