£186+ Cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale overview

Thanks to the 1960 movie, Where the Boys Are, this once-quiet city in South Florida became synonymous with Spring Break.  But starting in the 1980s, the city of Fort Lauderdale made efforts to change its image and started to put limits on the mega-party scene, hoping to ensure a family-friendly experience.

Today, the city still draws plenty of college kids in March, but the energy is not quite so wild. In fact, Fort Lauderdale has moved upmarket and Port Everglades is now one of the largest cruise centres in the world. The T-shirt shops and souvenir stores that once overwhelmed the waterfront have given way to trendy shops, nice restaurants, and a two-mile promenade that offers unobstructed pedestrian access along one of the city’s nicest beaches.

The water is what attracts most travellers to book a flight to Fort Lauderdale – the area boasts more than 20 miles (32 km) of powdery sand beaches and 300 miles (482 km) of waterways, making it truly the “Venice of America”.

Getting around Fort Lauderdale

Ample parking and wide-flung city limits make driving the easiest way to get around Fort Lauderdale. Renting a car is best, and you can often find package deals when you book your flight to Fort Lauderdale. Major car rental companies can be found at the airport. If you’re not a driver, there are plenty of taxis around the city, but they are expensive. The bus is much cheaper, but is very complicated. You can also take a water taxi downtown via the New River and the waterway.

Getting from the Airport to the City

The main airport for flights to Fort Lauderdale is Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Bus, train and taxi all operate from the airport to the city centre. The buses run every 20-30 minutes 7 days a week and take approximately 20 minutes.

The Tri Rail train service takes only eight minutes to get to town but runs only once an hour and finishes in the early evening.

Taxis are available from the transportation podium, located outside the baggage area of each terminal. They take approximately 10 minutes to town.

Many hotels in the area also offer free shuttles to and from the airport.

It’s advisable to hire a car when visiting the area.

What is good to know if travelling to Fort Lauderdale?

• Fort Lauderdale is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Miami. The water is cleaner, the snorkelling is more colourful, the arts scene is growing, and the weather is perfect.
• Don’t miss the water taxi. If you’re on a tight budget, but have some time on your hands, this is a great way to get around, catch a tour of celebrity homes and yachts, and spend very little money. Consider getting a seven-day pass, which makes this transportation option very affordable.
• If snorkelling or diving is your thing, Fort Lauderdale is a great destination. Not only will you be able to easily view brightly coloured fish and coral through especially clear water, there are abundant opportunities to dive on old wrecks.
• The International Swimming Hall of Fame is another must for water lovers. It houses more than 10,000 square feet of Olympic aquatic memorabilia, as well as paintings, sculptures and literature dating back as far as the 1880s all on the sport of swimming.

Fort Lauderdale airport overview

One of the busiest airports in Florida, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is an important hub for cruise passengers headed to the Everglades, and for connections between the Caribbean and North America.

Second only to Miami International Airport for southern Florida traffic, you’ll find flights to Fort Lauderdale International Airport from cities such as Chicago, New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Boston, Montreal, Port-au-Prince, Cancun, Guatemala City, Nassau and Kingston.

A sprawling structure serving more than 22 million passengers each year, the airport’s four terminals are only accessible by shuttle, but friendly staff members are always on hand to help you get where you need to go.

Facilities and entertainment are adequate and many frequent flyers love its efficient processing times and budget airlines, choosing Fort Lauderdale as a convenient alternative to the bustle of Miami International.