Hertz Car Rental
Fort Lauderdale

Upon deplaning at FLL, your best strategy is to immediately look for overhead signs directing you to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Car Center." Avoid following the main flow of passengers heading toward the "Baggage Claim" exits on the lower level. Instead, you will be guided to designated shuttle bus stops located outside the terminal. These complimentary shuttles run continuously and will take you directly to the consolidated Rental Car Center, a separate facility where all the rental agencies are conveniently located.

While the drive from the FLL rental facility to Las Olas Boulevard is relatively short in distance, late afternoon traffic can significantly extend travel time. During peak hours, typically from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, you should budget anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for the trip. The main route, US-1 (Federal Highway), experiences heavy congestion as local commuters and visitors head downtown and to the beaches. Planning for this delay will help ensure a more relaxed start to your time in Fort Lauderdale.

Arriving late at FLL is generally a smooth process as the airport is designed to accommodate flights at all hours. The rental car shuttles continue to operate on a frequent schedule, even after midnight, to service late-arriving passengers. You'll find the airport is much quieter, which can actually make navigation easier with fewer crowds. The Rental Car Center remains open and staffed to assist travelers, ensuring you can pick up your vehicle and get on your way without issue.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward and least stressful route is to use the major highways. From the FLL rental facility, follow signs for I-595 East, which will quickly merge onto I-95 South. Continue on I-95 South toward Miami and then take I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway) directly to Miami Beach. This route is well-signed and avoids the complexities of local surface streets, providing a more direct path to the heart of South Beach.

The most reliable strategy is to use a GPS navigation app on your phone from the moment you start the car. Set your final destination before you even pull out of the parking spot. The exit from the Rental Car Center has several lanes and signs, so having turn-by-turn directions is invaluable. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for I-595, and decide in advance whether you need to go east (towards I-95 and the coast) or west (towards the Everglades and I-75).

A great place for a quick post-pickup setup is often on the top level of the rental car garage itself, where it's typically less busy. This allows you to get organized without pressure from other vehicles. Alternatively, the FLL Cell Phone Waiting Lot is just a minute's drive from the rental center and offers a safe, quiet place to pull over. Here you can comfortably adjust mirrors, pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth, and program your GPS before merging into traffic.

The drive from the FLL rental center to Port Everglades is very short and direct, making it an easy trip. The simplest approach is to exit the airport area and take US-1 North for a short distance to SE 17th Street. Head east on SE 17th Street and follow the prominent signs for Port Everglades. Once you enter the port, large signs will direct you to the specific cruise line and terminal number for your departure, ensuring you arrive at the correct drop-off point.

To avoid getting stuck in terminal-only traffic, stay in the main through-traffic lanes as you enter Port Everglades. Follow the signs for the specific cruise terminal to drop off your passenger, then immediately look for signs that say "Exit to US-1" or "I-595." These will guide you back out of the port complex without looping you through other terminal areas. This approach ensures a smooth drop-off and a quick departure back to the main roads.

The most efficient way to handle this is for the primary renter to proceed alone to the Rental Car Center to complete the paperwork and pick up the vehicle. After securing the car, drive to the airport's Cell Phone Waiting Lot, which is a free and convenient place to wait. Once the rest of your group has landed and collected their luggage, they can call you, and you can drive over to the arrivals curb to pick them up without having to circle the terminal.

The most common mistakes near the I-95 and I-595 interchange involve last-minute, unsafe lane changes and confusion regarding the express lanes. This is a large, multi-level interchange, and lanes split off with little warning. To avoid issues, use a GPS and get into your target lane well in advance. Also, be aware of the express lane entrances, which are often separated by barriers, and decide beforehand whether you intend to use them.

For visitors unfamiliar with the area, the one-way streets in downtown Fort Lauderdale, particularly around Las Olas Boulevard and the central business district, can be challenging. It's easy to miss a turn or find yourself needing to circle a few blocks to get back on track. The best approach is to drive slowly, pay close attention to street signs, and rely on a GPS with voice navigation. Allowing a little extra time for your first few trips downtown will reduce any potential stress.

For convenient, centralized parking, your best bet is to use one of the city-managed parking garages. The City Park Garage, often called the Las Olas Garage, is located right at the corner of SE 2nd Street and SE 1st Avenue, offering easy access to the heart of the shopping and dining district. Another excellent option is the garage next to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which is perfect for exploring the western end of the Riverwalk. These garages provide safe, hourly parking so you can explore on foot.

When arriving at a beachfront hotel, it's wise to pull into the designated check-in or valet lane, even if it seems crowded. Don't hesitate to put your hazard lights on to signal that you are actively unloading. The hotel staff and valets are accustomed to this and will typically assist you quickly. The most efficient strategy is to unload your luggage with the bell staff first, then proceed to either self-park or leave the car with the valet.

Yes, you should definitely expect potential backups on the 17th Street Causeway. The bridge is a major artery connecting the mainland to the beach and Port Everglades, so it experiences heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours. Additionally, the drawbridge opens frequently throughout the day to allow large yachts and ships to pass through the Intracoastal Waterway. These openings are unscheduled and can cause delays of 15 minutes or more, so it's always a good idea to build extra time into your schedule when using this route.

Drawbridge openings are a quintessential part of the Fort Lauderdale experience and can add unexpected delays to your travel time. Major bridges like those on Las Olas Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, and 17th Street open on demand for boat traffic, stopping cars for 10-20 minutes at a time. Since there's no fixed schedule, the best way to plan is to simply build buffer time into any trip that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway. Using a live traffic app can sometimes alert you to a bridge-related backup, but patience is the most effective tool.

To avoid the stress of parking in crowded areas, choose a Water Taxi stop that has ample, dedicated parking. A great option is Stop #1, located on the 17th Street Causeway, which has a large parking lot available for riders. Another good choice is parking at the Galleria Mall, which is adjacent to Stop #6. Parking in one of these larger, more accessible lots allows you to enjoy the Water Taxi for the day without worrying about feeding a meter or finding a spot.

For a more relaxed drive that avoids the high-speed merging of I-95, the best route is to take US-1 (Federal Highway) south from the airport area. This is a major surface road with traffic lights, which generally makes for a calmer driving experience. Follow US-1 south until you reach Hollywood Boulevard or Sheridan Street, then head east directly to the beach. While it might take a few minutes longer than the highway, it's often far less stressful for those unfamiliar with the region's interstates.

To have the smoothest trip out to the Everglades, plan to leave Fort Lauderdale early in the morning, ideally before 7:30 AM on a weekday. This allows you to get ahead of the heavy westbound commuter traffic on I-595. For your return journey, aim to leave the Everglades by 3:00 PM to beat the eastbound rush hour that builds up as people head home from work. An early start not only avoids traffic but also lets you enjoy the park during the cooler morning hours.

Driving to Everglades Holiday Park is significantly quicker and more direct from Fort Lauderdale. You simply take I-595 West until it ends, then continue south on US-27; the park is well-signed from there. In contrast, reaching the Shark Valley Visitor Center is a much longer drive, requiring you to travel south towards Miami on I-75 or the Florida Turnpike, and then west on the Tamiami Trail (US-41). A trip to Holiday Park is an easy half-day excursion, while a visit to Shark Valley should be planned as a full-day trip.

The key to a stress-free visit to Sawgrass Mills is timing. The best strategy is to go on a weekday and arrive shortly after the mall opens, usually around 10 AM. This allows you to find excellent parking and shop before the biggest crowds arrive. To avoid the intense afternoon and evening gridlock on the surrounding roads like Sunrise Boulevard, plan to finish your shopping and depart from the area before 3:30 PM.

When you arrive in Wynwood, the easiest and most secure parking strategy is to head directly for a designated parking garage. The Wynwood Garage, located centrally on NW 26th Street, is a large, well-lit structure that takes the guesswork out of finding a spot. While street parking is available, it can be very competitive to find an open space, and many spots have time limits. Using a garage allows you to park once and explore the vibrant neighborhood's art, shops, and restaurants on foot for the entire evening.

The most straightforward route is to stick to I-95 South all the way through the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas. Continue past the exits for downtown Miami until you see the clear signs for Exit 1A, which is specifically for the Rickenbacker Causeway and Key Biscayne. This direct highway approach allows you to bypass the more complex surface streets and interchanges in downtown Miami. Following your GPS closely as you approach the exit will ensure a smooth transition onto the causeway.

While a GPS might estimate the drive to Key Largo at around 90 minutes, a more realistic plan should account for South Florida's unpredictable traffic. It's wise to budget at least two to two-and-a-half hours for the one-way trip, especially if you're traveling on a Friday or weekend. The stretches of I-95 through Miami and the final leg on US-1 from Florida City to Key Largo are notorious for congestion. Leaving early in the morning is the best way to mitigate potential delays.

A great strategy is to make a stop shortly after leaving the airport, well before you get into heavier traffic further south. There are numerous large grocery stores and supercenters located just off major arteries like US-1 in Dania Beach or along I-595 in Davie. These locations have large parking lots and are easy to get in and out of. Stopping here allows you to stock up on snacks, drinks, and sunscreen without having to detour onto unfamiliar side roads.

Florida's afternoon rainstorms can be intense but are usually brief. When you encounter one, the first and most important step is to reduce your speed significantly and turn on your headlights for visibility. Avoid using cruise control, as it can be dangerous on wet roads. Be extra cautious as lane markings can become difficult to see, and watch for standing water, which can cause hydroplaning. If the downpour becomes too heavy to see safely, it's best to pull over into a parking lot or rest area until it subsides.

The safest and only recommended approach is to find an alternate route. Never attempt to drive through standing water, as it is impossible to know its true depth or if the road underneath is damaged. A small amount of water can stall an engine or even sweep a vehicle away. This is particularly important in the low-lying coastal and canal-lined neighborhoods. Remember the common safety advice: "Turn around, don't drown."

Visitors should know that most major highways in South Florida, including the Florida Turnpike and express lanes on I-95 and I-595, use an all-electronic, cashless tolling system. Rental car companies are well-equipped for this and typically offer convenient programs that automatically cover your tolls. It's a good idea to discuss the specific options with your rental agent at the counter when you pick up your car to understand how it works and choose the best plan for your trip.

The primary routes with tolls are the Florida Turnpike, which runs north-south west of the city, and the express lanes on I-95 and I-595. You can easily identify these toll roads by the prominent "TOLL" and "SunPass" signs posted well in advance of any on-ramp or express lane entrance. These signs give you ample warning to choose a different, non-toll route if you prefer. Using a GPS app with a "avoid tolls" setting can also help you plan your drive accordingly.

For larger vehicles, your best option is to use one of the spacious, open-air municipal parking lots rather than trying to squeeze into a tight street spot. The Fort Lauderdale Beach Park lot, located at the southern end of the beach near SE 17th Street, is an excellent choice with plenty of room. Another good option is the Las Olas Beach Garage, a multi-level facility with standard-sized spaces that are easier to navigate than crowded surface lots.

The Brightline station is conveniently located just west of downtown, and the easiest way to reach it is by taking Broward Boulevard. The station was designed with car drop-offs in mind and features a dedicated, clearly marked passenger drop-off lane directly in front of the main entrance. This allows you to pull out of the flow of traffic, safely unload passengers and luggage, and then merge back onto the road without causing any congestion.

A good rule of thumb is to plan your arrival at the Rental Car Center for about three hours before a domestic flight, or four hours for an international one. This budget allows approximately 30-45 minutes for the car return process, which includes inspection, paperwork, and the shuttle ride to your terminal. The remaining time provides a comfortable cushion for airline check-in, baggage drop, and navigating the security checkpoint without feeling rushed.

A frequent mistake is accidentally following the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" instead of the specific signs for "Rental Car Return." The entrance to the return facility is a dedicated ramp that you must be in the correct lane to access. To avoid this, set your GPS destination specifically to the "Fort Lauderdale Airport Rental Car Center," not just the airport in general. This will provide precise turn-by-turn directions directly to the correct entrance.

The most efficient method is to drop off your passengers and luggage at the departures curb of your airline first. After they are safely on their way to the check-in counter, the driver can proceed alone to the Rental Car Center to return the vehicle. This popular strategy prevents the chaos of unloading multiple bags in the busy return lane and allows the driver to complete the process much more quickly and without stress.

To avoid the heaviest traffic on I-95 between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, it's best to travel during off-peak hours. The worst slowdowns typically occur during the morning commute south (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM) and the evening commute north (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM). Plan your drive for the middle of the day, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, for the smoothest trip. An early start on a weekend morning can also be a good strategy to get ahead of the beach-bound traffic.

Numerous gas stations located along US-1, just a few minutes north or south of the airport entrance, are perfect for a quick clean-out. Most of these stations have large trash receptacles readily available by the pumps and often have car vacuums as well. This allows for a convenient five-minute stop to dispose of any accumulated trash, shake out sandy floor mats, and ensure the car is in good condition before you head to the rental return facility.

The most direct and simplest route to Boca Raton is to take I-95 North. From the FLL Rental Car Center, follow the well-marked signs for I-595 West, and then take the immediate exit for I-95 North. Once you are on I-95, it is a straight drive for about 20 miles. The exits for Boca Raton are clearly numbered and signed, allowing you to avoid complex interchanges and frequent lane changes for the majority of your trip.

Driving during spring break, especially in March, requires extra patience as traffic volume increases dramatically. The areas around the beach become exceptionally congested, with Route A1A, Las Olas Boulevard, and Sunrise Boulevard often at a standstill, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Expect significant delays, limited parking, and a high number of pedestrians. It's wise to plan alternate routes that use bridges further from the central beach zone if you need to cross the Intracoastal Waterway.

Major events like the boat show or large corporate conventions significantly impact traffic in the surrounding area. Expect heavy congestion on SE 17th Street, US-1, and the causeway leading to the beach. Parking in the vicinity becomes extremely limited and more expensive during these times. If you know a large event is scheduled, it's best to allow considerable extra travel time or find routes that bypass the convention center area entirely, such as using the Sunrise Boulevard or Davie Boulevard bridges.

For a family-friendly beach day, the best place to park is Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, located at the southern end of the beach strip. This large lot provides direct access to a less crowded section of the beach that also features a playground and restroom facilities. Parking here means you won't have to cross the busy A1A with children and all your gear, making for a much safer and more relaxing experience from the moment you arrive.

When driving in these popular tourist areas, you must be on high alert. Pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders are everywhere and may not always follow traffic rules. Drive at a slow speed, be prepared for people to step into the street unexpectedly, and always yield at crosswalks. When looking for parking, be especially cautious as your attention is divided. The high volume of non-vehicular traffic requires your full concentration to ensure everyone's safety.