How to Get to Fort Lauderdale. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is well-served by several airports. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the most direct option.

Airport Options

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Main airport for Fort Lauderdale; hub for Spirit Airlines, focus city for Southwest Airlines.
Miami International Airport (MIA): ~30 miles south; major international gateway, American Airlines hub, more direct international flights.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): ~45 miles north; smaller, less crowded, relaxed travel experience.

Airlines and Routes from FLL

FLL connects to most major U.S. Cities and offers many international flights, especially to the Caribbean and Latin America.

Flight Information

Domestic: Direct flights to most major U.S. cities via Spirit, Southwest, American, Delta, United, JetBlue.
International: Direct flights to Canada, Caribbean, Latin America. Limited direct European flights, usually connecting via U.S./European hubs.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Flights are most frequent and expensive Dec-April. Lower prices in summer/early autumn. Booking 3-6 months ahead for peak season.

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Airport Facilities and Transfers FLL

FLL Services

Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals.
Variety of dining and retail options.
Currency exchange services available.
Airline and credit card lounges.

Transfer Options from FLL

Taxi: $25-$40 to downtown/beach areas.
Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): Designated pickup zones, competitive fares ($20-$30).
Broward County Transit (BCT) Bus (Route 1): $2.00, connects to downtown.
Tri-Rail: Commuter rail to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties (via shuttle).

Airport Terminal View

Terminal Overview

FLL has four terminals (1, 2, 3, 4) connected by shuttles and walkways. Accessibility features include ramps and elevators.

Rental Car Center

All major car rental companies are at the Rental Car Center, accessible via free shuttle from all terminals.

Land Transportation

Highways & Road Conditions

Fort Lauderdale's road network connects it to Florida cities. Be aware of traffic and tolls.

Major Roadways

I-95: Major north-south interstate directly through Fort Lauderdale, connecting to Miami and points north.
Florida's Turnpike: Major toll road parallel to I-95, generally faster for longer distances. Electronic tolls (SunPass or "toll-by-plate").
I-75 (Alligator Alley): East-west interstate connecting to Naples and Florida's west coast, through the Everglades.

Train Connections & Buses

Train services offer convenient regional travel, bypassing highway traffic. Long-distance buses provide intercity options.

Rail and Bus Services

Brightline: High-speed intercity rail connecting downtown Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach.
Tri-Rail: Commuter rail connecting Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, with stops in Fort Lauderdale.
Long-Distance Buses: Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus offer connections to cities across Florida and the U.S.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring beyond the city center. Be aware of driving laws and parking.

Driving Information

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP recommended if not in English). Minimum age 21 for rental (under 25 may have surcharge).
Tolls: Many toll roads in Florida. Rental companies offer toll management options.
Traffic: Expect heavy traffic on I-95 and major arteries during weekday rush hours and peak tourist season.

Road Safety & Parking

Roads are generally well-maintained. Stay alert to weather and traffic conditions.

Safety and Parking Tips

Safety Concerns: Drive cautiously in heavy rain. Be aware of aggressive drivers. Look for wildlife in rural areas.
Pedestrians/Cyclists: Remain aware of them in urban and beach areas.
Parking: Can be challenging and expensive near beaches and downtown. Look for public garages or metered street parking.

Train Travel: Brightline Overview

High-speed intercity rail service.
Connects Fort Lauderdale downtown station to Miami and West Palm Beach.
Offers premium travel with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and food service.

Efficient travel between major South Florida cities.
Extensions to Orlando International Airport available.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise Ports & Ferries

Fort Lauderdale’s extensive waterways and port facilities make arrival by sea a popular choice for many travelers, notably for cruises.

Port Everglades & Ferry Notes

Port Everglades: One of the busiest cruise ports globally. Homeport for major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, etc.).
Ferry Services: No major international or inter-state car ferry services directly to Fort Lauderdale. Limited intra-Florida ferries.
River Transportation: Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and Water Trolley offer intra-city river and canal transport.

Immigration & Connections

International cruise passengers arriving at Port Everglades undergo U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures similar to airport entry.

Arrival Procedures & Transfers

Immigration: Passport inspection and potential biometric data collection. Have documents ready.
Land Connections: Taxis, ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), hotel shuttles, and cruise line transfers are available from the port.
Public Bus: Some Broward County Transit (BCT) bus routes serve the port area.

Port Everglades

One of the world's busiest cruise ports, a major gateway to the Caribbean and beyond.

Aerial View

The intricate layout of Port Everglades from above.

Seamless Connections

Various options link the port to FLL Airport, downtown, and beach areas for onward travel.

Departure Information

Air Travel Departure FLL

Plan your airport arrival time carefully to allow for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening.

Recommended Arrival Times

Domestic Flights: Arrive at FLL at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Flights: Arrive at FLL at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR programs are available for faster screening.

Cruise & Train/Bus Departures

Specific guidelines for cruise, train, and bus departures ensure a smooth process.

Departure Guidelines

Cruise Departures (Port Everglades): Follow cruise line's disembarkation instructions; allow ample time for customs and transfers.
Train/Bus Departures (Brightline, Tri-Rail, Greyhound): Arrive at stations at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure.
Baggage: Check airline's baggage policies for weight and size limits to avoid excess fees.

Departure Facilities

FLL Airport Facilities

Variety of dining and retail options post-security. Lounges are available for eligible passengers. Free Wi-Fi.

Brightline Stations

Comfortable waiting areas, restrooms, and often a small café or vending machines.

Bus Stations

Basic waiting areas, restrooms, and sometimes small snack shops.

Departure Readiness

Confirm your flight or cruise status the day before and on the day of departure. Check for any delays or changes, and adjust your arrival time at the airport or port accordingly.

How to Get to Fort Lauderdale