Getting to Captiva Island is now a little quicker, even if it comes with a slight cost increase. Cash payments are no longer an option at the Sanibel Causeway Toll. Each car crossing the bridge will automatically get charged electronically. Which means you no longer wait in line to pay at the booth in cash. Now, you keep driving straight to paradise and pay later.
Sanibel Causeway Toll – $9+ Charge For Vacation Goers
The basic toll for most passenger vehicles on the Sanibel Causeway is still $6. But as of Oct. 1, 2021, vehicles crossing the causeway without an eligible transponder will be charged an additional $3 administrative fee. The Lee County fee was temporarily suspended at the start of the pandemic but now it’s back for good.
The charge is assessed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Watch: Administrative fees for tolls will resume Oct. 1.
Surcharges In Addition to $9 Toll
Of all the RSW ground transportation options, renting a car provides you the greatest flexibility. Of course, this means you’re far less likely to have a toll transponder and will have to pay $9 to cross the causeway. On top of this, you could face a convenience charge assessed by your rental car agency.
Below are the RSW rental car options, along with their listed convenience charge for tolls. These charges are in addition to the $9 Lee County charge and charges are only added once per calendar day you use a toll.
- Alamo: $3.95 per calendar day, $19.75 maximum charge per rental period.
- Avis: $3.95 per calendar day, $19.75 maximum charge per rental month.
- Budget: $3.95 per calendar day, $14.75 maximum charge per rental month
- Dollar: Their PlatePass rates vary, consult with Dollar / $9.99 per toll when not enrolled in their Plate Pass system.
- Enterprise: $3.95 per calendar day, $19.75 maximum charge per rental period.
- Hertz: $5.95 per calendar day with no maximum charge.
- National: $3.95 per calendar day, $19.75 maximum charge per rental period.
- Payless Car Rental: $6.95 per calendar day, $34.75 maximum charge per rental period.
- Sixt: Consult with Sixt about toll payment charges.
- Thrifty: Their PlatePass rates vary, consult with Thrifty / $9.99 per toll when not enrolled in their Plate Pass system.
All in, expect a total charge between $12.95 and $14.95 for crossing the Sanibel Causeway, with the final charges sometimes appearing weeks after you return your rental car. Keep in mind you’ll only be charged for entering the islands, not leaving them.
Avoiding The Extra Charges
The simplest way to avoid the administrative fee and those pesky rental car “convenience” charges is to bring your E-ZPass transponder, if you have one. E-ZPass is the electronic toll transponder used in 19 states in the eastern half of the United States. LeeWay is now compatible with the E-ZPass system.
If you are a frequent visitor to Lee County and cross the toll bridges often, you can also get your own LeeWay transponder.
Either option will cut your Sanibel Causeway toll charge in half. And that’s enough money in your pocket to enjoy an ice cold cocktail at your favorite island cantina.
