By the iRent Car Rental team · Miami car rental since 2015 · Updated October 3, 2026 · ★ Read our Google reviews
Beyond Miami Beach and the Keys, Florida has a string of islands you can drive to — Gulf coast shelling beaches, a Space Coast wildlife refuge, and a Victorian seaport near Georgia. Here's how far each one is from Miami and what to know before you go.
Short answer: From Miami, Hutchinson Island (about 1 hr 45 min) and Marco Island (about 2 hrs) are the closest, Sanibel & Captiva take 2.5–3 hours, Merritt Island about 3, Anna Maria Island 3.5–4, and Amelia Island about 5.5 hours. All are reachable by bridge or causeway — no ferry needed. Pick up an iRent car in Miami: out-of-state renters get unlimited Florida mileage, and the car comes back to an iRent branch in South Florida at the end.
Drive times from Miami
| Island | Where | Distance | Drive time | Route |
|---|
| Hutchinson Island | Stuart / Jensen Beach | about 110 mi | about 1 hr 45 min | Turnpike or I-95 |
| Marco Island | Gulf coast, south of Naples | about 110 mi | about 2 hrs | US-41 (Tamiami Trail) or I-75 |
| Sanibel & Captiva | Gulf coast, Fort Myers | about 155 mi | about 2.5–3 hrs | I-75; toll on the Sanibel Causeway |
| Merritt Island | Space Coast, by Cape Canaveral | about 190 mi | about 3 hrs | Turnpike or I-95 |
| Anna Maria Island | Gulf coast, Bradenton | about 230 mi | about 3.5–4 hrs | I-75 |
| Amelia Island | Northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach | about 360 mi | about 5.5 hrs | I-95 |
Times are without stops or traffic. Prefer the Florida Keys or Miami's own islands? See our Florida Keys car rental guide and Miami Beach car rental.
The islands
Hutchinson Island — the closest escape
A long barrier island off Stuart and Jensen Beach on the Atlantic, with quiet beaches and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. An easy day trip up the coast.
Marco Island — the Gulf, two hours away
The largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, south of Naples. The Tamiami Trail (US-41) crosses the Everglades on the way — pair it with our Miami to Naples drive. Day trip or an easy weekend.
Sanibel & Captiva — shelling beaches
Famous for seashells and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel is reached by the Sanibel Causeway (a toll applies), and Captiva sits just north of it across a short bridge. Best as an overnight trip.
Merritt Island — rockets and wildlife
Next to Cape Canaveral, with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex nearby. Check the launch schedule — a launch day makes the drive unforgettable, and busier.
Anna Maria Island — old-Florida beach town
A low-key island off Bradenton with a free island trolley, so you can park the car and ride. It's a long drive from Miami, so plan at least two nights.
Amelia Island — the far north
Near the Georgia border, with the historic seaport of Fernandina Beach. At about 5.5 hours each way, it's a multi-day trip — often combined with St. Augustine on the way up.
Tips for a Florida island road trip in a rental
- Mileage: out-of-state renters get unlimited mileage within Florida with iRent. Florida residents: ask about mileage terms when booking.
- Tolls: Florida's Turnpike and Alligator Alley (I-75) are cashless; iRent cars are SunPass-ready from $10.
- Return: the car goes back to an iRent branch in South Florida (Miami, Sunny Isles Beach or Fort Lauderdale), so plan the drive back.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 — check the forecast and any bridge or causeway closures before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest island to Miami you can drive to?
Miami Beach and Key Biscayne are connected to Miami by causeways and take minutes. For a day trip further out, Key Largo is about 1 hour south, and Hutchinson Island about 1 hour 45 minutes north.
How far is Marco Island from Miami?
About 110 miles, roughly 2 hours by car via US-41 (the Tamiami Trail) through the Everglades, or via I-75.
How far is Sanibel Island from Miami?
About 155 miles, 2.5 to 3 hours via I-75 to Fort Myers, then the Sanibel Causeway, which has a toll. Captiva is just north of Sanibel by bridge.
Can I drive an iRent car from Miami to these islands?
Yes. iRent cars can be driven anywhere in Florida. Out-of-state renters get unlimited mileage within Florida, cars are SunPass-ready, and the car is returned to an iRent branch in South Florida.
Do I need a ferry to reach any of these islands?
No. Marco, Sanibel, Captiva, Anna Maria, Hutchinson, Merritt and Amelia islands are all reached by bridges or causeways.
Distances and drive times are approximate, from Miami via the routes shown. Checked October 2026 — confirm tolls and any construction before you travel.