Enterprise Car Hire
Fort Lauderdale

On arrival at FLL, collect your luggage and follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Center". All rental car companies, including Enterprise, are located in one consolidated facility a short distance from the terminals. You will need to take a complimentary shuttle bus from the designated pick-up area on the lower level (arrivals kerb) of your terminal. These shuttles run continuously, making the transfer to the Enterprise counter straightforward and convenient.

Arriving late at FLL is generally a smooth process for renters. The airport’s Rental Car Center and the shuttle buses that connect it to the terminals are designed to operate 24/7 to accommodate all flight schedules. While there may be fewer staff on duty, the signage remains clear and the process is the same as during the day. In fact, with fewer crowds and less traffic, getting to the Enterprise counter and exiting the airport can often be quicker and less stressful late at night.

On a busy weekend, it’s wise to allow a bit of extra time for the rental process. Several factors can affect the total time, including waiting for the shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center, possible queues at the Enterprise service counter, and the time it takes to locate your vehicle in the garage. While the process is efficient, planning for roughly 60 to 90 minutes from baggage reclaim to driving away provides a comfortable buffer and helps set a relaxed tone for the start of your trip.

The most practical meeting point for your group is usually the baggage carousel assigned to your flight. This is a large, easy-to-spot area where everyone will naturally end up. Once your whole party and all luggage are accounted for, you can proceed together to the shuttle bus stop for the Rental Car Center. Alternatively, if some members of your group are arriving on different flights, a pre-security café or seating area in the arrivals hall can work well as a comfortable central meeting spot.

A good strategy is to have the designated driver go alone to the Rental Car Center while the rest of the group waits with the luggage. The ideal waiting spot is the passenger pick-up area on the arrivals level (lower level), just outside baggage reclaim. This keeps the group out of the main flow of traffic inside the terminal. Once the driver has the car, they can easily loop back to the terminal’s arrivals kerb to collect everyone.

After completing your rental agreement at the Enterprise counter, the agent will give clear instructions for finding your vehicle. Your paperwork or key fob will usually show the specific bay number, row, or zone. The garage levels are well marked with signs, and you can take the lift or escalator to the correct floor. Following these directions should take you straight to your car without any need to search around.

Before you drive off, take a few minutes for a thorough walkaround inspection. Use your phone to take photos or a video of the car’s exterior, paying close attention to any existing scratches, dents, or scuffs. Make sure these are noted on your rental agreement. Inside the car, check the A/C blows cold, test the headlights and indicators, and familiarise yourself with the wiper controls and infotainment system. This quick check gives peace of mind for your trip.

Fort Lauderdale airport has a dedicated Cell Phone Waiting Lot that is ideal for this. It’s located just a minute or two from the Rental Car Center and provides a safe, quiet place to pull over completely out of traffic. Here you can programme your GPS, connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth, and adjust your seat and mirrors. It’s the best way to get properly set up before joining the busy surrounding roads.

The main exit from the airport complex puts you straight onto U.S. Route 1 (Federal Highway), which requires immediate decisions. The most common point of confusion is taking the correct ramps to I-595, the primary east–west route connecting to I-95 (north–south travel) and the Florida Turnpike. Missing the quick turn for I-595 West is easy if you’re not prepared, so having your GPS running before you leave the garage is strongly recommended.

For a straightforward and scenic drive to the beach, it’s best to avoid the major interstates at first. From the airport, take U.S. 1 North for a few miles. Then turn right heading east onto SE 17th Street, which becomes the 17th Street Causeway. This road takes you over the Intracoastal Waterway and feeds into the heart of the Fort Lauderdale Beach area, with minimal complex interchanges.

The most direct route to Las Olas Boulevard is to take U.S. 1 North from the airport. Continue past the turn for SE 17th Street and look for signs to turn left (west) onto Las Olas. As you get closer to the popular shopping and dining area, the streets can become more complex with one-way systems. Using a GPS for the final few blocks is the best way to reach your hotel entrance without wrong turns.

Getting to Hollywood Beach is very simple from the airport. Take U.S. 1 South for several miles until you reach either Hollywood Boulevard or Sheridan Street. Turn left (east) on either main road and it will lead you straight to the ocean and the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. For parking, there are several large municipal parking garages, such as the Garfield Garage, offering convenient hourly parking just steps from the beach.

Driving to Port Everglades from the FLL Rental Car Center is extremely convenient as they are next to each other. As you exit the rental facility, follow the prominent signs for I-595 East and Port Everglades. The road system is designed to funnel cruise traffic directly to the port’s security entrance. Once inside the port, clear signage will direct you to the correct terminal for your cruise line, making the process smooth and efficient.

Drawbridges can cause unexpected delays when driving to the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Bridges on major routes such as Las Olas Boulevard and the 17th Street Causeway open for boat traffic on a regular schedule, often on the hour and half-hour. An opening can stop traffic for 10 to 15 minutes. The best approach is to build an extra 20 minutes of buffer time into your schedule if your route crosses the Intracoastal Waterway.

Many hotel car parks in downtown Fort Lauderdale and near the beach can be tight, with narrow turns, steep ramps, and low clearance heights. When choosing your rental vehicle, it’s worth keeping this in mind. A standard saloon or compact SUV is often much easier to manoeuvre than a large truck or full-size SUV. It’s also sensible to check your hotel’s website for any posted vehicle height restrictions.

Driving on A1A offers classic coastal views but requires full attention. It’s a busy two-lane road with a steady mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and cars pulling in and out of parking spaces. Beach access is available via numerous public car parks and metered on-street parking along the road. If you miss a turn or a space, it’s best to continue to the next set of traffic lights to make a safe U-turn rather than attempting an abrupt manoeuvre.

For the Riverwalk and the nearby museum, the simplest plan is to park once in a central location. The Arts & Entertainment District Garage, often called the AutoNation Garage, is well positioned between these attractions. It’s a large city-run facility that lets you leave the car and explore the area on foot, avoiding the hassle of finding and paying for parking multiple times.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is an easy trip by car. From the airport area, take U.S. 1 North for several miles to Commercial Boulevard. Turn right (east) and follow Commercial Boulevard all the way to the ocean. The town centre has a large public car park next to Anglin’s Fishing Pier, plus plenty of metered on-street parking, making it easy to park and explore the shops and restaurants on foot.

For the most straightforward day trip to Miami, take I-95 South. It provides a direct connection between the two cities. To reduce stress, try to travel outside the morning and evening rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). A GPS is essential for the final exit ramps into your specific Miami destination, such as South Beach or Downtown, as interchanges can be complex for first-time visitors.

The simplest and most efficient route to Boca Raton or Delray Beach is I-95 North. From the FLL area, you can access the interstate easily via I-595 West. Once on I-95 North, it’s a direct, well-signed drive to the exits for both cities. This route avoids city traffic and makes for a clear, easy day trip.

West Palm Beach is very driver-friendly. When visiting the waterfront, Clematis Street, or The Square shopping district, you’ll find numerous well-marked public parking garages. They offer convenient hourly rates and are within easy walking distance of the main attractions. This centralised parking setup makes it easy to park once and enjoy the lively downtown area on foot.

A day trip to the Florida Keys from Fort Lauderdale requires a very early start and realistic expectations. Driving all the way to Key West and back in one day isn’t feasible. A more practical plan is to aim for the Upper Keys, such as Key Largo or Islamorada, which are about a two-hour drive each way without traffic. By leaving before sunrise, you can enjoy a full day and start driving back north by mid-afternoon to ensure you return before it gets too late.

Many popular Everglades airboat tour operators are conveniently located just west of Fort Lauderdale along major routes. The easiest way to reach them is via I-595 West from the airport area. This leads to access points for U.S. Highway 27 and I-75 (Alligator Alley), where well-known attractions such as Sawgrass Recreation Park and Everglades Holiday Park are located. The routes are well signed, making for a low-stress drive.

During weekday commuting hours, typically 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM, major arteries such as I-95, I-595 and the Florida Turnpike can be heavily congested. Traffic may slow dramatically, potentially doubling your journey time. It’s best to plan airport runs, inter-city drives, and major attraction visits outside these peak windows. For a more pleasant experience, schedule these trips for mid-day or later in the evening.

Sudden, heavy downpours are common in South Florida and can change driving conditions instantly. They can greatly reduce visibility and make roads slick from oil residue, increasing the risk of hydroplaning at higher speeds. When a storm hits, slow down significantly, switch on your headlights, and increase the following distance. Take extra care on motorways, where water can pool quickly.

In Florida, a right turn on a red light is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding. For multi-lane left turns, choose a lane and stay in it throughout the turn; don’t drift into the adjacent lane. Following the painted lane lines through the junction will guide you safely.

A mid-size saloon or a compact SUV usually offers the best balance for Fort Lauderdale. You get enough space for passengers and luggage while staying nimble for tight beach parking and city garages. They’re also comfortable and efficient for short motorway trips to nearby towns. That versatility suits the range of driving you’ll encounter.

The best approach is to install the child seat before loading any luggage. Find your allocated space in the rental garage and take your time securing the seat properly, keeping the doors open to give yourself room. Once the seat is safely installed, load suitcases and other gear around it. This ensures the most important task is done correctly without feeling rushed.

Before leaving the Enterprise lot, do a quick test fit with your largest items. Open the boot or rear hatch to assess the size of the opening and overall cargo capacity. Place your golf clubs or folded pushchair inside to make sure they fit comfortably without forcing them. Checking this before you drive away can prevent an annoying surprise later and gives you the chance to request a different vehicle if needed.

To avoid the frustration of hunting for on-street parking, the most efficient strategy is to identify a municipal car park in the area you’re visiting and drive straight there. These garages are common near the beach, Las Olas Boulevard, and downtown. A mobile parking app can also help, as many let you see car park locations and pay from your phone, saving time and hassle.

As you approach the airport, watch the large overhead signs carefully. The road system splits, and you need to stay in the lanes marked specifically for "Rental Car Return". These signs route you away from the passenger arrivals and departures loops and lead you straight to the multi-storey garage that houses the Rental Car Center. Seeing this large dedicated garage is your final confirmation you’re on the right approach.

During the morning rush, congestion often builds at the main entrance road into the airport complex from U.S. 1. The upper-level departures loop can also back up as people unload luggage. This traffic can slow you down even if you’re heading for the separate Rental Car Return entrance, so allow at least 20-30 minutes of extra travel time to avoid last-minute stress.

The airport is set up for exactly this sequence. First, follow signs for "Departures" to the upper-level roadway. Drop off passengers and luggage at the kerb for their airline. Then continue around the loop and follow the clear signs back towards the "Rental Car Return" entrance without having to leave the airport complex.

It’s very straightforward. After returning your vehicle and keys inside the Rental Car Center, take the lift or escalator up to the designated shuttle bus stop. Complimentary shuttle buses run continuously between the rental facility and all airport terminals. The buses are clearly marked, and the short ride drops you directly at your departure terminal.

A very convenient area is just north of the airport on U.S. 1 (Federal Highway). Within a five-minute drive of the Rental Car Center, you’ll find several large shopping plazas with grocery shops, pharmacies, coffee shops, and plenty of fast-food options. This lets you stock up quickly without navigating tricky side streets or risking getting drawn back into the airport traffic loops.

During spring break, expect heavy congestion in key tourist areas. Roads leading to and along Fort Lauderdale Beach—especially A1A, Las Olas Boulevard, and the 17th Street Causeway—can be extremely busy. The area around the airport will also see higher-than-normal traffic volumes due to the influx of visitors. It’s sensible to allow roughly double the usual travel time in these hotspot zones during that period.

If your airport-area hotel offers a complimentary shuttle, it’s often most practical to take it on your arrival night. That way you can check in and rest after your flight without immediately having to drive in an unfamiliar area in the dark. The next morning, take the shuttle back to the Rental Car Center to pick up your Enterprise vehicle when you’re refreshed and ready to start exploring in daylight.

One common mistake happens right after exiting the airport onto U.S. 1, where being in the wrong lane can make you miss the quick turn needed for the I-595 interchange. Another frequent error is following signs for the terminals instead of "Rental Car Return" when bringing the car back, forcing a frustrating loop around the whole airport. Running a GPS from the moment you start the car is the best way to avoid these simple but time-consuming mistakes.

To keep things efficient, plan your driving in a linear direction. For example, start in Fort Lauderdale, then drive south on I-95 to spend time in Miami. From Miami, drive north to visit Palm Beach, bypassing Fort Lauderdale. This north–south (or south–north) progression avoids criss-crossing the region and wasting holiday time retracing the same routes.

Rental facilities at major airports like FLL are used to flight delays and typically stay open to accommodate scheduled arrivals. The best approach is to stay calm and follow the standard process: head to the shuttle bus stop for the Rental Car Center as you normally would. While there may be fewer agents at the counter late at night, the procedure is the same. Keeping your reservation confirmation handy will help ensure a smooth, efficient pick-up whatever the time.