The Guide to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — located about 25 miles north of Miami — is an often-overlooked alternative for travelers heading to South Florida or embarking on cruises out of Port Everglades.

Compact and efficient, FLL typically offers a breezier experience than the sprawling terminals of Miami International (MIA). It features some surprisingly swanky airport lounges plus a growing list of domestic and international routes. With four terminals connected by walkways and shuttle buses, it’s relatively easy to navigate — though not without occasional congestion, especially during peak cruise season.

FLL serves many major airlines including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. It’s often the departure point for affordable flights to the Caribbean, Central America and elsewhere in the U.S. You might also fly into FLL to spend time in Fort Lauderdale itself. The city is like a smaller, quieter version of Miami, with white-sand beaches, canals, a strong arts scene, and the Everglades nearby.

• Location: 100 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

• Website: www.broward.org/airport

• Annual passengers: About 35 million

You cannot walk between all the terminals post-security. Currently, only Terminals 3 and 4 are connected post-security. If you need to transfer terminals (such as for a connecting flight), there’s a chance you’ll need to go through security again.

This is the largest and most modern terminal, featuring multiple concourses (A, B, and C) that consist of about two dozen gates. There’s plenty of seating, USB ports and public art.

To eat and drink, there are airport staples like Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s, as well as local chains like Rocco’s Tacos.

Major airlines: Southwest Airlines, United Airlines.

Delta Air Lines dominates Terminal 2, which is still fairly small. Expect more limited dining options (though there is a Shake Shack). Recent upgrades have improved lighting and seating.

Major airlines: Delta Air Lines, Air France (seasonal)

Lounges: Delta Sky Club, which you can access if you fly in premium cabins, have an elite status or hold eligible credit cards.

Terminal 3 spans two concourses, E and F, so it’s already quite large. Since it connects to Terminal 4 post-security, it’s also convenient for connections (or just accessing amenities in that terminal). There’s an Escape Lounge here, which you can access with select American Express cards or a day pass.

Major airlines: American Airlines, JetBlue Airways.

This terminal is largely dominated by Spirit. And much like Spirit, this is the terminal with the fewest frills.

Major airlines: Spirit Airlines.

There’s Kafe Kalik, which serves traditional Bahamian food and is one of the restaurants on the Priority Pass network. The spiced curry chicken here is excellent. Just keep in mind that only a few credit cards cover Priority Pass restaurants.

Public transit from the airport is limited, so it’s easier to get here via car or shuttle.

FLL is just off I-595, and it’s close to both downtown Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades, which is the city’s cruise terminal (about a 10-minute drive to either destination).

FLL can be a more convenient airport than Miami International, but it’s not exactly close. Though you can get from FLL to downtown Miami in 45 minutes with no traffic, you really should budget closer to 90 minutes. Miami traffic is no joke.

Parking: There are several parking options, ranging from curbside valet to cheaper long-term parking. You can pay by cash or credit card. And if you hold a SunPass transponder (SunPass is Florida’s Prepaid Toll Program), you can even use that to pay by driving through the designated SunPass Plus lane at the toll plaza, which will automatically charge the airport parking fees to your account.

If you’re just doing a quick pickup, there’s a 20-minute grace period to exit the parking garage toll plaza with no fee.

Outside each terminal’s baggage claim area, there are designated pickup and drop-off areas for rideshares. Uber, Lyft and taxis are all available.

Hotels located within five miles of FLL are generally considered airport hotels, and many offer free shuttle service between the airport and the hotel. Some hotels even offer free shuttle service between the hotel and the cruise terminal.

The airport itself does not provide free shuttles to the port, although some cruise operators offer shuttles (sometimes for an additional fee or sometimes included with cruise fare).

Public transit is not this airport’s strong suit. Options include:

• Broward County Transit (BCT) operates Route 1, which is a bus that connects FLL with downtown Fort Lauderdale. One-way fares cost $2, and there’s an option to buy fares on your smartphone through a mobile app.

• Tri-Rail, which is a rail service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, has a station near FLL. You can get there via a free shuttle from the airport.

But even with fewer public transportation options, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport feels easier to navigate than nearby MIA, in part because it’s smaller. Whether you’re heading out on a Caribbean cruise, catching a budget flight or just connecting through South Florida, FLL delivers convenience with a relaxed vibe.