Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) Airport from above; credit Ziggymarley01/Wiki Commons
Fort Lauderdale Transportation
Airport
Based on its large traffic volume, the FAA categorizes Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) as a Hub Airport. JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, American, and Avianca dominate their many flights from North America, the Caribbean, and South America. The large passenger concourse includes a wide range of restaurants, lounges, gift shops, WiFi, business services, and passenger amenities, yet is easy to navigate. For an alternative to MIA airport and cruise port, many savvy travelers prefer transfers at FLL Airport for Caribbean vacations and pre-cruise activities in Fort Lauderdale.FLL TERMINAL MAP.
FLL is located only 7 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale and 3 minutes from Port Everglades cruise port. Taxi stands are located at each airport baggage claim and major hotels (Yellow Cab/Checker, 954-565-5400). Super Shuttle fare within Broward and Dade Counties costs $12 to $100, but $25 should get you from FLL Airport to downtown Fort Lauderdale. Uber/Lyft pickup service is roadside between Terminal 3 and 4.
Car Rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, and Hertz national brands are readily available across from Terminal 1 in FLL.
Brightline Florida Fort Lauderdale Station; (c) Soul Of America
Train Station
Amtrak Fort Lauderdale Station is located at 200 SW 21st Terrace. The station is shared with Tri-Rail commuter trains and serves a 2-times daily, Amtrak Silver Meteor route: Washington-Richmond-Raleigh-Jacksonville-Orlando-Fort Lauderdale-Miami
Brightline is a new privately operated Intercity Passenger Rail line between Miami and Orlando International Airport. The architecturally attractive Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station at 101 NW 2nd Avenue hosts hourly trains that stop closer to downtown Fort Lauderdale. Miami is only 30 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale.
Brightline trains feature attractive colors, level boarding, comfortable seating, large windows, overhead storage, WiFi, USB outlets, large tray tables, bike racks, ADA accessibility, and clean restrooms.
The only downside is Brightline trains are limited to 79 mph between Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach due to excessive railroad crossings. Fortunately, there are fewer roadway crossings from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport, which allows Brightline to run 110-125 mph in that segment. Overall, Fort Lauderdale-Orlando trip time is shorter than Total Trip Time flying or driving.
Later this decade, Brightline Florida plans a 125 mph expansion from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs, followed by Tampa. For context about High-Speed Rail development in Florida and beyond, see this article about Interstate High Speed Rail.
Riding Sun Trolley on a hot day in Fort Lauderdale; (c) Soul Of America
Transit
Tri-Rail, a 67-mile, 15-station commuter rail line through Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Tri-Rail features WiFi and double-decker cars. Aside from downtown Fort Lauderdale, Brightline stops at Palm Beach Airport Station, and FLL Airport Station, then to either Miami Airport Station or MiamiCentral Station in downtown Miami. Tri-Rail’s FLL Airport Station is shared with Amtrak, rapid buses, shuttles, and taxis.
Sun Trolley is free on most routes and $3/day on two routes trolley service. Every 30 minutes from morning to 6 pm, the trolley runs throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, and Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Large cruise ships docked at Port Everglades cruise port; credit Yanjipy
Cruise Ports
Port Everglades Cruise Center is shared between Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. It’s the third busiest cruise port in the world. Cruise lines depart year-round to the Bahamas, Key West, Western Caribbean, and the Eastern Caribbean. More passengers are considering this award-winning cruise port, which now handles over 3 million annual passengers via these major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean-Celebrity. Offers cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean; enjoy 3, 4, 7, 10, and 11-night routes.
Carnival: One of the world’s most popular cruise lines with its family of “Fun Ships” operating voyages to the Bahamas, Eastern, and Western Caribbean.
Norwegian: Cruises throughout the Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean.
Club Nautico Boat Rentals
Rent a 20-33-foot powerboat for diving, snorkeling, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, or fishing in the ocean; Better yet, rent a 24-foot boat for a party of nine.
ADDRESS: Pier 66 Marina
PHONE: 954-523-0033
WEBSITE: http://www.fortlauderdaleboatrentals.com
Water Bus
This popular setting along Fort Lauderdale’s famed Intracoastal waterway for great sightseeing, dining at the many waterfront restaurants, or shopping along Las Olas Blvd. One-way tickets for the popular service cost $5 for a Day-pass; the water cabs will go anywhere within seven miles of Intracoastal Waterway, between Port Everglades and Commercial Boulevard. Guided tours and private charters of the Historic New River are also available.
ADDRESS: 651 Seabreeze Blvd
PHONE: 954-467-6677
WEBSITE: http://www.watertaxi.com/ftlaud
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises
Three-hour narrated sightseeing cruises between 10 am and 2 pm. Sightseeing cruise with a variety show and all-you-can-eat barbecue and seafood dinner. Departs nightly at 7p; $27, children under 10 $12; Adults $12.50, under 10 $8.25; All-day cruise to Miami Bayside on Wed and Sat for $15.50
ADDRESS: A1A Highway in Bahia Mar Yacht Center
PHONE: 954-462-5596
WEBSITE: http://www.junglequeen.com
Charter a fishing or dive boat near the Fort Lauderdale waterfront; (c) Soul Of America
Billie Swamp Safari
Learn about the land, history, and culture of the Seminole Indians. Skim over glittering waterscapes in an airboat, experience a swamp buggy eco-tour, paddle a canoe, walk the Swamp Trail, and come face-to-face with the resident alligators.
ADDRESS: 30000 Gator Tail Trail, Clewiston, FL
PHONE: 863-983-6101
WEBSITE: http://www.billieswamp.com
Everglades Day Safari
A trained guide discusses the past, present, and future of this unique natural resource. Safaris include a jungle cruise, nature walk, tram ride, and airboat ride. You will see alligators, flocking birds, feral pigs, large turtles, and many other reptiles. Lunch is served. Safaris depart Fort Lauderdale each morning at 7:45a and return at 5:30p; Adults $100, Seniors $90, Children under age 12 $80.
PHONE: 239-472-1559
WEBSITE: http://www.ecosafari.com
Freeways & Tollways
Fort Lauderdale Freeway & Tollway Network is very congested during commute hours. Plan your travel accordingly. Otherwise, the freeways and tollways are enjoyable to ride because they are well-maintained and include Express Lanes.
If you plan to drive your own or rent a car, keep eight to ten (10) one-dollar bills handy for tolls before leaving the airport. Several elevated highways give a view of the Everglades to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. You will particularly like State Road AIA along the coast.