Scheduled Uber pickup in Sanibel

Question

I have to get from Sanibel to MIA airport. I was thinking about scheduling an Uber pickup. How reliable are uber pickups on Sanibel? Do they come if schedule or decide they don't want to come depending upon conditions or realizing that you have to cross over the causeway (and pay a fare) to make the pickup?

I can't afford to have to scramble to find a way to the airport if a driver decides to drop out at the last minute.

Answer

Sanibel Island is a small, mostly residential island, and while Uber and other rideshare services do operate there, availability can be limited compared to larger cities. Scheduling a ride in advance is possible through the app, but there are some important considerations to ensure reliability when heading to Miami International Airport (MIA).

Reliability of Uber on Sanibel:

Scheduled pickups on Sanibel can work, but drivers are limited in number. Sometimes the app may assign a driver who is coming from off-island, which can increase wait time or lead to cancellations.
The causeway toll ($6 per vehicle, one way) can occasionally affect whether drivers accept a ride. Most drivers will still take the ride if properly paid in the fare, but it’s more common for local drivers to prefer short trips on the island itself.
Because Sanibel is small and rideshare coverage is limited, there is a slight risk that a driver could cancel close to the pickup time, especially if conditions are unusual or demand elsewhere is higher.

Options to Ensure a Smooth Trip to MIA:

Book in advance with a local taxi or private car service: Many Sanibel-based companies specialize in airport transfers and have guaranteed service. Examples include Sanibel Taxi & Airport Shuttle or Fort Myers-based private car services.
Confirm Uber availability the day before: Open the Uber app from your location and check how many drivers are nearby. If there are very few, it may be safer to pre-arrange a local shuttle or taxi.
Consider a hybrid plan: Schedule an Uber or rideshare pickup as a backup, but confirm a local private car or shuttle in advance so you are not left stranded if a driver cancels.

Practical Tip: For long-distance rides like Sanibel to MIA (approximately 150 miles, around 2.5–3 hours), using a dedicated airport shuttle or private car service is often more reliable and can be more comfortable, especially with luggage. While Uber is technically possible, its reliability on Sanibel is not guaranteed, particularly for scheduled early morning pickups or during high-demand periods.

Summary: You can try scheduling an Uber from Sanibel to MIA, but for peace of mind and to avoid last-minute scrambling, it’s strongly recommended to book a local shuttle or private car service in advance. This ensures your airport transfer is secure, on time, and without unexpected cancellations.