Layover in Fort Lauderdale – the ultimate guide 2024

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International isn’t the biggest airport in the region. It’s one of three serving the greater Miami area, and Miami Airport is bigger. However, with 16 million passengers a year, Fort Lauderdale is by no means small.

If you find yourself making a stopover in Fort Lauderdale, you won’t be short of things to do. The presence of Miami means you’ll have access to everything the city has to offer, but you don’t need to go all the way into Miami to pass the time. Drop off your bags at a Fort Lauderdale luggage storage, and you’ll be ideally placed to enjoy yourself during your Fort Lauderdale layover.

6 hour layover in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is known for its coastline, and the airport sits very close to the glittering ocean. So if you find yourself on a short layover, you can quickly make your way to the beaches and start enjoying the area.

You can catch a bus from the airport to nearby Dania Beach. Enjoy views of the spectacular turquoise ocean and explore the boardwalk while you wait for your next flight. The stretch of sandy beach is home to fascinating wildlife, including seabirds and even sea turtles, and if you brought your bathing suit, you could refresh yourself between flights with a swim in the sea.

If you prefer to be a little more active, the Number 1 bus can take you to West Lake Park in 45 minutes from the airport. There, you can rent a canoe or kayak and begin exploring the lakes and waterways of this natural area. It’s a great way to get moving and get some exercise while you wait for your next connection.

• See the natural side of Florida without traveling far from the airport at Dania Beach.
• Enjoy the views, look for sea turtles, and even take a swim in the beautiful water.
• Visit West Lake Park for a canoeing or kayaking adventure.

8 hour layover in Fort Lauderdale

With eight hours to spend on your Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood layover, you can head into the city itself and enjoy what it has to offer. If you’re traveling with kids, the Museum of Discovery and Science is the perfect place to spend a couple of extra hours. The interactive exhibits here make learning fun, and the kids won’t be the only ones who will discover something new about the world we live in. The museum offers a play center for young kids, a simulated Florida fan boat adventure, an indoor nature center that’s home to native Florida animals, a hurricane simulator, and a IMAX theater. You could easily spend two hours here, and the time will fly by. Drop off your bags at a Fort Lauderdale luggage storage so you’re not weighed down while you explore the museum.

• Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science to explore the natural world.
• The museum is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, making it easy to reach from the airport.
• It’s a great activity for families and will keep the kids entertained while you wait for your flight.

10 hour layover in Fort Lauderdale

On a 10 hour layover, you can get a good sense of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. One of the best ways to do that is by taking a river cruise on the Jungle Queen paddleboat. This iconic vessel harks back to an earlier time as it travels the waterways of the city, letting you see many of Fort Lauderdale’s most significant sights. The boat offers a variety of different trips, but if time is a factor, the 90 minute sightseeing tour is the best option. It lets you see a lot of the city and enjoy the boat ride without taking up too much of your day.

• Take a boat tour of the city on the Jungle Queen paddleboat.
• Tours take 90 minutes and give you a good glimpse of the city.
• The boat is docked close to downtown and is easy to reach on public transit.

12 hour layover in Fort Lauderdale

12 hours in Fort Lauderdale gives you plenty of time to enjoy what the city has to offer. Depending on the timing of your flights, you may be able to take a Turtle Track with Sea Turtle OP. This organization is devoted to protecting the sea turtles that nest along the Florida coast, and their nighttime treks allow you to head out onto the beach and possibly see baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the water. Treks take place between August and September, and only at night. But if the timing works out, it’s an unforgettable experience that also helps fund conservation efforts for these endangered creatures.

• See wild turtles in their natural habitat on a Turtle Trek.
• Treks take place at night between August and September during the turtle hatching season.

24 hour layover in Fort Lauderdale

24 hours in Fort Lauderdale opens up more possibilities for seeing the sights. Since you need to stay somewhere for your overnight layover, it might be worth considering making the journey to Miami. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to travel between the cities, whether by car by bus. And a long layover means you can experience Miami’s fabled nightlife for yourself. Often known as the Capital of Latin America, Miami is a city overflowing with music, food, and a year-round party atmosphere. There are few better places to spend the night out than this coastal city. Drop off your bags at a suitcase storage in Fort Lauderdale or in Miami and get ready for the time of your life.

The next day, you could hit the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this tropical metropolis. Spend some time relaxing before heading back to Fort Lauderdale airport for your next flight. You’ve earned it.

• Travel by car or bus from Fort Lauderdale to Miami to enjoy world-class nightlife.
• People watch on Miami Beach and enjoy the sun and the sea of the coastal city.
• Make sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport to make your connecting flight.