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Fort Lauderdale Airport Guide

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sleeping in fort lauderdale airport
(photo courtesy of Ashton / December 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Fort Lauderdale Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Aside from the sleeping condition, this airport has Free WiFi. It actually is better than some roadside motels!! – mhsaa flyer

FLL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

What to Expect

Fort Lauderdale Airport (code: FLL) consists of a four terminal-eight concourse layout, with Terminal 1 (Concourses A, B and C), Terminal 2 (Concourse D), Terminal 3 (Concourses E and F), and Terminal 4 (Two Concourse Gs). Shuttle buses provide transit between the terminals. Eateries, shops, duty-free, and services can be found throughout each terminal, both airside and landside, though most are closed at night, and reviewers have called out the quality of the various dining options. The airport offers free WiFi, which helps pass the time. For additional comfort, passengers can purchase access to one of the airport lounges.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Guide
Car Rental Area (Photo courtesy of Ashton / December 2019)

Sleeping in Fort Lauderdale Airport

The airport authority acknowledges that passengers can remain in the terminals overnight. Still, it warns passengers to consider that they can only stay in pre-security waiting areas, that seating consists of chairs with armrests, that heavy-duty cleaning is often conducted at night, that food/beverage service is limited, and that the terminals are cold. Steamy on the outside and frozen tundra on the inside, the A/C at FLL Airport is said to be on full blast. Bring a blanket or a sweater! Our reviewers have reported some noteworthy sleeping spots. Perhaps the most often cited is the rental car centre, described as dimly lit, relatively quiet and with padded seats. While there are no on-site airport hotels, there are several hotels within a short shuttle ride away. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Good to Know

All terminals offer public baggage storage; however, hours of operation are limited.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Fort Lauderdale Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

What this means for airport sleepers
Sleeping is permitted overnight only in pre-security (public/landside) areas. TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by airline and flight schedule, so overnight travellers should confirm opening times directly with their airline. If you remain in the public area overnight, you will not be able to access the secure side until security opens in the morning.

Airport Sleeper Policy

This is the official statement from the Fort Lauderdale Airport regarding sleeping in the airport: “You can only stay in a pre-security waiting area (not on the concourse) for the night. Our seating is attached chairs with armrests. Heavy-duty cleaning is often conducted at night. Food and beverage service is limited.   It can get cold in the terminals, so bring warm clothes.”

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no designated sleeping, quiet, or rest areas. A reader previously reported a small seating area with couches between Gates G and E/F (February 2021), but this has not been recently verified and may no longer exist. If this has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Fort Lauderdale airport sounds like a nightmare, these are the closest hotels that provide free airport shuttles:

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, between Gates D2 and D3. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • United Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Mid Level, next to Gate C1. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
  • Escape Lounge – Terminal 3, Airside, between Gates E and F. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($60) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Drinking Water

A reader reports water fountains on both the public and secure sides of Terminal 1 near restrooms (January 2025).

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules. Aside from vending machines in the public areas, there are no 24-hour food outlets.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

You can enjoy your layover luggage-free! Leave your bags at the public baggage storage provided by Bags to Go, available in all four terminals. Locations:
» Terminal 1 – 2nd Floor, near the Concourse B exit. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Fri – Mon) •  8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Sat & Sun).
» Terminal 2 – Departures Level/Upper Level, near the TSA checkpoint entrance. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Fri – Mon) •  8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Sat & Sun).
» Terminal 3 – Baggage Claim Level/Lower Level, next to the JetBlue bag service office. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Fri – Mon) •  8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Sat & Sun).
» Terminal 4 – temporarily closed

Mobile Charging

In Terminal 1, charging stations are available on the airside. In Terminal 3, readers report seating with built-in AC outlets and USB ports.

Showers

A reader tells us there are showers in the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3. See Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Airport Ambassadors – Airport ambassadors are available throughout the terminals to help answer questions and provide general assistance.
Baby Care Facilities – Six private lactation suites are available for breastfeeding. Each includes seating, a fold-down table, and power outlets. Access is controlled and typically requires the Mamava app or contacting airport staff. Suites are located across all terminals, both before and after security.
Business Service Center – Business services such as faxing, copying, and limited financial services are available. One location has been reported as temporarily closed; the remaining centre operates daytime hours only. Availability should be confirmed before arrival.
Courtesy Phones – Free courtesy phones are available in baggage claim areas, offering direct connections to local hotels and car rental companies.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available for international passengers in select concourses. Each terminal also offers a mix of retail stores and newsstands, with some opening early in the morning. Overnight shopping options are limited.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Paid baggage carts are available throughout the terminals and parking garages. Carts are not permitted on courtesy shuttle buses, but staff can assist with continued use after drop-off if needed.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Plastic luggage wrapping services are available in multiple terminals during daytime and evening hours.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in several terminals, including post-security areas and the rental car centre. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
  • Currency Exchange – Limited currency exchange services are available during daytime hours. One previously listed location was reported closed and has not been recently verified.

Pet Relief Areas – Multiple indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are available, including post-security locations and outdoor spaces near baggage claim exits.
Smoking – Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal buildings.
Telephones – Public telephones are available in terminal lobbies, concourses, and baggage claim areas.

Things to do & see

  • Art at the Airport – A rotating collection of artwork is displayed throughout the terminals and rental car centre.
  • Live Music – Live performances are hosted as part of the airport’s Terminal Tunes program. Schedules and locations vary.
  • Viewing Area – An outdoor aircraft viewing area is located on the top level of the Hibiscus Garage and is accessible to the public.
Airlines
Fort Lauderdale Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air Transat • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant • American Airlines • Avelo • Avianca • Azul • Bahamasair • BermudAir • Caribbean • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • El Al • Emirates • Flair Airlines • Frontier • JetBlue • Norse Atlantic Airways • Silver • SkyBahamas • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country • Sunwing • Swoop • United Airlines • Western Air • Westjet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

BCT (Broward County Transit) operates daily bus service to and from the airport via bus Route 1. The bus stop is Stop 7 at the Rental Car Center. Visit the Broward County Transit website for fares, schedules and route information.

Car Rentals

Passengers can rent cars on-site at the airport’s Rental Car Center, which is adjacent to Terminal 1. The following agencies operate from the Rental Car Center: ACE • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Fox • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Commuter Train

Tri-Rail provides service between Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport Station in Dania Beach and Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County. Free shuttle buses travel between the airport and the Tri-Rail service at Airport Station. Shuttle stops are located on the lower level in the Ground Transportation Area, between Terminals 2 and 3 • at the west end of Terminal 1 • at the east end of Terminal 4. Visit the Tri-Rail website for schedules and fare information.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels near Fort Lauderdale airport provide shuttle service. Hotel shuttles pick up and drop off at designated areas curbside on the lower level of all terminals.

See Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttles

FLL airport operates a courtesy shuttle service between the terminals and the Rental Car Center. Shuttles run 24/7.

Ride Sharing

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Florida. A ride to Downtown Fort Lauderdale will cost you from $15 to $20.

Taxi

Several companies provide taxi services to and from the airport.

Last updated: 2026-01-27

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

Overall Experience:

66 Reviews
Tolerable