Getting Around Ft. Lauderdale
By Air
The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is one the fastest growing airports in the Nation. It has just completed a major renovation of the parking garage which now holds most of the major car rental agencies. That makes picking up and dropping off your rental car very quick and easy as well as getting rid of those noisy, smelly, traffic, slower down by rental car company buses.
By Car
This is the most popular method of transportation in Fort Lauderdale area. Fortunately, most areas of Broward County have ample parking, with the exception of the beach area along A1A. If you're staying on the beach, call ahead to insure you will have a place to park your car. Allow lots of extra time when heading to or from the beach. Beach traffic on A1A on weekends can be unbearable, with traffic often at a standstill. You can also be considerably delayed by the many drawbridges crossing the Intracoastal Waterway.
I-95 is the regions major north-south expressway, connecting South Florida to the rest of the US's East Coast. The Florida Turnpike is another main north-south expressway, connecting South Florida with Orlando. From Fort Lauderdale, Miami is about a 30 minute drive south on either expressway. Although not expressways, Federal Hwy (US1) and State Route A1A, are more scenic north-south routes. The major east-west routes (from north to south) are Commercial Blvd, Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise Blvd, Broward Blvd, Davie Blvd, State Route 84, and I-575.
Florida's car rental rates are among the lowest in the country, so many people choose to fly in and rent a car, rather than driving.
By Bus
Even though Broward County Mass Transit serves the entire county, getting from Point A to Point B can be a very confusing and frustrating experience. If you do decide to use the bus system, we suggest you call ahead and plan your route(s). Broward County Mass Transit can be reach at 954-357-8400.
By Train or the Tri Rail
Tri-Rail offers a north-south route parallel to I-95, starting in Palm Beach County continuing south through Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) into Miami-Dade County.
By Taxi
Traveling by Taxi in Fort Lauderdale can become somewhat expensive, due to the spread out layout of the city. If you do decide to use a taxi, call to arrange a pickup - hailing a cab in Fort Lauderdale is next to impossible. The Yellow Cab (Taxi) can be reached at 954-777-7777.
An interesting experience that everyone should take part in, water buses are available most days along the Intracoastal Waterway as well as on the New River into downtown Fort Lauderdale. For more info, call 954-565-5507.