Quick Summary:
- Follow baggage claim signs, then look for “Rental Cars” directions.
- From each terminal, use shuttles to the Rental Car Center.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes from landing to collecting keys.
- Keep your driving licence and booking details ready before queuing.
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is designed so arriving passengers can reach car hire counters in a consistent, signposted way. The key thing to know is that most major car hire desks are not inside the arrival concourse itself, they are grouped at the airport’s Rental Car Center (RCC). After you land, you will go through arrivals steps, follow “Baggage Claim” and then “Rental Cars” signage, and either walk to a ground transport pickup point or take a dedicated shuttle to the RCC, depending on your terminal and exact exit point.
This guide breaks down what to do by terminal, what signs to watch for, whether walking is realistic, and how much extra time to build into your plans so your Florida trip starts smoothly.
Know the layout: terminals, the RCC, and what “car hire desks” means
At FLL, “car hire desks” usually refers to the staffed rental counters where you show your documents, confirm your contract, and collect keys or a car bay location. These counters are concentrated at the Rental Car Center, a separate facility connected to the terminals by shuttle routes and pedestrian pathways.
FLL has four terminals, commonly referred to as Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Each terminal has its own arrivals and baggage claim area. After baggage claim, you will exit towards ground transportation, where “Rental Cars” signs point you to the RCC connection.
If you are comparing Florida airports for car hire logistics, you might notice differences in how close counters are to arrivals. For example, the process at Tampa is often described as more consolidated, see car hire at Tampa Airport (TPA) for a useful point of reference when planning timings.
Step-by-step after landing: from gate to car hire counter
1) Arrivals formalities
If you are arriving on a domestic flight, you will normally go straight to baggage claim. If you are arriving internationally, you will clear US immigration, collect your bags, and pass customs before entering the public arrivals area. International arrivals can add substantial variability to timing, so it is sensible to plan for longer.
2) Baggage claim first
Even if you plan to collect a car without checked luggage, the “Rental Cars” directions typically begin from the baggage claim level. Walk calmly, look up for overhead signs, and follow the flow of passengers heading to ground transport.
3) Follow “Rental Cars” and “Ground Transportation” signage
At FLL, the most reliable sign wording to look for is “Rental Cars”. Sometimes it appears with “Shuttles” or “Ground Transportation”. Avoid getting drawn into hotel shuttle lines or rideshare pickup areas unless you are certain they are shared with rental connections.
4) Take the shuttle or follow the RCC pathway
In most cases, you will use a dedicated rental car shuttle to reach the RCC. Shuttles run frequently, but you can still encounter short waits during busy periods. If you have mobility considerations or bulky luggage, plan on taking the shuttle rather than attempting longer walks.
5) At the RCC, locate your company counter and queue
Once you arrive at the RCC, counters are typically grouped by provider. Have your driving licence, a payment card, and your confirmation details ready. If you are using a broker or an aggregator, keep the voucher accessible too, as you may need to show it at the counter.
Terminal-by-terminal guidance: what to do when you exit baggage claim
Because terminal layouts can change with operational needs, the safest approach is to follow signage rather than memorise a single corridor. That said, the experience is broadly similar across the terminals, with small differences in walking distances and the exact door you exit.
Terminal 1
After baggage claim, look for signs directing you to rental car shuttles or the RCC. Expect to move outside to a marked pickup point. If you see multiple transport zones, choose the one explicitly labelled for rental cars, not general shuttles.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 can feel compact, but the routing to rental car transport is still clearly signposted. Stay on the arrivals level, follow “Rental Cars”, and head to the designated pickup area. If you are unsure, airport staff at the kerbside typically direct passengers quickly.
Terminal 3
From Terminal 3 baggage claim, follow overhead signs towards ground transportation. This is a common terminal for higher passenger volumes at certain times, so allow extra minutes for congestion at exits, crossing points, and shuttle queues.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 serves a mix of domestic and international flights. If you are arriving internationally, the extra steps before you reach the public arrivals hall can be the biggest time factor. Once you are landside, follow “Rental Cars” to the shuttle or RCC connection point as directed.
When you later travel around Florida, you might also meet different desk setups at city locations. For instance, downtown and neighbourhood pickup points can feel less formal than airport RCCs, see National Car Rental in Downtown Miami (DWN) as an example of a non-airport style location.
Walking vs shuttle: which is faster at FLL?
Shuttle: usually the default, often the simplest
For most travellers, the shuttle is the clearest route because it is designed to move large numbers of passengers from terminals to the RCC. Even if a walk is technically possible from certain exit points, it may involve longer outdoor sections, crossings, or unclear kerbside navigation when you are tired after a flight.
Walking: sometimes possible, but not always practical
Walking can seem appealing if you want to avoid waiting, especially if you have hand luggage only. However, in Florida heat, humidity, or heavy rain, the comfort cost can outweigh any time saved. Also, if you are travelling with children, older relatives, or multiple bags, the shuttle is usually easier and safer.
Rule of thumb
If you can clearly see a marked pedestrian route to the RCC and the distance looks manageable, walking might work. If you are uncertain, follow the official signage to the rental shuttle pickup. The few minutes you might save are rarely worth the risk of ending up at the wrong pickup zone.
Signage tips: what to look for, and what to ignore
Look for these words
“Rental Cars”, “Rental Car Center”, “RCC”, and sometimes “Ground Transportation”. These are the phrases most consistently used to guide arriving passengers to car hire facilities.
Be cautious with these areas
Hotel shuttles, private parking shuttles, and rideshare pickup points can be close to rental transport zones. If a sign does not explicitly mention rental cars, do not assume it will take you to the RCC.
Ask early, not late
If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member before you join a queue. It is much easier to correct course at baggage claim than after you have taken the wrong shuttle and lost time.
How much extra time to allow for car hire pick-up at FLL
Timing at airports is rarely exact, but you can plan with sensible ranges. Below are practical allowances that cover most real-world scenarios at FLL.
Minimum realistic time, hand luggage only, domestic arrival: about 30 minutes from landing to reaching the RCC counter, if you move promptly and there is little queueing.
Typical time, checked luggage, domestic arrival: 45 to 75 minutes. Waiting for bags and joining the shuttle line are the common slow points.
International arrival with checked luggage: 90 minutes to 2+ hours. Immigration, baggage reclaim, and customs can vary a lot, especially during peak arrival banks.
Late evening arrivals: you may spend less time in security and baggage areas, but counter staffing can be thinner, which sometimes increases waiting at the desk.
Family or group travel: add 10 to 20 minutes. Coordinating bags, prams, and paperwork tends to slow the walk and the shuttle boarding process.
These buffers matter because car hire counters can be busiest around lunchtime and late afternoon. If your plans include a long onward drive, building in time for counter queues, car inspection, and leaving the car park can reduce stress.
Documents and desk process: arriving prepared saves time
Once you reach the counter, the speed of service depends partly on your own readiness. Keep these items easy to access, not buried in a suitcase:
Driving licence: Ensure it is valid for the full rental period. If you have a photocard and paper counterpart (where applicable), bring what is required for your issuing country.
Payment card: Many providers prefer or require a card in the main driver’s name for deposits.
Confirmation details: Have your reservation reference, voucher, or email ready on your phone.
Additional driver details: If you are adding drivers, having their licences ready avoids delays.
At the desk, you may be offered optional extras. Deciding in advance what you actually need can make the conversation shorter and clearer.
Accessibility, families, and heavy luggage: practical choices
Mobility needs
If anyone in your party has reduced mobility, prioritise the shuttle route, and consider requesting assistance at the terminal if needed. Allow extra time for lifts, kerb ramps, and boarding.
Travelling with children
Car seats and boosters can affect pickup time. If you plan to collect them at the counter, add time for fitting and adjustment before you leave the car park. If you are travelling in a larger group, it may help to consider a bigger vehicle category, similar to the approach many families take when arranging minivan rental near Disney Orlando (MCO).
Lots of luggage
Shuttles can fill quickly during peak times. Keep your party together and be ready to load bags efficiently. If you have oversized items, you may need to wait for a shuttle with more space.
What to do if you land late or your flight is delayed
Late arrivals are common, and the impact is usually about counter hours and staffing. If you are worried about reaching the car hire desk before closing, check the provider’s policies and hours in advance, and keep your reservation details accessible. If you are booking through a broker, follow the instructions on your voucher for after-hours procedures.
If you are comparing alternatives within Florida, some travellers prefer the predictability of major airport centres. Others choose a city location if their first night is in-town, for instance in Brickell, where you might look at car rental in Brickell (BRK) for a different pickup style.
Leaving the RCC smoothly: quick checks before you drive off
Reaching the desk is only part of the process. Before you exit the facility, take a few minutes to avoid return-time issues later.
Inspect the vehicle: Walk around, note any existing marks, and ensure they are recorded according to the provider’s process.
Check fuel policy: Confirm whether you are expected to return full-to-full or on a different basis.
Set up navigation: Do this before you start moving. Fort Lauderdale roads can be busy, and it is easier to set your route while parked.
Understand the exit route: Follow signs for terminal exits, highways, and your intended direction. If you are heading towards Miami, expect traffic at peak commuter hours.
For travellers continuing south, you may later consider different providers and locations, such as Alamo car rental in Florida (MIA) as another point of comparison for desk processes and pickup flow.
FAQ
Are the car hire desks inside the terminal at Fort Lauderdale Airport? Most car hire counters are grouped at the airport’s Rental Car Center rather than inside the arrivals concourse. After baggage claim, follow “Rental Cars” signs to the shuttle or RCC route.
Can you walk to the Rental Car Center at FLL? Sometimes walking is possible depending on your terminal exit point, but it is not always the most practical option with luggage or in bad weather. The dedicated rental shuttle is usually the simplest choice.
How long should I allow from landing to collecting my hire car? A sensible estimate is 45 to 75 minutes for most domestic arrivals with checked baggage. International arrivals can take 90 minutes to 2+ hours due to immigration and customs.
What signs should I follow after baggage claim? Look for “Rental Cars”, “Rental Car Center”, or “RCC” signage. Avoid queues labelled for hotel shuttles, private parking, or rideshare unless they explicitly mention rental cars.
What should I have ready at the desk to avoid delays? Keep your driving licence, payment card in the main driver’s name, and confirmation details accessible. If adding drivers, have their licences ready as well.
