Fort Lauderdale

Getting to Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale's Airport(s)For visitors to Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is the closest large airport. It is also the main airport that connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and the Pompano Beach zones. Located only 5 km (3 miles) southwest of the city center, visitors can easily reach downtown hotspots in just a 10-minute drive. The airport has two runways and four terminals, around 30 airlines are in operation to link the city with the rest of the US and the world, including JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Silver Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Copa Airlines.There are several transfer options between the FLL and downtown. First up, many visitors prefer to rent a car or arrange private transfer services for its convenience, including private car, shuttle, and limo services. Around 12 car rental agencies are available in a building next to Terminal 1. Taxis are plentiful too and can be found outside of the first level (arrivals) of each terminal. Fares are regulated by local law, e.g. to Fort Lauderdale downtown is $19.00 and to Port Everglades is $17.00, an additional $3 is charged from the airport to any destination. For more budget-friendly options, the Broward County Transit (BCT) bus route 1 includes stops at the airport and various locations in town. Visitors can also hop on the Tri-Rail commuter train which connects Fort Lauderdale with many destinations within Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. A one-way ticket for the city center is $3.75.For many international travelers, Miami International Airport is also an option for Fort Lauderdale as the two cities are only 48 km (30 miles) apart. The Tri-Rail train provides the cheapest connection for the price of $3.75 and it takes about 1 hour. Shuttle services and taxis are possible and reasonably priced.Transportation in Fort LauderdaleAs an alternative to Miami as a major cruise terminal for travels in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for its cruise port – Port Everglades. Conveniently located adjacent to an airport, Port Everglades can be accessed by car, taxi, bus, rail, and ship. Visitors can arrange a hotel transfer to the port or grab a taxi from downtown Fort Lauderdale which costs around $18-20, depending on your destination.The easiest way to get around town is by car. For visitors who prefer to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale - and in Florida - it is worth noting that you must have your driver's license, passport, and credit card. Though the minimum age for car hire is 21, some agencies will charge more for drivers under 25 years of age.For visitors who fancy taking a day trip to nearby locations like Miami or West Palm Beach, the Brightline train system is a convenient and affordable option for those without a car. There are regular departures throughout the day and each ride takes about 30 minutes. Fares start at $10-15 each and upgraded seats with extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and beverages cost $20-$25 each.Why not cruise the city on a trolley? Sun Trolley provides several routes in downtown, along the beach, and on Las Olas Boulevard. Most routes are free of charge, except if you take the Beach Link and Las Olas Link routes where you’ll be charged $1 per ride or $3 for a day pass. In addition to trolley service, visitors can travel across the county using the Broward County Transit's commuter buses. You can choose to pay $2 per ride (paid in cash on board) or get a day pass for $5. Three-day, one-week, or 10-ride passes are also available.