Fort Lauderdale Airport: Location And Travel Tips

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is conveniently located off Interstate 595 and Interstate 95 and is bounded by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. With over 700 daily flights to 135 destinations, it is the second busiest airport in the Miami metropolitan area and a major hub for commercial air traffic. FLL offers a range of transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttles, and public transportation such as the Tri-Rail commuter train and Broward Country Transit bus.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is located in Broward County, Florida, US

The airport is a major hub for commercial air traffic, serving as the second busiest airport in the Miami metropolitan area. With over 700 daily flights to numerous destinations, it has become an intercontinental gateway. It is a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale region and surrounding areas, and a secondary airport for parts of Miami. The airport is a base for several airlines, including Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, which has its headquarters in nearby Miramar.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport has a rich history, originally opening as Merle Fogg Field in 1929. During World War II, it was commissioned by the United States Navy and renamed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, serving as a base for refitting civil airliners for military service. After the war, it transitioned to Broward County International Airport in 1946 and began commercial operations.

The airport has undergone significant expansion and improvements over the years, including the addition of new terminals and the extension of runways. As of 2024, the airport operates four terminals, with another terminal under construction. The airport offers a variety of transportation options, including rental car services, taxi, shuttle, limousine, and public transportation such as the Tri-Rail commuter train and Broward Country Transit bus.

The airport is 3 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles from Miami

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is situated about 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is conveniently located off Interstate 595 and Interstate 95, with multiple parking options available, including economy, garage, hourly, daily, short-term, long-term, and valet services.

FLL is a significant public airport, serving as the second busiest in the Miami metropolitan area. It offers over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations, becoming an intercontinental gateway. The airport acts as a primary aviation hub for the Fort Lauderdale region, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton. It also serves as a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton.

The airport is easily accessible from various locations, including Hollywood, which is 4.9 miles away, and Boca Raton, which is 24.4 miles from the airport. Miami is a bit further away at 28.6 miles, and West Palm Beach is the farthest of these examples at 50.7 miles from the airport.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport has a rich history, initially opening as Merle Fogg Field in 1929. During World War II, it was commissioned by the United States Navy and renamed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, playing a crucial role in refitting civil airliners for military service. After the war, in 1946, it transitioned to Broward County International Airport, marking its entry into commercial aviation.

It is one of the busiest airports in the US and the world

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, about 3 miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. It is one of the busiest airports in the US and the world.

A Busy Airport in the US

As of 2025, the airport is the 21st busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic, handling 17 million passengers annually. This makes it one of the top 50 busiest airports in the world. FLL is the second busiest airport in the Miami metropolitan area, serving as a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton areas. It also serves as a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton.

A Busy Airport in the World

FLL has become an intercontinental gateway, with over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport is classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a "major hub" facility serving commercial air traffic. It is a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, and the primary South Florida airport for Southwest Airlines.

Expansion and Development

To accommodate the high volume of passenger traffic, FLL has undergone significant expansion and development. As of 2024, the airport operates four terminals with 66 gates, with another terminal under construction. The airport has a variety of parking options and is easily accessible via major roads and public transportation.

A Historical Perspective

The airport has a long history, originally opening in 1929 as Merle Fogg Airport. During World War II, it served as a United States Navy base for refitting civilian airliners into military aircraft. In 1946, it was renamed Broward County International Airport and became a commercial airport. Commercial flights to Nassau began in 1953, and domestic flights started in 1958-1959. The airport has continued to expand and modernize over the years, becoming the busy aviation hub it is today.

The airport has four terminals with 56-66 gates

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road A1A, and Florida State Road 5.

Terminal 1, previously known as the Yellow Terminal, consists of Concourses A, B, and C, with a total of 23 gates. Concourse A primarily serves international travellers, while Southwest Airlines frequently operates out of Concourse B. United Airlines operates a United Club in Concourse C, originally established as a Continental Airlines Presidents Club.

Terminal 2, formerly the Red Terminal, includes Concourse D and offers 9 gates. Air Canada and Delta Air Lines operate from this terminal, and WestJet currently uses it due to construction in Terminal 1. Delta Air Lines also operates a Sky Club in Terminal 2. This terminal is undergoing modernisation, including expanding the check-in area, enhancing security screening facilities, and adding new concessions.

Terminal 3, previously known as the Purple Terminal, comprises Concourses E and F and provides 20 gates. It serves as the base for JetBlue operations and is connected to Terminal 4 via a newly constructed walkway.

Terminal 4, formerly the Green Terminal, consists of Concourse G with 14 gates and is the base for Spirit operations. Concourse H, which had 10 gates, was demolished in December 2017, and a new three-story Concourse G was built in its place, offering 14 new gates, 11 of which are international/domestic capable. This new facility also provides new concessions, seating, and administrative offices for the Aviation Department.

In addition to the existing four terminals, construction is underway on Terminal 5, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026. This new terminal will feature five domestic gates, check-in and baggage areas, security screening, and a variety of retail and food services. Terminal 5 will be connected to Terminal 4 and the Cypress parking garage through pedestrian bridges, further enhancing the functionality and convenience of the airport.

It is accessible by car, train, taxi, shuttle, and bus

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is accessible by car, train, taxi, shuttle, and bus.

By Car

The airport is located off Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road A1A, and Florida State Road 5. It is bordered by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach.

By Train

The airport is near the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at Dania Beach train station, served by Tri-Rail commuter trains, and the Fort Lauderdale station, serving Brightline. Both Tri-Rail and Brightline provide a shuttle bus service from their respective stations to the airport.

By Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport, and companies such as Yellow Cab can accommodate passengers with folding wheelchairs or provide wheelchair-accessible vans at no additional charge. Ride-sharing companies like Uber also offer taxi-like services to and from the airport.

By Shuttle

The airport offers a complimentary shuttle bus service for Tri-Rail passengers between the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail Station and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The shuttle runs during train operating hours, approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

By Bus

Broward County Transit (BCT) buses serve the airport, including Route 1, which connects to the Broward Central Terminal in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Aventura Mall in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, Greyhound buses provide service to and from the airport, with the bus stop located between Terminals 1 and 2, Concourse C, on the Arrivals Level.

Frequently asked questions