Why rent a car in Fort Lauderdale?

Renting a car at an airport is always a convenient way to collect your rental. It saves time, and most airports have a more extensive fleet of rental vehicles available. Fort Lauderdale Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Since Florida is a major tourist destination, many people rent cars at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport daily.

Fort Lauderdale Airport has several rental suppliers and many cars in its fleets ready to be rented! Carla provides all car rental options at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and allows you to compare them in one search! You can easily select the car with the best price through Carla. From economy cars to SUVs, Carla has every option you need.

Fort Lauderdale, a sun-kissed paradise, attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn to its luxurious resorts, exquisite dining, and vibrant entertainment options. It's a city that offers something for every traveler, regardless of budget.

Due to its expansive layout and less-than-ideal public transportation, renting a car is the preferred choice for many. This allows tourists the convenience of travel and the freedom to explore at their own pace. Discover hidden gems around the city or cruise along the scenic routes just outside the town. Car rentals offer competitive pricing, making this option surprisingly affordable.

So, come to Fort Lauderdale for its stunning beaches, but don't stop there. Embrace the thrill of the unknown and rent a car to see where the road takes you—whether for a sunset drive along the coast or an adventurous day out at nearby attractions. Your Fort Lauderdale adventure awaits, just a car ride away!

Fort Lauderdale's proximity to Miami makes it an innovative and cost-effective option for travelers. Thanks to more competitive rental rates, renting a car in Fort Lauderdale to visit Miami can often be a financially savvy choice. This affordability, coupled with the short drive between the two cities—just about 30 miles—ensures that visitors can enjoy both locations with ease and flexibility, enhancing the overall convenience of their trip.

Entering Fort Lauderdale with Ease

Fort Lauderdale is a convenient gateway to Florida. It offers multiple points of entry that cater to international travelers and those coming from within the U.S. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, known for its accessibility and less crowded environment than Miami, features a comprehensive car rental center. Similarly, just an hour's drive away, Miami International Airport connects seamlessly to its Car Rental Center via the MIA Mover tram, facilitating easy travel transitions. Moreover, Port Everglades and Port Miami also support those arriving by cruise, with facilities for car rental pick-ups and drop-offs. For those driving into the city, Fort Lauderdale is well-connected by major highways from cities like Tampa, Cape Coral, and Orlando, making it a practical starting point for anyone looking to explore the broader attractions of Florida. Whether arriving by air, sea, or road, Fort Lauderdale offers convenient travel options to suit any itinerary, enhancing the overall travel experience in the Sunshine State.

Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a unique city with a charming network of canals that are a delight to explore, whether on foot or by boat. The city's gondola rides offer a touch of romance reminiscent of Venice. With its mild climate year-round, Fort Lauderdale eschews the traditional seasons for a simpler wet and dry season, making it a favorite for those seeking endless summer. Additionally, the Water Taxi provides a scenic and convenient way to enjoy the city’s waterfront dining and nightlife, connecting various points along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River from morning to night. Whether it's the allure of the canals or the practicality of its tropical climate, Fort Lauderdale promises a memorable escape for all who visit.

Discovering Fort Lauderdale: A City of Sand, Sunsets, and Culture

Fort Lauderdale is not just a beach city; it's a vibrant hub of activities and attractions that cater to every taste. The beaches are the main draw, with their year-round warm weather and family-friendly zones, perfect for everything from snorkeling to sunbathing. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a lively nightlife scene that has evolved from spring break parties to sophisticated lounges and clubs.

Stroll along the Riverwalk to soak in the green landscapes and vibrant arts district, or venture to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop for treasure hunting at the world's largest daily flea market. Nature lovers should not miss the Flamingo Gardens, a sanctuary for rescued wildlife, offering an up-close experience with Florida’s native animals in a natural setting.

Film fans will adore Savor Cinema, a charming venue that screens arthouse films and hosts part of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. For the adventurers, a short drive to Sawgrass Recreation Park for an airboat tour will reveal the wild beauty of the Everglades, complete with alligator sightings and tales of this unique wetland’s history.

Whether you're here to unwind on the beach or explore the diverse offerings, Fort Lauderdale promises a memorable visit filled with engaging experiences.

Traffic and parking

Fort Lauderdale, a bustling beach city, offers various parking options, but knowing the nuances is essential to avoid any hassles. Most beachfront and downtown hotels only provide valet parking with a nightly fee, and city lots don't permit overnight parking. Always check hotel parking policies in advance. For those venturing to the beach from other areas, paid parking is available on streets and city lots. During special events, expect higher rates. While driving around Fort Lauderdale is similar to other U.S. cities of its size, traffic can get quite heavy, especially during peak tourist seasons and rush hours. The town is popular with retirees, particularly in winter, adding to the traffic mix. Always drive cautiously and be considerate of all road users.

Toll roads

Navigating through Fort Lauderdale by car involves understanding the local toll road system. Florida’s Turnpike stretches from Miami to Orlando and features alongside express lanes on I-95 and I-595, which require a SunPass transponder for access. Most toll roads around Fort Lauderdale operate cashlessly using a SunPass or a toll-by-plate system. Renters should be cautious of rental car policies regarding tolls, as some companies equip cars with non-removable transponders, limiting options to either purchasing a toll package or avoiding toll roads altogether. It’s essential to factor in these costs when comparing rental offers to ensure you get the best deal while exploring this vibrant city.

Day trip ideas

Miami, also known as the Latin American capital of the world, is just a 30-minute to an hour drive from Ft. Lauderdale, depending on traffic. South Beach area of Miami Beach is the perfect place to see and be seen, while Little Havana is the best spot to explore Cuban-American culture and cuisine. Miami offers plenty of options if you're looking for a break from Ft. Lauderdale's beautiful beaches.

Biscayne National Park is located south of Miami, and its visitor center is at Convoy Point. Although most visitors go to the water park by boat, there are still plenty of things to do without one. The Biscayne National Park Institute provides several guided tours, including equipment like stand-up boards or kayaks. You can rent equipment from the park store such as snorkeling gear.

Everglades National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. It is located in the heart of the Everglades and can be reached by driving southeast from Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead and then taking the Ingraham Highway. Most of the park is only accessible by boat, but guided tours are available. The park has several trails for hiking or cycling, and the only accommodation option is campsites. It is important to note that the park's operations are limited during South Florida's wet season.

The Palm Beach area is located about an hour north of Ft. Lauderdale and is known for its stunning beaches. Many visitors come here to see the impressive houses worth millions of dollars. Additionally, the beaches in this area provide a great view of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. However, it is essential to remember not to park illegally on the city's streets, as the police often tow vehicles.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a unique state park that can be reached in about an hour and a half from Fort Lauderdale. The park is filled with diverse wildlife and offers a range of activities, such as hiking on various trails, paddling down the National Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, camping, fishing, and more.

To visit the beautiful island of Grand Bahama in The Bahamas, you can drive to the port of Ft. Lauderdale and catch a ferry to Freeport. The ferry runs six days a week, and booking ahead of time is best. The journey takes two and a half hours, making a day trip to the Bahamas possible. Remember to check the visa requirements for your nationality, and remember that even American citizens need a passport to enter the country. Once you're there, enjoy the fantastic beaches of the Bahamas!

Further destinations

If you plan to begin a more extended road trip in Florida, choose a rental company that allows their vehicles to be taken to other states. Most low-cost rental companies only allow their cars to be taken in Florida. Ace Rent a Car, Clubs, Economy, Green Motion, Easirent, Right Cars, and Routes only enable their vehicles to be driven in Florida. Sixt allows renters to travel to Georgia and Alabama in addition to Florida. Finally, National, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo enable vehicles to travel to any state.  

To reach the Tampa Bay area, head west across I-75 from Fort Lauderdale, the largest port in Florida. If you're interested in theme parks, then a trip to Busch Gardens might be in order. But if theme parks are not your thing, you can explore the famous neighborhood of Ybor City that borders downtown, keeping you occupied both day and evening.

Orlando is known as the world's theme park capital, attracting over 70 million visitors annually. If traveling from Ft. Lauderdale, you can reach Orlando in just a few hours' drive along Florida’s Turnpike. You can enjoy world-famous theme parks like Disney World, Universal Florida, and SeaWorld with your family here. If you travel alone as an adult, you can still have a great time exploring CityWalk, Downtown Disney, or Downtown Orlando. Just ensure that your mileage allowance is sufficient to cover the trip.

The Bahamas are a well-known chain of Atlantic islands located near South Florida's Atlantic coast, offering a popular exotic destination. To reach the islands quickly and affordably, one can take a ferry to Freeport on Grand Bahama from Ft. Lauderdale. Alternatively, a short flight from Miami can take you to Nassau, the capital. Please note that the ferry does not transport vehicles, so you must rent one if you want a car on the islands. Additionally, if you're not a US citizen, please check the visa requirements or bring your passport if you are.

The Florida Keys are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florida. This archipelago is off the southern tip of the state's peninsula, extending into the Straits of Florida. The Keys are famous for their beautiful beaches, and the best time to visit is during the tourist high season, which lasts from December to April. The weather is mild during this time, and there is less rain, making it the perfect winter getaway. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, the beginning of summer, towards the end of spring, is an excellent time to visit. It's worth noting that hurricane season runs from June to November, so it's best to be cautious if you plan to visit during this time.

Car Rental Companies in Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport

Avis & Budget 600 Terminal Dr - 3rd Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33315. You can contact them at 800-331-1212.

Alamo 600 Terminal Dr. Ste 202, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at 800-331-1212.

Dollar & Thrifty is located at 600 Terminal Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can reach them at +1 954-377-8550.

Hertz 600 Terminal Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at +1 954-712-5200.

Sixt Car Rental Center, 600 Terminal Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at +1 888-749-8227.

National 600 Terminal Dr. Ste 202, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at +1 833-479-1102.

Payless 600 Terminal Dr. Box 403, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at +1 954-359-0303.

Fox 600 Terminal Dr #302, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States. You can contact them at +1 954-903-2750.

And more!

Car Rental Center Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.

When arriving at Terminal 1, look for the RCC signs directing you to the Concourse B pedestrian bridge. This bridge is situated close to the Concourse B security checkpoint on level 2

For passengers arriving at Terminals 2, 3, or 4, please follow the RCC signs to the designated passenger pick-up area to catch a free shuttle bus service. These pick-up zones are outside the baggage claim area, near the curb. The shuttle buses will then transport you to the RCC.

Off-Airport Car Rental Companies In FLL Airport

Easirent

Economy

Zezgo

Go Rentals

Next Car

U-Save

Gold Coast