Does FLL have free WiFi?

Yes. Connect to the "Airport Wifi Terminal" network for free WiFi throughout all terminals. Speeds are decent for browsing and email. Streaming quality varies during peak hours.

How do I get from FLL to Miami?

The fastest option is Brightline high-speed rail. A shuttle bus connects the airport to the Brightline station. The train reaches downtown Miami in about 30 minutes, starting around $12-$20 one way. It's faster and often cheaper than a rideshare.

How do I get between FLL's terminals?

Terminals 3 and 4 are connected by a pedestrian bridge (no security re-screening needed). All other terminal transfers require a shuttle bus on the lower level, and you'll need to re-clear security. Budget 15-20 minutes.

Can I sleep at FLL Airport overnight?

You can, but it's not comfortable. Overnight sleepers must stay in pre-security areas with attached chairs and armrests. There are no sleep pods or Minute Suites. It gets cold and cleaning crews work through the night. Nearby hotels with free shuttles are a much better option.

Is FLL a good alternative to Miami International Airport?

For many travelers, yes. FLL is often cheaper to fly into, less chaotic, and connects to downtown Miami via Brightline in 30 minutes. If your final destination is Fort Lauderdale, the beaches, or a cruise from Port Everglades, FLL is the clear choice.

FLL Fort Lauderdale Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

FLL Airport Overview

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the scrappier, more affordable cousin of Miami International. It handles around 35 million passengers a year and has become a major gateway for budget carriers, cruise ship passengers, and anyone who doesn't want to deal with MIA's chaos. Spirit Airlines has a significant presence here, and JetBlue, Southwest, and other carriers offer strong competition on most routes.

The airport has four terminals with a fifth under construction. It's not glamorous, but it gets the job done. And with Brightline high-speed rail nearby, getting to Miami or West Palm Beach is easier than ever.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

FLL has four terminals (1 through 4), each with its own set of concourses. They're spread out, and moving between them isn't always quick.

Terminal 1 (Yellow)

Three concourses: A (gates A1-A7), B (gates B1-B9), and C (gates C1-C9). Airlines include JetBlue, United, Allegiant, and Bahamasair. The United Club is located in Concourse C.

Terminal 2

A single concourse with gates D1-D9. Serves Delta, WestJet, and a few others. The Delta Sky Club is here. This is the smallest terminal.

Terminal 3

Two concourses: E and F. Major carriers include Southwest, American, Alaska, and Avianca. The Escape Lounge is located here. Connected to Terminal 4 via a pedestrian bridge.

Terminal 4 (Green)

A single concourse (G) with gates G1-G14. Spirit Airlines dominates this terminal, along with Frontier and some international carriers. Connected to Terminal 3 by a pedestrian bridge.

Terminal 5 (Coming Soon)

A $404 million, 230,000-square-foot facility set for completion by mid-2026. It will add five new domestic gates, check-in and baggage areas, security screening, and new retail and dining. This expansion comes as FLL prepares for increased traffic ahead of World Cup 2026 events at nearby Hard Rock Stadium.

Getting Between Terminals

Terminals 3 and 4 are connected by a pedestrian bridge (no need to re-clear security). For all other terminal transfers, you'll need to take a shuttle bus on the lower level. Shuttles run frequently but budget 15-20 minutes for the trip. You will need to re-clear security after switching terminals (except 3 to 4).

Getting To and From Fort Lauderdale

Brightline (Best for Miami or West Palm Beach)

The Brightline high-speed rail station is near the airport, with a shuttle bus connecting the terminals to the station. Brightline runs to downtown Miami (about 30 minutes), downtown Fort Lauderdale (about 10 minutes), and West Palm Beach (about 45 minutes). Tickets start around $12-$20 one way. This is the fastest, most comfortable way to reach Miami from FLL.

Tri-Rail

The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport station on the Tri-Rail commuter line is nearby. A free shuttle bus runs from the station to three locations at the airport. Tri-Rail connects to downtown Fort Lauderdale, other Broward County cities, and extends to Miami and West Palm Beach. It's cheaper than Brightline but slower.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Pickup is on the lower level of each terminal. Fort Lauderdale Beach costs $12-$20. Downtown Fort Lauderdale is $10-$18. Miami Beach is $35-$55. Port Everglades (cruise port) is just $8-$12 and only a few minutes away.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available on the lower level. Fort Lauderdale Beach is about $15-$25. Downtown Miami is $65-$80. The cruise port at Port Everglades is $10-$15.

Rental Cars

The Rental Car Center is across from the terminals, connected by a free shuttle. All major companies are consolidated here.

Lounges

FLL's lounge options are limited but cover the basics.

Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2) - Open daily from approximately 4:15 AM to 7:30 PM. Standard Sky Club amenities: complimentary food and drinks, WiFi, comfortable seating. Available to Delta Sky Club members and eligible passengers.
United Club (Terminal 1, Concourse C) - For United Club members and eligible United passengers.
Escape Lounge (Terminal 3) - Open to all travelers regardless of airline. Hours are 5:30 AM to 9 PM daily. Accepts Priority Pass, American Express Platinum, and walk-in day passes. Complimentary food, beverages, and WiFi. This is your best option if you don't have airline-specific lounge access.

Terminals 4 has no lounge. If you're flying Spirit out of Terminal 4, you can walk to the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 via the pedestrian bridge without leaving security.

Food and Dining

FLL's food scene is a mixed bag. Terminals 1 and 2 have the best variety. Terminals 3 and 4 are more limited.

Don't Miss

Shula Burger (Terminal 1) - Named after legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula. Solid burgers and a sports bar atmosphere.
Casavana Cuban Restaurant (Terminal 3) - You're in South Florida - eat Cuban food. The Cuban sandwich and croquetas are solid.
Food Network Kitchen - Celebrity chef-inspired dishes with more creativity than your typical airport fare.

Quick Bites

Zona Fresca has solid Mexican fare. BurgerFi serves better-than-average burgers. Miami Grill covers South Florida diner staples. The usual chains (McDonald's, Starbucks, Dunkin') are scattered throughout. Sergio's offers Cuban coffee and pastries.

Late Night

Very limited late-night food. Most restaurants close by 9-10 PM. Vending machines are your friend after hours. Stock up on snacks before things close.

WiFi

FLL offers free WiFi throughout all terminals. Connect to the "Airport Wifi Terminal" network. Speeds are adequate for browsing and email. Streaming can be hit or miss during peak hours. Power outlets are available at most gate areas, though older sections of the airport may have fewer outlets. Bring a portable charger as backup.

Sleeping at FLL

The Honest Truth

FLL is not a great airport for sleeping. There are no Minute Suites, no sleep pods, and no airside hotel. If you're stuck overnight, your options are limited.

Pre-Security Areas

Overnight sleepers need to stay in the pre-security waiting areas (you can't stay on the concourses overnight). Seating is attached chairs with armrests - not sleep-friendly. Heavy cleaning happens at night, which can be noisy. It gets cold inside, so bring warm layers.

Rental Car Center

Some travelers report that the rental car center has dimly lit, relatively quiet areas with padded seats. It's not ideal, but it might be better than the main terminals for overnight rest.

Nearby Hotels

There are no on-site hotels, but several are within a short shuttle ride. The Comfort Suites, La Quinta, and Holiday Inn are among the closest. Most offer free airport shuttle service. For something nicer, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is about 10 minutes away.

Layover Tips

Short layover (under 2 hours): If you're staying within the same terminal, connections are straightforward. If switching terminals (except 3 to 4), budget extra time for the shuttle and re-clearing security. FLL's security lines can move slowly during peak hours.
Medium layover (2-5 hours): Grab Cuban food at Casavana. Visit the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 if you have access. Walk between Terminal 3 and 4 via the bridge to explore more dining options.
Long layover (5+ hours): Take a rideshare to Fort Lauderdale Beach (15 minutes, $12-$20). Walk the Riverwalk along the New River downtown. Take Brightline to Miami if you're ambitious. The cruise port at Port Everglades is minutes away if you want to watch ships. Leave 1.5 hours for the return trip and security.
Cruise connection: FLL is the closest airport to Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. A rideshare to the port takes about 5-10 minutes and costs under $15. Many cruise lines offer dedicated shuttle service from FLL.
MIA vs. FLL: If you're heading to Miami, FLL plus Brightline is often cheaper and less stressful than flying into MIA. The Brightline ride is 30 minutes to downtown Miami. Factor this into your booking decisions.