Renting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) is often cheaper than nearby Miami, and the pickup is simple — a free shuttle bus takes you to a shared Rental Car Center a few minutes from the terminals. Comparing suppliers on DiscoverCars is the easiest way to see whether FLL beats MIA for your dates. Here’s the full FLL rental guide.
Key Takeaways
- FLL rental counters sit at a shared Rental Car Center, not inside the terminals.
- A free shuttle bus runs from each terminal — about a 5–10 minute ride.
- FLL is often a bit cheaper than Miami for the same car.
- It’s the classic launch point for the ~180-mile drive to Key West.
- Buy your own SunPass (~$5) and skip the rental toll add-on (~$14/day).
Where Do You Pick Up Your Car at FLL?
At Fort Lauderdale, the rental counters are not inside the terminals. They sit together at a shared Rental Car Center across the airport perimeter. A free shuttle bus runs from each terminal and takes about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the center, where all the major brands share one location.
Off-airport locations — sometimes cheaper — require a slightly longer 10 to 15 minute drive or rideshare instead of the free shuttle.
How Do You Take the FLL Rental Shuttle?
After collecting your bags, follow the ‘Rental Car Shuttle’ signs to the pickup area outside your terminal. The free buses circulate continuously, so waits are short. The ride to the Rental Car Center takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on your terminal.
At the counter, have your reservation, credit card and driving licence ready. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at peak arrival times, so build in a buffer if you have onward plans.
Is DiscoverCars Good for Fort Lauderdale Airport?
Yes — DiscoverCars is a comparison platform, not a rental company, so it pulls live FLL quotes from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo and local agencies in one search. Because it shows the full price including taxes before you book, you can spot a genuine deal and see whether FLL beats Miami for your dates.
Most bookings include free cancellation too, so you can lock a price early and rebook if it drops. Compare Fort Lauderdale Airport rentals on DiscoverCars to start with a fair, transparent rate.
Is FLL Cheaper Than Miami for Rentals?
Often, yes. Fort Lauderdale’s fierce supplier competition tends to keep base rates a little lower than Miami, though it varies by date. Since MIA is only about 30 miles south, it’s worth comparing both airports on DiscoverCars — sometimes the cheaper car at one more than offsets a short drive.
Late spring and early fall are the cheapest seasons; December is priciest. Compare Fort Lauderdale Airport rentals on DiscoverCars to see the all-in price for your exact dates.
Ready to compare Fort Lauderdale Airport rental prices on DiscoverCars?
Using FLL as a Gateway to the Keys
FLL is one of the most popular starting points for the drive to Key West — roughly 180 miles (about 4 hours) down US-1 and the Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges including the Seven Mile Bridge. Many visitors fly into FLL specifically to begin this bucket-list road trip.
If you want a one-way trip, compare an FLL pickup with a Key West drop-off against a round trip on DiscoverCars; drop fees vary, and the comparison usually reveals the cheaper option.
Related DiscoverCars Guides
- DiscoverCars Fort Lauderdale
- Miami Airport (MIA) Rental Guide
- Tampa Airport (TPA) Guide
- 7-Day Florida Road Trip
How Do Tolls Work at Fort Lauderdale?
South Florida is heavily cashless, so you need an electronic toll option. Skip the rental company’s toll program (~$14/day) and buy your own SunPass Mini sticker (~$5) at a Publix or Walgreens. Register your rental’s plate online, load $10, and you’re covered — the Turnpike toward the Keys is electronic-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the FLL rental cars?
Take the free rental car shuttle bus from your terminal to the shared Rental Car Center. Follow the ‘Rental Car Shuttle’ signs after baggage claim; buses run continuously and the ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Miami for car rental?
Often yes, thanks to strong supplier competition, but it varies by date. Since the airports are only about 30 miles apart, compare both on DiscoverCars before booking to catch the better rate.
Do I need a SunPass at Fort Lauderdale Airport?
For most routes, yes — South Florida tolls are cashless. Buy your own SunPass (~$5) at a Publix or Walgreens and decline the rental toll program (~$14/day). The Turnpike toward the Keys is electronic-only.
The Bottom Line
FLL is competitive, convenient and the perfect launch point for the Keys. Take the free shuttle to the Rental Car Center, compare both FLL and Miami, handle tolls with your own SunPass, and book with free cancellation. When you’re ready, compare Fort Lauderdale Airport rentals on DiscoverCars to see the all-in price upfront.
Disclosure: This is an independent guide. This article contains affiliate links to DiscoverCars; if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what you pay or what we recommend.
What Type of Car Should You Rent at FLL?
For most South Florida trips, a compact or midsize car is the sweet spot — easy to park at the beaches and economical for the drive to the Keys. Families with luggage may prefer a midsize SUV, which adds space without a big price jump in low season. Convertibles are popular for the coastal drive but cost more and sell out fast in peak months.
Whatever you choose, book with free cancellation so you can rebook if the price drops before your trip.
Is FLL a Good Base for South Florida?
Fort Lauderdale sits in a sweet spot for South Florida travel. The beaches are minutes from the airport, Miami is about 30 miles south, and Palm Beach lies a similar distance north. That central position, plus lower base rates than Miami, makes FLL a smart pickup point for exploring the whole region.
For a Keys road trip, FLL is ideal too — you skip Miami’s heavier traffic on the way to the Turnpike. Compare one-way and round-trip options on DiscoverCars, and book with free cancellation so you can rebook if a better rate appears before you travel.
One more tip for FLL: fuel is noticeably cheaper away from the airport, so avoid the return-area gas station and fill up at a supermarket station instead. And if you land late, the free rental shuttle still runs, though counter hours vary by brand — confirm overnight availability with your supplier before you travel to avoid a surprise closed desk.