Fort Lauderdale

Getting Around

The most efficient mode of transportation in Fort Lauderdale is by car. Despite the vast network of waterways, the roads offer a faster alternative, especially as the canals can be confusing.

While approaching the coast, streets may curve or abruptly lead to waterways. On the other hand, much of the city adheres to a grid pattern, making navigation relatively simple away from the Atlantic. If you’re looking to take a break from driving, hop onto a water taxi to reach your next destination in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Moreover, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) situated just a 5-mile drive south of downtown is conveniently accessible and hosts several major airlines, offering a quick entry and exit route. Alternately, the Miami International Airport (MIA) located 30 miles to the south and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) situated approximately 45 miles to the north of Fort Lauderdale offer additional options, with rental cars conveniently available at all three airports.

Car

If you’ve got more than just a day to spend in Fort Lauderdale, your best bet is to hit the roads and explore the city and its picturesque surroundings. The freedom and fun of driving around town is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. The city’s layout follows a standard north-south grid system, with “avenues” running north to south and “streets” lying east to west. If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, driving down towards the vibrant Miami or up to West Palm Beach will give you a chance to savor two distinct vibes that are sure to leave an indelible impression. Reserve yourself a car from major car rental vendors available at regional airports and hit the roads in style!

Train

The Brightline train system in the Sunshine State of Florida presents an efficient alternative to traversing the distance between Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami without the need for a personal vehicle. The travel time between stations is a mere half an hour with departures scheduled at varying intervals throughout the day, depending on the direction and time of day. With services available seven days a week, commuters can avail of the train’s convenience from the early morning 5:10 a.m. runs to the late-night 12:50 a.m. schedule.

Water Taxi

Explore Fort Lauderdale’s intricate system of waterways, a part of the famed Intracoastal Waterway that stretches from the ocean to the Everglades. Here, getting around and sightseeing is truly one-of-a-kind. Embark on a water taxi, which navigates seamlessly through the city’s winding canals and the downtown New River, stopping at 14 points of interest along the way, including the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. While the tickets are priced on the higher end, at $28 for adults and $14 for children from ages 5 to 11, you can hop on and off the boats all day. Senior citizens, military personnel and passengers traveling after 5 p.m. can take advantage of reduced rates. Water taxis leave from each stop every 25 to 35 minutes, with daily operations starting from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Come explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways for an unforgettable experience!

Bicycle

When looking for a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation to explore the city, Broward B-cycle’s bike-sharing program is a stellar option. With multiple stations located in hotspots such as Central Beach and downtown, accessing notable attractions like the Museum of Discovery and Science or Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a breeze. Choose the practical and sustainable approach for all your short excursions by reserving a bicycle through Broward B-cycle.

Taxi

While the water taxis may offer a more picturesque means of transportation, traditional cabs remain a reliable option for getting around. Admittedly, rates can be on the higher side. Whether you choose to call ahead or flag a cab down in person at the airport or on the street, hailing a ride via a ride-hailing service is also at your disposal.