Popular beach city and cruise port 30 miles north of MIA.

About Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has reinvented itself from its 1960s 'Where the Boys Are' spring break reputation into a sophisticated coastal city known for its arts scene, yacht culture, and revitalized downtown. Las Olas Boulevard, the city's elegant main street, is lined with boutiques, galleries, sidewalk restaurants, and bars stretching from the Riverwalk arts district to the beach.

The city's 300+ miles of navigable waterways earn it the 'Venice of America' nickname, and the Intracoastal Waterway is lined with mega-yachts and waterfront mansions. Water taxis crisscross the canals, providing a unique transportation alternative and sightseeing experience. The Port Everglades cruise terminal, one of the busiest in the world, launches ships to the Caribbean, and the yacht industry employs thousands in the area.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, running along the A1A highway, has been dramatically upgraded with a wide promenade, modernized lifeguard towers, and a wave wall that separates the pedestrian boardwalk from the sand. The NSU Art Museum houses one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Florida, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts anchors the cultural district, and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a hidden tropical estate amid the high-rises.

Nearby Landmarks

Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale Beach NSU Art Museum Riverwalk

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $65-85
Time 40-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $55-75
Time 40-60 minutes

Level 1 ground transportation

Train (Metrorail + Tri-Rail)

Cost $5
Time 60 minutes
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. MIA Mover to Metrorail. 2. Metrorail to Tri-Rail Transfer station. 3. Tri-Rail north to Fort Lauderdale.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $65-85 40-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $55-75 40-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $5 60 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Uber and Lyft operate 24 hours between Miami and Fort Lauderdale ($35-60 depending on surge). Tri-Rail runs until approximately 11:30 PM on weekdays. Las Olas Boulevard has restaurants and bars open until midnight or later. The Water Taxi runs evening services on the Intracoastal. Fort Lauderdale Beach bars and restaurants stay open late, particularly on weekends. Late-night rides to MIA cost $40-60.

Luggage Tips

Fort Lauderdale hotels generally have drive-up access and luggage storage. Tri-Rail trains have open luggage areas between cars. The Water Taxi can handle bags but is designed for day-trippers. Las Olas Boulevard shops are not luggage-friendly. If connecting between MIA and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL), the Tri-Rail connects both airports with luggage-suitable stations. The beach promenade is flat for rolling bags.

Accessibility

Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade is fully wheelchair accessible along its length with accessible beach access points. The Water Taxi fleet includes accessible vessels. Tri-Rail is wheelchair accessible with level boarding at most stations. Las Olas Boulevard has wide sidewalks and ADA-compliant crossings. The NSU Art Museum and Broward Center are fully accessible. Most beachfront hotels have accessible rooms and pool access.