Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major public airport located in Broward County, Florida, approximately 3 miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. Serving over 36 million passengers annually, FLL is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., known for its convenient access to popular destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami, as well as the cruise terminals at Port Everglades. The airport provides a wide range of domestic and international flights, particularly serving Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
FLL is a major hub for low-cost carriers like JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, making it a popular airport for budget-conscious travelers. It is also well connected to other regions in the U.S. and beyond, offering direct flights to over 135 destinations. The airport’s manageable size, proximity to popular tourist areas, and efficient design make it a traveler-friendly alternative to Miami International Airport.
Terminals and Services
1. Terminals and Layout: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has four terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations. The terminals are connected by shuttle buses and walkways, ensuring easy access between them.
- Terminal 1 (Yellow Terminal): Primarily used by Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines. Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights and has a modern design with updated facilities.
- Terminal 2 (Red Terminal): Home to Delta Air Lines, Terminal 2 serves both domestic and international flights. This terminal also offers access to international connections and U.S. Customs.
- Terminal 3 (Purple Terminal): Shared by American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and other carriers, this terminal handles mostly domestic flights but also a few international routes. It features various dining and shopping options.
- Terminal 4 (Green Terminal): This terminal serves international flights for several airlines, including Spirit Airlines and JetBlue. Terminal 4 has undergone recent expansions to handle more international traffic.
2. Amenities and Services: FLL provides a wide range of amenities and services for travelers, ensuring comfort and convenience during their time at the airport.
- Dining and Shopping: The airport has a variety of dining options, including sit-down restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee shops, and grab-and-go kiosks. Popular dining options include Shula Burger (Terminal 1), Bongos Café (Terminal 3), and Casa Noble (Terminal 4), which offer a mix of casual fare and local flavors. Shopping options include newsstands, gift shops, and duty-free stores for international travelers.
- Lounges: FLL has several airline lounges, including the Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2) and United Club (Terminal 1). There are also pay-per-use lounges like The Club FLL in Terminal 1, which offer a quiet place to relax, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, and take advantage of Wi-Fi and business services.
- Free Wi-Fi: FLL offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport, making it easy for passengers to stay connected during layovers or while waiting for their flights.
- Pet Relief Areas: The airport is pet-friendly and has designated pet relief areas outside each terminal for travelers with pets.
- Children’s Play Areas: Families traveling with young children can take advantage of the kids’ play areas, designed to keep little ones entertained during their time at the airport.
Transportation and Connectivity
1. Ground Transportation: FLL is well-connected to the surrounding areas, with a variety of transportation options available for getting to and from the airport.
- Rental Cars: The Rental Car Center at FLL is located next to Terminal 1, providing access to a wide range of rental car companies. The center is easily reachable from all terminals via shuttle service.
- Public Transit: The Broward County Transit (BCT) buses provide regular service between the airport and the surrounding areas, including downtown Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale Beach. The Tri-Rail commuter train, which connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, is also accessible from the airport via a free shuttle service.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available just outside each terminal’s baggage claim area for easy transportation to nearby cities and hotels.
- Shuttle Services: Shuttle services are available to hotels in the area, as well as to popular nearby attractions and cruise terminals like Port Everglades.
2. Proximity to Cruise Ports: FLL is located just a few miles from Port Everglades, one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. This makes FLL a convenient airport for cruise passengers embarking on voyages to the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond. Many shuttle services provide direct transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
For visitors arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, there are numerous exciting attractions and things to do nearby, whether they have a layover or are visiting South Florida for an extended stay.
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach: Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of South Florida’s most famous stretches of coastline. Visitors can relax on the pristine white sands, swim in the warm Atlantic waters, or stroll along the beachfront promenade, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The nearby Las Olas Boulevard is a popular spot for dining and nightlife, offering a lively atmosphere and great views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
2. Las Olas Boulevard: Known as Fort Lauderdale’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, Las Olas Boulevard is just a short drive from the airport. The boulevard features an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to explore day or night. Visitors can also enjoy gondola rides along the Intracoastal Waterway or stop by the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale for a dose of culture.
3. Port Everglades: If you’re in town to catch a cruise, Port Everglades is located just 3 miles from the airport. Cruise passengers can easily spend some time exploring the area before boarding their ship. Nearby attractions include Harbor Shops, a retail and dining destination, and the 15th Street Fisheries restaurant, offering waterfront dining with views of passing yachts.
4. Hollywood Beach: A short drive south of the airport, Hollywood Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly destination known for its beautiful beach and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade. The area is perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading, with plenty of casual restaurants and ice cream shops along the way. For visitors with a few hours to spare, Hollywood Beach is an ideal spot to relax by the ocean.
5. Anne Kolb Nature Center: For nature lovers, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is located in the nearby West Lake Park. This nature preserve offers walking trails, kayaking, and a 68-foot observation tower with stunning views of the mangroves and the Intracoastal Waterway. The center is perfect for those interested in wildlife watching and environmental education.
6. Everglades Holiday Park: Located about 30 minutes from FLL, Everglades Holiday Park offers visitors the chance to experience Florida’s famous wetlands. Visitors can take an exciting airboat ride through the Everglades, spot wildlife such as alligators and wading birds, and even enjoy an alligator show. It’s an ideal day trip for visitors looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty.
7. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: For those looking for entertainment and nightlife, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is just a 15-minute drive from FLL. Known for its iconic guitar-shaped hotel, the casino offers table games, slot machines, and poker, as well as live music, fine dining, and luxury shopping.
Vicinity of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport
Dining and Shopping at FLL
1. Dining Options: FLL offers a variety of dining options throughout its terminals, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Travelers can enjoy international cuisine, American favorites, and local South Florida flavors.
- Casavana Cuban Cuisine (Terminal 4): A great spot to sample authentic Cuban dishes like Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, and café con leche.
- Zona Fresca (Terminal 1): A fast-casual Mexican restaurant serving fresh tacos, burritos, and salads.
- Shula Burger (Terminal 1): Named after NFL coach Don Shula, this restaurant offers gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and shakes.
2. Shopping: There are several retail shops throughout the airport, offering travelers a chance to pick up last-minute souvenirs, travel essentials, and duty-free goods.
- Duty-Free Americas: For international travelers, Duty-Free Americas offers a range of luxury items, including fragrances, cosmetics, liquor, and electronics.
- Newsstands: Conveniently located throughout the terminals, newsstands offer books, magazines, snacks, and travel essentials.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Official Website
https://www.broward.org/Airport/Pages/default.aspx
Find information on flight schedules, parking, and ground transportation. - Ground Transportation and Parking
https://www.broward.org/Airport/passengers/Transportation/Pages/Pickupdropoffoptions.aspx
Learn more about transportation options, including public transit, taxis, and rental cars. - Nearby Attractions
www.sunny.org
Explore things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, and beyond.
Additional Details
- Location: 100 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.
- Parking: FLL offers various parking options, including short-term parking, long-term parking, and premium parking located close to the terminals. Parking shuttles run frequently between the terminals and parking garages.
- Accessibility: FLL is fully accessible for passengers with disabilities, offering wheelchair assistance, accessible seating areas, and designated parking spaces.
- Hotels: There are several hotels located near the airport, including Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, and Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport. These hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport.
