Quick Summary:
- Follow “Ground Transportation” then “Rental Cars” signs from baggage claim.
- Most FLL car hire is in the on-site Rental Car Center.
- Use the airport shuttle if your provider is off-airport or remote.
- Keep licence, card, and booking details handy for faster pickup.
After you land at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida, the main question is simple, where do you physically go to collect your car hire? The good news is that FLL is set up for straightforward arrivals-to-keys handover, with consistent signage and a dedicated rental area. The details can differ slightly by terminal, and by whether your chosen provider is based at the airport’s Rental Car Center or uses an off-airport shuttle.
This guide walks you from the moment you step into arrivals, through the signs to follow, what transport you might need, and what you will see when you reach the counters and the vehicles.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to your car hire pickup point
1) Arrive, clear immigration (if applicable), and head to baggage claim
FLL has multiple terminals, and your first milestone is always baggage claim. If you are arriving internationally, complete passport control and customs, then follow the standard airport flow out to the public arrivals area and baggage belts.
2) Look for the key wayfinding terms
At FLL, you will typically see signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. Follow those, rather than trying to find a specific brand name first. Airports often update tenant locations, but the transport categories stay the same.
3) Identify whether you are heading on-site or to a shuttle
Most travellers collecting a car hire at FLL will be directed towards the airport’s Rental Car Center, where many major companies operate. Some providers are off-airport and require you to take a branded shuttle bus. Your confirmation paperwork usually states which setup applies, but the airport signage will also indicate “Rental Car Center” versus “Shuttles”.
4) Proceed to the Rental Car Center or the shuttle pickup bay
If you are on-site, you will follow signs towards the Rental Car Center and then towards the counter area. If you are using an off-airport provider, you will follow signs to the correct shuttle collection area, wait in the designated lane, then ride to the depot.
If you want a quick overview of airport-based options, Hola Car Rentals keeps a dedicated page for Fort Lauderdale Airport car rental that reflects the airport context and typical pickup expectations.
What to expect at FLL: on-site Rental Car Center vs off-airport shuttles
On-site Rental Car Center (RCC)
When your car hire is based at the airport Rental Car Center, you will normally find a cluster of branded counters in one area, with clear lines, electronic queue systems, and nearby access to the vehicles. After paperwork, you are directed to the garage or parking level where the cars are staged, then you complete a quick vehicle check and drive out.
Off-airport depot with shuttle transfer
Some companies operate outside the airport footprint. In that case, FLL signage will direct you to ground transport and to the car rental shuttles area. The shuttle may be shared, and you might wait a few minutes depending on time of day. At the depot, you will do the same steps as on-site, counter, documents, deposit, then vehicle handover. The process is normal, it just adds transfer time.
To understand how providers can differ even within the same city airport, see Hola Car Rentals’ reference page for car hire in Fort Lauderdale (FLL), which is useful for comparing how pickups are described and what to bring.
Which signs to follow inside Fort Lauderdale Airport
Airport signs can feel overwhelming after a flight, especially if you are tired or travelling with children. At FLL, focus on these sign phrases in order:
“Baggage Claim”
First priority after arrivals, even if you are travelling light. The routes to rental areas are generally posted from baggage claim corridors.
“Ground Transportation”
This is the umbrella category that leads you towards taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and rental car access.
“Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center”
These guide you to the centralised rental area, or the connector routes that lead to it.
“Shuttles” (if your provider is off-airport)
Follow this only when your paperwork indicates an off-site pickup, or if the on-site signs clearly redirect you to a shuttle pickup zone.
A practical tip is to confirm your provider name and pickup type before you board any shuttle. Many airports have multiple shuttle lanes, and it is easy to queue for the wrong bus if you only see “Car Rental Shuttle” on a generic sign.
Typical timing: how long it takes to get from arrivals to the car
Actual times vary with flight arrival banks, weekend peaks, and the season, but you can plan in layers:
Arrivals hall to baggage claim: often 5 to 15 minutes after reaching the terminal corridors.
Baggage claim waiting: ranges widely, from 10 minutes to 40 minutes depending on the flight and carousel assignment.
Walking to the Rental Car Center: usually 5 to 15 minutes once you are following the right signs.
Shuttle transfer to off-airport depot: allow 20 to 40 minutes total, including waiting, boarding, and the drive.
Counter and vehicle collection: 15 to 45 minutes, depending on queues and whether you have pre-entered driver details online.
If you are landing late evening, factor in that fewer staff may be on shift, which can increase counter time even if the airport is quieter.
What you need at the desk for smooth car hire pickup
The desk process is where most delays happen, usually because one document is missing or does not match. Having these ready makes pickup easier:
Driving licence
Bring the physical licence for every driver who will be added to the agreement. If you are visiting from overseas, check whether your licence format requires an International Driving Permit for Florida driving, requirements vary by issuing country and rental policy.
Payment card in the lead driver’s name
Many providers require a credit card for the security deposit, and they may not accept certain prepaid cards. The name on the card typically needs to match the name on the booking and driving licence.
Booking confirmation and reference number
Digital is usually fine, but a screenshot helps in case signal is weak inside the building.
Proof of return flight or travel itinerary (occasionally)
Not always required, but occasionally requested for non-residents, especially if the provider has local residency rules.
It can also help to decide in advance what you want regarding fuel and tolls. Florida has extensive toll roads, and Fort Lauderdale sits close to routes where electronic tolling is common. The desk will typically offer toll packages and fuel options, understanding them before you reach the counter reduces pressure.
Finding your car once paperwork is done
After the agreement is signed, you will be directed to the pick-up area where vehicles are parked. In an on-site Rental Car Center, this is normally a garage or multi-level car park connected to the counter zone. For off-airport depots, it is usually an outdoor lot beside the building.
Before you drive away, do a quick walk-around and check for:
Existing marks and scratches, and ensure they are recorded.
Tyres and wheels, look for obvious scuffs or low tread warnings.
Fuel level and mileage, confirm it matches the paperwork.
Photos, take a few pictures in good light as a record.
This last step is especially useful if you are picking up at night, when shadows can hide minor damage.
Where you go if you are meeting family, then collecting car hire
If you plan to meet other travellers at FLL, agree a clear rendezvous point first, such as a specific baggage claim carousel or a named cafe in the arrivals area. Once everyone is together, proceed as a group to “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars”. Doing this reduces the chance one person heads to the Rental Car Center while another waits at curbside pickup.
If you are considering driving beyond Fort Lauderdale, it can be useful to compare how airport pickups differ in Florida. For example, Hola Car Rentals’ guide to car hire at Orlando (MCO) highlights how other major airports structure arrivals and rental access, which helps set expectations if you are doing a multi-city itinerary.
Common issues at FLL pickup, and how to avoid them
Queueing at the wrong place
Some travellers head to a generic “Ground Transport” desk rather than the correct rental counters. Follow “Rental Cars” signage until you see the car company counters.
Not realising the provider is off-airport
If your confirmation states shuttle pickup, do not walk around looking for an on-site counter. Go directly to the car rental shuttle area.
Name mismatches
The lead driver name should match the driving licence and payment card. If someone else needs to pay, clarify rules before arrival to avoid counter delays.
Underestimating toll costs
South Florida tolls add up quickly. Ask how tolls are handled, and keep cashless options in mind. If you will be driving into Miami frequently, urban routes and toll systems can differ from Fort Lauderdale’s, and Hola Car Rentals’ page on Enterprise car rental in Florida (MIA) can be a helpful reference point for how pickup and driving considerations shift around another major airport.
Accessibility and family travel notes
If you need step-free routes, extra luggage time, or are travelling with pushchairs, allow extra minutes between baggage claim and the rental area. The “Ground Transportation” route is generally accessible, but lifts can get busy during peak arrival waves.
For families, it can be easier to collect bags first, then one adult collects the car while another waits with children in a quieter seating area. If your group needs a larger vehicle for Florida road trips, understanding size categories before you reach the lot avoids last-minute changes. Even if your trip is not via Tampa, the vehicle sizing guidance on minivan hire in Tampa (TPA) can help you judge what “people carrier” or “minivan” typically means in the local fleet.
FAQ
Where exactly do I go after baggage claim to pick up car hire at FLL?
Follow the airport signs for “Ground Transportation” and then “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center”. These routes lead you either to the on-site rental counters or to the shuttle area for off-airport providers.
Is the car hire pickup at Fort Lauderdale Airport always on-site?
No. Many companies operate in the airport Rental Car Center, but some providers use an off-airport depot and a shuttle bus. Your confirmation will state whether you need a shuttle.
How do I know I am getting on the correct rental shuttle?
Check the company name on the shuttle signage and confirm with the driver before boarding. If multiple shuttles arrive together, ask which depot they serve so you do not waste time.
How long should I allow from landing to driving away?
A reasonable estimate is 45 to 90 minutes for on-site pickup, and 70 to 120 minutes if a shuttle transfer is involved. Baggage delivery and counter queues are the biggest variables.
What documents do I need to collect the car?
Bring the lead driver’s driving licence, a payment card in the same name, and your booking confirmation. Additional drivers should have their licences too, and some visitors may need an International Driving Permit depending on licence origin and policy.
