Fort Lauderdale
Everything you need to know before you go.
If you are heading to Fort Lauderdale, the main airport is Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International (code FLL). It is about 5 miles from the downtown area. Most major carriers serve it, and you will find nonstop flights from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta and Washington DC. Typical round‑trip fares in economy range from about $250 to $400 from New York, $200 to $350 from Chicago, $300 to $500 from Los Angeles, $250 to $450 from Dallas, $350 to $600 from Seattle and $200 to $350 from Atlanta. Prices can vary with season and how early you book.
From the airport you can take a taxi, which usually costs $30 to $40 and takes roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic. A rideshare such as Uber or Lyft is generally $25 to $35 for the same trip. If you prefer public transit, Broward County Transit bus Route 1 runs from the terminal to downtown every 15 minutes; the fare is $2.25 one way and the ride takes about 45 minutes.
Train service is also available. Amtrak’s Silver Service stops at the Fort Lauderdale station; a one way ticket from Miami costs $15 to $30 and the journey lasts about 35 minutes. Tri‑Rail, the commuter rail that runs from Miami through Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach, charges $5 to $7 per ride and takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the city center.
Driving is straightforward if you are coming from nearby cities. From Miami the trip is about 30 miles and takes 45 minutes via I‑95; you will spend roughly $5 to $7 on gas. From West Palm Beach it is about 45 miles and 55 minutes, costing $6 to $8 for fuel. From Orlando the distance is about 170 miles and the drive takes around 2.5 hours, with fuel costs near $12 to $15.
Where to stay depends on your style. Wilton Manors offers a lively scene with many bars and restaurants, downtown Fort Lauderdale provides budget‑friendly hotels and easy access to the Riverwalk, Las Olas gives a more upscale feel with boutique hotels, and Victoria Park is quiet and residential. Nightly rates in these areas typically range from $120 to $250 for a mid range hotel, with luxury options exceeding $350.
Food highlights include conch fritters at Coconuts on the Riverwalk, key lime pie at The Colander, shrimp tacos at Elser’s, and fresh fish at The Wharf. A casual lunch will run $10 to $20, while a nice dinner at a waterfront spot can be $30 to $60 per person. Coffee and a pastry in a neighborhood café are usually $4 to $7.
Must‑see spots are the Riverwalk, the wide stretch of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for kayaking and picnics, and the historic Bonnet House Museum. Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle, and a guided tour of the museum costs $15.
Getting around the city is easy. The Broward County Transit bus system covers most attractions, and the free downtown trolley runs every 15 minutes on weekdays. If you prefer walking, the Riverwalk area is pedestrian‑friendly and you can explore the shops and galleries on foot.
Enjoy your trip and feel free to ask if you need more details.