Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) serves as a rapidly growing gateway to South Florida, handling approximately 35 million annual passengers. It’s a generally efficient – if not particularly memorable – facility and a less crowded alternative to Miami International Airport (MIA). Fun fact: It was built in the early 20th century on an abandoned nine-hole golf course. Several major infrastructure projects, including Terminal 5 and the Terminal Connectors program, are poised to significantly enhance the passenger experience.
Get a feel for FLL’s layout before you arrive
The FLL layout is fairly straightforward. It has four terminals, numbered 1 to 4, each with its own colour corresponding to signage around the airport. (Terminal 1 is yellow, Terminal 2 is red, Terminal 3 is purple, and Terminal 4 is green). Each terminal has its own security checkpoint, ground transportation, baggage claim, and designated areas for taxi and rideshare.
Unfortunately, only Terminals 3 and 4 are currently connected airside (post-security). That means if you’re changing terminals or arriving on an international flight, you will have to go through security again. However, an ongoing project will eventually enable connectivity between all terminals and significantly enhance the passenger experience.
Each terminal has different concourses. Terminal 1 is home to Concourses A, B, and C, serving a mix of airlines like Alaska, Allegiant, and Southwest. Concourse D in Terminal 2 is the spot for Delta and Air Canada, and it recently got a major facelift with higher ceilings and a new Delta Sky Club lounge.
In Terminal 3, you’ll find Concourses E and F, which serve carriers like JetBlue, Porter, and American Airlines. Concourses G and H in Terminal 4 handle a lot of international and long-haul flights.
On the horizon: a brand-new Terminal 5
A new modern Terminal 5 is in the works. The two-level domestic terminal will have five gates and is expected to accommodate between four and five million annual passengers once complete.
T5 will have its own check-in and ticketing areas and will be connected to the existing on-site Cypress parking garage and Terminal 4 through multi-level pedestrian bridges.
Getting to and from FLL by car
My top tip for arriving at FLL via car: Check the FLL app or website to confirm which terminal you’ll need to arrive at. Airline signage at curbside drop-off areas is difficult to see, a common complaint among passengers. Knowing which terminal (and, if possible, which door number) is served by your airline can go a long way in making your airport experience less stressful.
FLL offers over 11,000 parking spaces across three lots (Cypress, Hibiscus, and Palm) for short- and long-term parking, plus a valet service. The multi-level complex earned a national award for innovation, including smart technology like colour-coded lights that indicate available spaces.
How to take a train to FLL
One unique way to arrive at FLL: via train or light rail, which can be cheaper than taxis or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Another perk: You can avoid South Florida’s notorious traffic.
FLL is served by the Brightline, a high-speed intercity railway, and the Tri-Rail, a commuter rail system. Neither is a direct connection, so you’ll need to hop on a shuttle bus to get from the station to the airport.
The Brightline may not be the best choice for early-morning flights. The duration of the trip depends on where you’re coming from, but be sure to allow plenty of time for train delays (which I have personally experienced).
For trips on the Tri-Rail, you’ll get off at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station and take a free shuttle to reach FLL. Shuttle service runs during train operating hours, from early morning until late evening, every 15 to 20 minutes.
How to navigate FLL
FLL provides a free shuttle service that runs between each terminal every eight to 10 minutes, 24/7. So even if you arrive in the middle of the night, you won’t have to wait long for a shuttle.
If you have time and want to get some steps in, you can take the FLL Fit Walking Path. This 2-kilometr path is located landside on the upper level and winds between terminals. I don’t recommend it if you have a lot of luggage or the weather is too warm (no one wants to arrive sweaty for a flight). But if it’s a cooler day and you’re travelling light, it’s a lovely way to stretch your legs.
How to streamline the security line at FLL
For those enrolled in the programs, FLL offers both Clear and TSA PreCheck. Although only relevant for US-based travellers, using these services can make security lines – which can be significant, especially on weekends and peak periods – much more manageable. Travellers enrolled in multiple programs may even benefit from faster processing through identification checkpoints.
Airport amenities and dining
FLL has some standout dining options worth seeking out:
Casavana Cuban Cuisine (T4, Concourse G) is a great spot for Cuban sandwiches and other favourites. Breakfast is a hit among many passengers.
La Familia Tacos and Tequila (T1, Concourse A) offers an extensive selection of more than 80 tequilas and upscale Mexican cuisine.
Golden Bear Grill (T3, Concourse E) is a good pick for golf fans. This golf-themed spot by Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, features American classics like grilled cheese and hamburgers from some of the couple’s beloved recipes.
Enjoy the airport’s artistic side
FLL is home to dozens of artworks by local and internationally recognized artists, displayed throughout the terminals as part of Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program. You can find permanent exhibits like paintings, sculptures, and even mosaic terrazzo floors, many featuring Florida themes. There are also rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists and airport employees.
Alternatives in Florida to FLL
Considering how busy FLL can get (especially during winter, the height of cruise season), it can be a good idea to consider alternative airports. Approximately 48 km south, Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major international hub with loads of domestic and international destinations.
It’s a hub for American Airlines and offers plenty of options for long-haul flights, especially those to Latin American destinations. However, it can be even more congested than FLL.
About 72 km north, Palm Beach International (PBI) is far less crowded, which can translate to a more relaxing airport experience. It offers a range of domestic flights and some international destinations, and you can occasionally find a cheaper fare than FLL. And if you do fly into PBI or MIA, keep an eye out for famous faces. Both are good airports for celeb spotting.
Further away are Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 346 km north, and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about a 2.5-hour drive west. MCO is a large airport where you might snag a deal on a budget airline. RSW is a smaller, less crowded alternative with a good range of domestic flights if you don’t mind the drive.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
