Destination Guides: Fort Lauderdale, United States - City Information

Population:                  152,397

Elevation:                    8 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   31.7 square miles

Location:                     Located in the southeastern area of Florida, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, half way between Miami and West Palm Beach. 

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Fort Lauderdale, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles).  Fort Lauderdale observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Weather:

 Climate:

Local Seasons:

Fort Lauderdale is a complete city offering year round enjoyment, regardless of the season.  Winter tends to be the busiest time of year when people from the north come to experience the beautiful beaches, with swaying palm trees and warm ocean breezes, not to mention theater, festivals, great shopping, and a host of sports activities.  However, at any time of year, the city is alive with tourists from throughout the world.  When summer arrives there is an influx of visitors from both South America as well as Europe, making this truly an international destination.  Spring and fall tend to be less crowded and are wonderful for enjoying all the city has to offer with a few less people.  With temperatures during this time hovering in the 80’s F during the day and the 70’s at night; visitors can work on the perfect tan during the day, and then enjoy a splendid meal while dancing the night away, or taking in one of the numerous cultural events taking place year round.  Whatever the reason for visiting and regardless of the time of year, Fort Lauderdale offers its visitors warm sunny days and nights to remember.

How to Get There:

By Car

Fort Lauderdale is easily accessible via Interstate 95 or the Florida Turnpike from the north or south and Interstate 595/75 from the west.

By Plane

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport

320 Terminal Drive

Fort Lauderdale FL 33315

954-359-6100

Conveniently located just south of the city and approximately 3 miles from the beach, 1 mile from Port Everglades.

The airport is served by many of the national airlines, a host of charter airlines as well as many of the regional and local carriers.

By Train

Amtrak

200 S.W. 21 Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound

515 NE 3RD ST
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301

954-764-6551

Car Rental

Alamo               800-GO-ALAMO

Avis                  800-831-2847

Budget              800-527-0700

Dollar                800-800-1000

Enterprise            800-736-8222

Hertz                800-654-3131

National            800-227-7368

Payless                        800-PAY-LESS

Royal                954-768-0222

Thrifty               800-367-2277

Taxis

Yellow Cab            866-457-4141

Getting Around Town

By far the best way to see the city and enjoy all it has to offer is by either personal or rental car.  In addition, there are various other means of transportation available.

Broward County Transit

954-357-8400

Public buses serve 410 square miles with 40 routes.

Tri-Rail

800-TRI-RAIL

A 67-mile commuter line links Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, with free shuttles to the airport.

Port Everglades

954-468-3539

Port Everglades is a favorite for more than 35 cruise ships and the US Navy.

Water Taxi/Water Bus

954-467-0008

Hop aboard one of Water Taxi’s boats and step ashore at major stops along the waterways.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31