How to get to Fort Lauderdale

Sunny Fort Lauderdale, often referred to as the "Venice of America" due to its extensive canal system, is located on the southeastern coast of Florida in the United States. This vibrant resort city attracts travellers with its golden beaches, yachting culture, and relaxed atmosphere. You can reach this destination by almost any mode of transport: the city is served by a major international airport and enjoys convenient rail and road connections to neighbouring metropolises.

The fastest and most convenient way to begin your holiday is to fly directly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This major aviation hub, with a passenger flow of over 35 million people per year, is located just a few kilometres from the city centre and the beach area, making the transfer as short as possible.

If a direct flight is not available, airports in neighbouring cities are excellent alternatives. Miami is situated just 40 km to the south and receives flights from all over the world, while the airport in West Palm Beach is located 66 km to the north. Both options allow you to easily reach the resort by ground transport after landing.

Rail travel in Florida can be not only convenient but also a scenic way to reach your destination. The city is served by Fort Lauderdale Station and Fort Lauderdale Railway Station, which connect the resort with key points across the state. Modern trains offer a high level of comfort, including Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.

Routes from nearby cities are particularly popular among tourists. A trip from bustling Miami (40 km) will take minimal time, allowing you to avoid highway traffic. It is also easy to arrive by train from West Palm Beach (66 km) or even from the more distant city of Homestead, whilst enjoying coastal views from the carriage window.

Bus services are an economical option for those who have time to spare and wish to save on travel costs. Regular routes connect the resort with many cities in the state. For instance, the route from Miami, covering about 48 km, takes on average 3.1 hours due to stops, but allows you to see the suburbs.

Routes from the northern direction are also available: the journey from West Palm Beach (69 km) will last about 2.9 hours. For those travelling from afar, such as from the city of Homestead (about 95 km), the road will take approximately 4.6 hours, so it is worth having patience and perhaps a book for the journey.

Travelling by car or taxi is often the fastest way to reach your hotel, especially if you are travelling in a group. The drive from neighbouring Miami (about 49 km) usually takes just 40–45 minutes (0.7 h) via the expressway. The route from West Palm Beach (75 km) is also quite comfortable and lasts about 50 minutes.

If you are departing from the city of Homestead, expect to spend approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (1.2 h) on the road, covering a distance of 104 km. Car rental in Florida is very popular, and the roads are in excellent condition, making driving a pleasant part of the holiday.

Preparing for a trip to sunny Florida requires taking into account the local climate and the specifics of city life. To ensure your holiday in Fort Lauderdale goes perfectly, we have compiled several useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is tropical and humid. Bring light clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), sunglasses, and a hat. However, for visiting shopping malls and restaurants, be sure to bring a light jacket or cardigan, as air conditioning often operates at full power.
2. Transport. Although the city centre can be explored on foot, it is better to rent a car or use ride-hailing services (Uber, Lyft) for trips to the beach or malls. A unique feature of the city is the Water Taxi, which cruises along the canals and is an excellent way to move around while sightseeing simultaneously.
3. Finances. The currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, from major hotels to beach kiosks. Cash may only be needed for small tips or paying for parking in older machines.
4. Health and Safety. The sun here is very strong, so the use of high SPF cream is mandatory even in cloudy weather. The city is generally safe, but as everywhere, one should keep an eye on belongings in crowded tourist spots and avoid unlit alleyways at night.
5. Communication. The official language is English, but due to the proximity to Latin America, many service sector employees speak Spanish. Basic knowledge of English will be quite sufficient for comfortable communication.
6. Local Etiquette. In the US, tipping is customary. In restaurants, 18–20% of the bill amount is considered the norm; for taxi drivers and service staff, it is common to leave 1–2 dollars or 15%. Americans are very friendly: a smile and a polite "How are you?" when meeting staff or strangers is a standard of politeness.
7. What to Avoid. Do not underestimate distances: the city is spread out, and walking from one district to another may take hours under the scorching sun. Also, avoid swimming at beaches that are not equipped with lifeguards due to possible strong currents.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to take a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard. This is the heart of the city's social life with the best boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, where you can feel the true rhythm of the local lifestyle.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on relaxing by the ocean and touring the picturesque canals.