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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) | • All major companies in one Rental Car Center • 24/7 operations • Wide selection of vehicles • Convenient for arrival/departure |
• Approximately 18% more expensive than city locations • Requires shuttle from Terminals 2-4 • Can have lines during cruise ship changeover days |
| Downtown Fort Lauderdale | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport surcharges • Close to business district |
• Limited hours (often not 24/7) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require taxi/rideshare to reach |
| Beach/Las Olas Area | • Convenient for beach visitors • Walking distance from many hotels • Easy access to main attractions |
• Limited availability and selection • Higher rates in prime tourist areas • Parking challenges when returning |
| Port Everglades | • Convenient for cruise passengers • Some companies offer port pickup |
• Limited selection • Higher rates during cruise season • May require advance arrangements |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Fort Lauderdale cost around $48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $4 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups – city branches run about 18 % cheaper. Even after a short rideshare from FLL you'll usually come out ahead.
Shift your dates by a day or two – weekly rates often beat 5-6 day rentals and picking up mid-week avoids the cruise-ship weekend surge at the airport.
Bring or buy a cheap SunPass Mini (≈ $5) – skips rental toll device fees that can add $3-5 per day on I-595 or the Turnpike.
Skip prepaid fuel unless you're certain to return near-empty. Gas stations on US-1 are minutes from FLL for a quick top-off.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Fort Lauderdale Beach – beaches, restaurants
Sawgrass Mills – shopping, dining
Everglades – wildlife, airboat tours
Miami – Wynwood, Little Havana
Palm Beach – museums, shopping districts
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – trails, lagoon

Is it necessary to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale? You can walk around the downtown and beach areas, but we recommend most visitors rent a car. The city has limited public transportation, and you can get to many attractions, shopping centers and neighboring cities more easily by car. If you're only staying in the beach area and don't plan to explore, you might get by without one.
What's the best way to handle parking at Fort Lauderdale Beach? You can find several city parking lots and garages along A1A at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Rates are usually $2–4 per hour, and you can pay using an app or credit card. We suggest you arrive early (before 10 AM) on weekends to find a spot. Some hotels offer parking packages, and you can also find private lots that charge higher rates. The city limits street parking and strictly enforces the rules.
How do I navigate the Fort Lauderdale airport rental process? You can find the Rental Car Center at FLL right next to Terminal 1. You can get there using the walking path. If you arrive at Terminals 2, 3, or 4, follow the signs for the free rental car shuttle. Having a reservation will speed things up a lot. You can also join your rental company's loyalty program before you go to get faster service, especially when it's busy.
What type of car is best for visiting Fort Lauderdale? A standard sedan or small SUV is a good choice for most visitors. They get good gas mileage and have enough room for your beach gear and shopping bags. Many people like to rent convertibles to enjoy driving along the coast, especially on A1A. If you're a family or a larger group, you might want a minivan or full-size SUV for extra space.
How do I handle toll roads when renting in Fort Lauderdale? In South Florida, many toll roads only take electronic payments, so they have no cash booths. Your rental company will probably offer you a toll package for a daily fee (about $3–5) on top of the actual toll costs. If you're staying for a while, you can get a SunPass transponder or add your rental car to your current SunPass account to avoid the rental company's fees.