Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (code FLL, often searched in Spanish as “aeropuerto FLL”) has four terminals on one loop road, about 4 miles south of downtown Fort Lauderdale and a short hop from Port Everglades. Check your terminal before you leave, then choose a rideshare, taxi, rental car, Tri-Rail or the county bus into the city.
Quick steps: FLL to the city
- Check your terminal in the airline app or on your boarding pass.
- Clear security or customs at that terminal’s own checkpoint.
- Collect bags on the lower level (arrivals).
- Follow signs for taxis, ride apps, Tri-Rail shuttle or rental cars.
- Rental car? Walk from Terminal 1 or take the free shuttle from 2, 3 and 4.
- Head north on US-1 or I-95 for downtown, east on SE 17th Street for the beach.
What you need
- Boarding pass and the terminal number for your airline
- Government ID (REAL ID-compliant or passport for domestic flights)
- Passport and any visa for international arrivals and departures
- Ride app installed, or a card for taxi and bus fares
- Hotel or cruise ship name and address for your driver
Step 1: Find your terminal and concourse
FLL is compact. Its terminals are not all connected behind security, though, so going to the wrong one can cost you 20 minutes or more. Each terminal has its own checkpoint, its own baggage claim and its own curb.
| Terminal | Concourses | Main role | Anchor airlines (confirm before you fly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | A, B, C | Largest terminal; Concourse A has its own customs facility | Southwest, United, several Canadian carriers |
| Terminal 2 | D | Domestic | Delta |
| Terminal 3 | E, F | Domestic and some international departures | American, JetBlue |
| Terminal 4 | G, H | Main international terminal with customs | Spirit, JetBlue, Caribbean and Latin American airlines |
Terminal assignments shift when airlines add routes or gates are renovated, especially for smaller and seasonal carriers. Your airline’s app and the Broward County airport website keep the current airline-by-terminal list. If you’re dropping someone off, ask for the airline name, not just “the airport.”
International arrivals
International flights arrive at Terminal 4 or Concourse A in Terminal 1, the two places with federal inspection facilities. After customs you come out at that terminal’s arrivals level. If you have a domestic connection in a different terminal, you will re-clear TSA there. Global Entry and the free Mobile Passport Control app can shorten the customs line. Check the CBP website for which programs apply to your trip.
Step 2: Get through security
The standard advice holds here: arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. FLL fills up fast on winter weekends. That’s when snowbirds, spring breakers and cruise passengers all hit the same checkpoints between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
TSA PreCheck lanes are available. Not every checkpoint runs one at every hour, so leave a buffer if you rely on it. The TSA website and app show current rules on liquids and ID, and some airlines post live wait estimates in their apps.
Step 3: Collect bags and find your ride
Baggage claim is on the lower level of every terminal, along with taxi stands and Tri-Rail shuttle stops. Ride app pickup zones are signed inside each terminal. Follow the overhead signs instead of waiting at the first curb you see, because pickup spots get moved during construction.
Local tip
Arrivals curbs jam up at night when several international flights land together. Locals often have their driver meet them on the upper departures level, which is usually much calmer after the evening rush. Drivers can also wait free at the airport’s cell phone lot instead of circling.
Step 4: Choose how to get to the city
FLL is one of the easiest big airports in Florida to leave. It sits next to I-595, I-95 and US-1 (Federal Highway), and most of Broward County is within a 30-minute drive outside rush hour.
| Option | Where to catch it | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Taxi stands, lower level of each terminal | Port Everglades, downtown, beach hotels | Metered fares regulated by Broward County; cards widely accepted |
| Uber / Lyft | Signed ride app zones at each terminal | Most trips, groups with bags | Surge pricing on cruise mornings and holiday weekends |
| Rental car | Rental Car Center, attached to the Palm Garage | Day trips to Miami, Palm Beach, the Keys | Walk from Terminal 1; free shuttle from Terminals 2, 3, 4 |
| Tri-Rail | Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station, Dania Beach | Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach on a budget | Free shuttle from terminals to the station, about 2 miles west |
| Broward County Transit | Bus stops at the terminals | Downtown Fort Lauderdale, US-1 corridor | Cheapest option; check BCT for current fares and Route 1 times |
Rideshare and taxi
A rideshare or taxi gets most visitors to downtown Fort Lauderdale or Las Olas Boulevard in about 15 minutes without traffic. The beach hotels along A1A take about 20. Cruise passengers going to Port Everglades usually ride for 10 minutes or less, since the port borders the airport’s east side.
Rental cars
The Rental Car Center houses the major brands, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Terminal 1 passengers can walk there through the Palm Garage. Everyone else takes the free shuttle that loops the terminals.
Good to know
Florida’s highways use cashless tolls. Rental company toll programs often add a daily convenience fee on top of the tolls, even on days you don’t drive a toll road. Read the toll policy at the counter, or bring your own SunPass transponder if it’s allowed. Decline any curbside “ride” offer that doesn’t come through an app or the official taxi stand.
Tri-Rail and the bus
Tri-Rail is the commuter train that runs from Miami International Airport north to Mangonia Park, just past West Palm Beach. Its airport station is off Griffin Road in Dania Beach, and a free shuttle runs between the station and the terminals. It’s the cheapest way to reach “west palm beach”, Boca Raton or Miami from FLL. Trains run less often on weekends, so check the Tri-Rail schedule before you plan around it.
Brightline, the higher-speed train to Miami and Orlando, does not stop at FLL. Its Fort Lauderdale station is downtown, a short rideshare from the terminals.
Broward County Transit buses stop at the airport and run along US-1 toward downtown and the Broward Central Terminal hub. Fares are low, around $2 one way at last check. Confirm on the BCT site before you ride, and expect a slow trip if you have big bags.
FLL parking options
If you’re driving yourself, decide where to park before you reach the airport roads. The signs come quickly.
| Parking type | Where | Best for | Getting to the terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garages (Palm, Hibiscus, Cypress) | Across the roadway from the terminals | Short trips, early flights, families | Walk via covered crosswalks |
| Economy parking | Off the terminal loop | Trips of several days | Free airport shuttle |
| Cell phone lot | Near the terminal area | Picking someone up | Driver waits, then drives to the curb |
| Private off-airport lots | Griffin Road and US-1 corridors | Long trips, cruise parking | Lot’s own shuttle |
Daily maximums for the garages and economy lot change from time to time. The Broward County airport website lists the current rates and shows which garage is closest to each terminal. On holiday weekends and peak cruise days, garages can fill up. Leave extra time, or reserve a private lot that offers shuttles.
Cruise day: getting from FLL to Port Everglades
FLL is the closest major airport to Port Everglades, which is a big reason so many cruise passengers fly in here instead of into “miami international airport“. The port sits about 2 to 3 miles from the terminals. You have three practical options:
- Cruise line transfer. Book through your cruise line. The pickup desk is near baggage claim. Ask your line which terminal its staff use.
- Taxi or rideshare. Usually the fastest. Tell the driver your ship name and cruise terminal number, since Port Everglades has many.
- Hotel shuttle. Many hotels on SE 17th Street and Griffin Road run port and airport shuttles, and some offer park-and-cruise packages.
Fly in the day before if you can. Weather delays and missed connections are common in winter and during hurricane season (June through November), and ships don’t wait.
Lounges, dining, shopping and amenities
FLL is a working airport, not a destination. Food and shops sit behind security in each concourse, and the mix changes as concessions contracts turn over. The airport’s website has a searchable dining and shopping directory for each terminal.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lounges are limited. Premium lounge options are fewer than at larger hubs. Check your airline app or lounge network app for what’s open in your terminal before you count on one.
- Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminals.
- Restrooms, nursing rooms and pet relief areas are located in each terminal. Pet relief areas are mostly behind security, which matters if you’re traveling with a dog.
- Charging outlets fill up fast at gates for full flights. Bring a small power bank.
- Eat airside, not landside. Pre-security food options are thin in most terminals, so clear security first.
Hotels near FLL
Airport hotels cluster in three areas, each suited to a different kind of trip:
- Griffin Road, Dania Beach: chain hotels with airport shuttles, close to the Tri-Rail station. Good for early flights.
- SE 17th Street: between the airport, Port Everglades and the beach. The best base the night before a cruise.
- Hollywood and Dania Beach oceanfront: 10 to 15 minutes away. Better for a short beach stay than an overnight connection.
Confirm shuttle hours with the hotel directly. Many run on a fixed schedule rather than on demand, and some stop overnight.
Airports near Fort Lauderdale
South Florida has three major commercial airports, and fares can differ a lot between them. Check all three before you book.
| Airport | Code | Distance from FLL | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International | FLL | — | Central Broward, cruise port, low-cost carriers |
| Miami International | MIA | About 25 miles south | Most long-haul international routes |
| Palm Beach International | PBI | About 45 miles north | Quieter, close to Palm Beach County |
| Fort Lauderdale Executive | FXE | About 10 miles north | Private and charter flights only |
MIA makes sense if you’re headed to Miami Beach, Little Havana or “little haiti“. PBI is the better pick for Jupiter, Palm Beach and the northern suburbs. For a Dolphins game at “hard rock stadium” in Miami Gardens, FLL and MIA are about equally close, roughly 20 miles each.
Common problems at FLL and how to fix them
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Went to the wrong terminal | Airline moved, or you assumed by airline name | Ride the free terminal shuttle; don’t re-clear security until you’re sure |
| Ride app driver can’t find you | GPS drops at the curb; multiple pickup zones | Share your terminal and door number in the app chat |
| Missed connection after customs | Re-clearing TSA in another terminal takes time | Book connections of 2+ hours on international arrivals |
| Garage full | Holiday weekends, cruise days | Use economy parking or a reserved off-airport lot |
| Huge toll bill on rental | Daily toll program fees | Review toll options at pickup or use your own transponder |
| Long taxi line | Several flights land at once | Walk up to departures and order a ride from there |
Best time to fly in and out of FLL
The airport is busiest from December through April, when seasonal residents and tourists arrive and cruise schedules peak. Weekend mornings are the heaviest for cruise traffic, especially Saturday and Sunday, when ships turn around at Port Everglades. Roads near the Intracoastal also get crowded on the night of the “fort lauderdale boat parade” in December.
The calmest stretch is usually late summer and early fall, on midweek days. That’s also peak hurricane season, so buy travel insurance and watch the forecast.
What to expect
Get the terminal right and leave yourself a buffer, and the trip from gate to city is easy. Most visitors are out of the terminal and at a downtown hotel, beach resort or cruise ship within 45 minutes of landing on a domestic flight. International arrivals should allow longer for customs.
When to get help
For lost items, call your airline first if you left something on the plane. Contact TSA for items left at the checkpoint, and the airport’s lost and found for anything else in the terminal. For parking, construction or terminal questions, use the contact section on the Broward County airport website. For missed cruise connections, call your cruise line’s emergency number right away.
FAQ
Is FLL the same as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport?
Yes. FLL is the airport code for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, owned and run by Broward County. Spanish-speaking travelers often call it aeropuerto FLL or el aeropuerto de Fort Lauderdale.
Which terminal does Southwest use at FLL?
Southwest operates from Terminal 1. That includes Concourse A for its international flights. Confirm in the Southwest app on the day you travel, since gate areas can change.
How far is FLL from Port Everglades?
About 2 to 3 miles, usually a 10-minute taxi or rideshare ride. It can take longer on busy cruise mornings when port traffic backs up.
Can I take a train from FLL to Miami?
Yes. Take the free shuttle to the Tri-Rail station in Dania Beach and ride south. The line ends at the Miami International Airport station, where you can connect to Metrorail. Brightline doesn’t stop at the airport, but its downtown Fort Lauderdale station is a short ride away.
Should I fly into FLL or MIA?
Fly into FLL if you’re staying in Broward County, boarding a cruise at Port Everglades, or flying a low-cost carrier. MIA is better for Miami Beach, downtown Miami and long-haul international routes. Compare fares at both, plus PBI, before booking.
Where can I confirm current hours, fees and airline terminals?
The Broward County airport website lists current parking rates, terminal assignments and service updates. Check Tri-Rail and Broward County Transit for transit schedules and fares, and your airline’s app for gate changes.
