National Car Hire
Fort Lauderdale

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim you should head to the airport's consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC). Look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to the shuttle bus pick-up areas, located outside the terminals on the lower level. These complimentary shuttles run frequently and will take you on a short trip directly to the RCC. Once there you can go to the National Car Rental desk to complete your collection and be on your way.

As a general planning guideline, it’s sensible to allow roughly 45 to 75 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you’ll be driving off. This covers disembarking, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for luggage and taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Center. Actual time can vary depending on how many flights arrive simultaneously and your walking pace. Building in this buffer helps ensure a low-stress start to your visit to Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale airport is well equipped for frequent rainstorms, so the process remains manageable even in a downpour. The walk from baggage reclaim to the shuttle stop for the Rental Car Center is largely covered, shielding you from most of the weather. The shuttle buses are enclosed, keeping you and your luggage dry during the short trip to the hire facility. Once inside the Rental Car Center, the whole vehicle collection process is indoors, so you won’t be exposed again until you drive out.

On arrival from an international flight at FLL you will follow the usual sequence before you can pick up your car. First you’ll go through passport control and customs. After clearing these formalities you’ll be directed to the international baggage reclaim area to collect checked luggage. Once you have your belongings you can exit the secure area and follow signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center shuttle, which will take you to the separate rental facility to collect your vehicle.

For a smoother family experience, a good approach is for one adult to wait with the children and luggage in a designated spot while the other deals with the hire paperwork. After taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Center, find a comfortable spot near the entrance or a waiting area. The nominated driver can then go to the National counter to complete the paperwork and bring the car to the passenger pick-up area. This minimises waiting time for the children and makes loading the car far more organised.

A straightforward and scenic route for first-timers is to take U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) north from the airport. After leaving the Rental Car Center, follow signs for U.S. 1 North. Continue on this road for a few miles until you see signs for SE 17th Street, which you take eastbound. That road leads over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge with good views, and then becomes A1A as it curves north along the seafront. This avoids complex motorway interchanges and takes you directly to the heart of the beach area.

A common point of confusion when leaving FLL is the immediate interchange with U.S. 1, I-595 and the port entrance. To avoid mistakes it’s important to decide your main destination—north to Fort Lauderdale, west to the suburbs, or south to Miami—before you start the car. Watch the large overhead signs closely as you exit the Rental Car Center, since lanes split quickly. Using a GPS app is highly recommended, but activate it before you begin driving so you can follow turn-by-turn directions and concentrate on road signs.

Driving on Las Olas Boulevard requires some extra attention, especially in the busy downtown and shopping districts. The main boulevard itself is two-way, but many of the smaller side streets in the surrounding neighbourhoods are one-way, so watch the signs carefully. When approaching your hotel, be aware that many have designated pull-in areas or valet stands for unloading luggage. It helps to have the hotel address set in your GPS and to expect a slightly slower pace of traffic as you navigate this popular and scenic area.

The drive from the FLL Rental Car Center to Port Everglades is very short, typically only 10 to 15 minutes in light traffic. The port is located just south of the airport, making the connection very convenient. However, on major cruise departure days—especially late morning and early afternoon—you can expect significant congestion around the port entrances. To meet your check-in window without stress, plan to leave the airport at least an hour before your intended arrival at the cruise terminal to allow for potential traffic delays.

A good strategy is to head west from the airport before going east to the beach. After leaving the Rental Car Center, follow signs for I-595 West. Within a few miles you’ll find several exits with large shopping centres that include supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box retailers. This allows you to stock up on essentials in a less congested area. Once finished, you can easily get back on the road and head towards your beach hotel without navigating tourist-heavy areas with a car full of supplies.

For a day trip to the Everglades from Fort Lauderdale, the most logical and accessible area is the northern section of Everglades National Park or the nearby Sawgrass Recreation Park. The most direct route is to take I-595 West from the airport area until it becomes I-75 North. From there follow signs for U.S. 27, which runs along the eastern edge of the Everglades conservation areas. This route offers opportunities for airboat tours and wildlife viewing without the much longer drive to the park's main entrance south of Miami.

Driving on I-95 in the Fort Lauderdale area requires attentive, confident driving, as traffic moves quickly and can be dense. Lane changes are frequent, so always indicate and be aware of your surroundings. Exits are generally well signed but can come up quickly, so move into the correct lane well in advance. During rush hours expect significant slowdowns and be prepared for sudden braking. A satnav with lane guidance can be extremely helpful when navigating this busy interstate for the first time.

The interchange connecting I-95 and I-595 near FLL is large and can intimidate first-time visitors because of its multiple levels and merging lanes. The key to navigating it is to know which direction you need before entering. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs indicating I-95 North (to West Palm Beach), I-95 South (to Miami) and I-595 West (to I-75/Alligator Alley). Staying in your lane and avoiding last-minute changes is the safest approach through this complex junction.

The most direct route to the Sawgrass Mills outlet mall is to take I-595 West from the airport area. Continue on I-595 for about 15 miles and take the exit for Flamingo Road (Exit 1B). Head north on Flamingo Road and you’ll see signs directing you to the mall. To avoid the busiest traffic, plan your visit for a weekday morning, arriving shortly after the stores open. Weekends—especially Saturday afternoons—are typically the busiest times for both road traffic and crowds at the mall.

For an evening trip to Miami, taking I-95 South is the most common route. Try to leave Fort Lauderdale well before the evening rush hour begins, ideally by mid-afternoon, to ensure a less stressful drive and timely arrival. On the late-night return the traffic on I-95 is usually much lighter, making the journey quicker. Always check your satnav for real-time traffic before departing either way, as accidents or roadworks can cause delays even during off-peak times.

When driving from FLL to Hollywood Beach you will likely cross the Intracoastal Waterway, which involves a drawbridge on one of the main east–west corridors such as Hollywood Boulevard or Dania Beach Boulevard. These bridges open on a set schedule, typically every 30 minutes, for boat traffic. This can cause traffic to back up significantly, so factor in a potential 10–15 minute delay. If you see the bridge gates lowering, it’s best to relax and wait, as finding an alternative route is often more time-consuming.

Drawbridges are an integral part of driving in Fort Lauderdale, especially along the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. Key routes like Las Olas Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard and SE 17th Street all have drawbridges that open for boat traffic, usually on a fixed schedule. These openings can cause temporary but significant traffic delays. When planning your journeys—particularly if you have a reservation or a flight to catch—add an extra 15–20 minutes to your travel time to allow for a possible bridge opening.

For accommodation with a tight parking garage, common in beach areas, you’ll be most comfortable with a compact or mid-size saloon. A compact SUV is also a good option, offering more space without being overly wide or long. Larger SUVs or people carriers may be tempting for extra room but can be awkward to navigate in narrow spaces with tight turns and concrete pillars. Prioritising manoeuvrability will reduce the stress of parking after a day of exploring.

Parking near Fort Lauderdale Beach on a sunny weekend can be very challenging, with public lots and street spaces filling up early. Plan to arrive before mid-morning for the best chance of a convenient spot. If you arrive later and the main lots are full, look for parking a few blocks west of A1A and be prepared for a short walk to the beach. Another option is to use larger parking garages, like the Las Olas Beach Garage, which often have availability when smaller lots are at capacity.

To enjoy a pleasant day trip north to the Palm Beaches, avoid the morning rush on I-95. A comfortable departure time from Fort Lauderdale is between 09:30 and 10:00, after most commuter traffic has subsided. This allows for a smoother, more relaxed drive. For the return, aim to leave Palm Beach before 15:30 or after 18:30 to miss the southbound evening rush hour and finish the day comfortably.

The most direct route to Key Largo is to take I-595 West from the FLL area to the Florida Turnpike South. Follow the Turnpike until it ends and merges with U.S. 1 in Florida City, which then becomes the Overseas Highway into the Keys. The drive to Key Largo typically takes about two hours without stops. A popular place to break the journey is Florida City, where you can fill up, grab food and visit the well-known fruit stand 'Robert Is Here' for a fresh smoothie before the bridge crossings.

Driving from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is a scenic journey of about four to five hours without major stops. To avoid arriving after dark, plan to leave Fort Lauderdale no later than 10:00. A realistic plan includes a short first stop in Key Largo and a longer lunch stop in Islamorada or Marathon, roughly the halfway points. This pacing lets you enjoy the drive and reach Key West with plenty of daylight to check in and settle before sunset.

Driving on A1A offers classic Florida beach views and is most enjoyable on weekdays outside peak hours. It’s relatively easy and scenic in the morning or mid-afternoon when you can cruise at a relaxed pace. However, on weekends, holidays and late afternoons A1A can become very slow and congested, especially in the central beach area between Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevard. During those times it’s better used for short trips to a specific destination rather than for cruising.

For a beach-focused weekend, a vehicle with a spacious boot or cargo area is invaluable for stowing sandy chairs, umbrellas and coolers. An SUV with rubber or all-weather mats is handy, as they make cleaning sand much easier than carpeted interiors. Features like a rear-view camera and parking sensors are extremely helpful for manoeuvring into the often-tight parking spots found in beach lots and garages. These conveniences make your beach logistics much smoother and less stressful.

When travelling with bulky items like beach gear and luggage, be strategic at the Rental Car Center. After getting your vehicle, drive it to the designated passenger pick-up area of the car park. This allows you to load everything directly from the kerb without hauling it through the parking structure. Consider packing smaller items inside the cooler to consolidate your belongings. Having one person manage the gear while the other gets the car streamlines the process.

When travelling with a mobility device, vehicle choice is key to a comfortable trip. A people carrier or a mid-to-full-size SUV will typically offer the most convenient loading options and ample cargo space. Before booking, consider the weight and dimensions of your wheelchair or scooter to ensure it fits easily through the rear hatch or door. A vehicle with a lower cargo floor also makes lifting the device in and out much easier. Prioritising space and accessibility will ensure your transport enhances your Fort Lauderdale experience.

A useful strategy is to choose a hotel that’s centrally located or offers good walkability and on-site parking. That lets you explore nearby areas, like the beach or Las Olas, on foot or by Water Taxi and use the hire car for specific excursions—day trips to the Everglades, shopping at Sawgrass Mills or driving to another coastal town. This hybrid approach saves you the hassle of parking for every small outing while still giving you freedom to explore wider South Florida.

The arena is in Sunrise, west of Fort Lauderdale, and the drive typically takes about 30–40 minutes via I-595. For a stress-free experience plan to leave Fort Lauderdale at least 90 minutes before the game starts to allow for event traffic, which builds near the arena. Arriving early helps you find a good parking spot and get inside without rushing. After the game expect significant delays leaving the car parks, as thousands of cars exit at once; patience is key on the drive back.

For a morning flight it’s wise to leave your beach hotel about three hours before your departure time. This buffer accounts for potential traffic on A1A or the causeways, which can be unpredictable. The drive to the airport might only take 20–30 minutes, but add time for returning the car at the Rental Car Center, taking the shuttle back to the terminal, checking in and clearing security. This generous timeline helps prevent last-minute stress.

The key to a smooth car return at FLL is to follow the signs for the Rental Car Center (RCC) specifically, not the signs for Departures or Arrivals. As you approach the airport dedicated lanes will direct you to the RCC. Get into the correct lane early and watch the overhead signage. Using a satnav will also guide you accurately, but trust the airport road signs as you get closer, since they’re designed to lead you directly to the multi-level return facility.

The most efficient sequence is to drive to your airline’s departure terminal first and drop off passengers and luggage at the kerb. This lets them proceed directly to check-in while you return the car. After the drop-off follow signs to the Rental Car Center to hand the vehicle back. From there take the short, complimentary shuttle back to the terminal to rejoin your party and head to security, minimising luggage handling for everyone.

If you find yourself on the wrong side of the airport—such as the arrivals level instead of the rental return area—don’t panic. The airport has a looped road system designed to let you circle back. Simply follow signs for 'All Terminals' or 'Airport Exit' which will lead you back to the main roadway. From there reset and carefully follow the specific signs for the 'Rental Car Center.' Avoid abrupt turns and follow the flow of traffic until you can reorient.

A multi-beach day is a great way to see the coast but needs a smart plan. Start at the northernmost (Deerfield) or southernmost (Hollywood) beach and work your way along scenic A1A to minimise backtracking. Aim for an early start to secure parking at your first stop. Metered street parking or pay-by-phone lots are often more flexible than all-day garages. Be realistic that finding parking at each new spot will take time, so focus on enjoying two or three beaches thoroughly rather than rushing to see them all.

Driving on Las Olas Boulevard during peak evening and weekend dining hours can be very slow, with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The atmosphere is lively but requires patient driving. For quick drop-offs it’s best to pull into a designated loading zone or wait for a temporary free space. Avoid stopping directly in the travel lane as this can quickly cause a backup. If necessary, circle the block until a safe, legal spot to let passengers out becomes available.

When a major event takes place at the convention centre expect significantly increased traffic on SE 17th Street and surrounding roads, including U.S. 1. Local authorities often manage traffic with adjusted light timings or police direction, but delays are common—especially during morning arrival and evening departure times. Occasionally certain access roads may be temporarily closed or rerouted to accommodate event logistics. It’s a good idea to check for event-related traffic advisories and allow extra travel time.

Many Water Taxi stops are conveniently located but parking varies. One of the most accessible stops with ample parking is Stop 1 at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, which has a large public car park nearby. Another good option is the stop near the Galleria Mall, which offers plenty of mall parking. For stops along the beach you’ll generally use the same public lots and garages that serve beachgoers. Planning your route to a stop with dedicated or plentiful parking makes for an easier start to your Water Taxi trip.

Early morning drives in Fort Lauderdale are generally very predictable and light on traffic, ideal for getting to a dive boat on time. Most dive and snorkel charters depart from marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway. Staying at a hotel in the beach area or just west of the Intracoastal, such as along U.S. 1, is a convenient staging point. This gives you a short, straightforward drive of 10–20 minutes to most departure points, ensuring a relaxed and punctual start to your excursion.

On days with major cruise ship arrivals and departures—typically weekends—you should expect heavy traffic on roads immediately surrounding Port Everglades and FLL, including I-595, U.S. 1 and SE 17th Street. If your plans don’t involve the port or airport it’s wise to avoid that specific area between about 08:00 and 15:00. If you must drive through, allow for significant extra travel time. Planning activities north of the city or further west can be a good strategy to steer clear of port-related congestion.

A pleasant scenic drive north along A1A can finish at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach or Hillsboro Beach—each offers a relaxed coastal vibe. For a slightly longer trip Delray Beach is an excellent turnaround point, with a vibrant town centre of shops and cafés a short walk from the ocean. This allows for a pleasant drive, time for lunch and exploration, and a comfortable return to Fort Lauderdale without spending the whole day in the car.

The best practice is never to leave valuables in plain sight. Always store shopping bags, luggage and electronics in the boot or cargo area, ideally before you reach your final parking spot. Choose well-lit, reputable car parks or busy public lots where possible. Always lock your vehicle and double-check that windows are closed. These simple precautions are the most effective way to protect your belongings while you enjoy time away from the car.