North America > United States > Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
The Car or no Car advice for Fort Lauderdale can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Fort Lauderdale ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Fort Lauderdale?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Within the city, the Sun Trolley network serves beaches, downtown, and key neighbourhoods. It is not comprehensive, but it is visitor-friendly and far more useful than local buses in many US cities. Walking is also realistic in areas like Las Olas Boulevard, the beachfront strip, and parts of downtown.
The Venice of America factor 🌊
Fort Lauderdale’s canal system gives it a unique advantage. Water taxis and river boats are not just sightseeing novelties; they are a genuine transport option. You can travel between downtown, the beach, and waterfront neighbourhoods while enjoying views that most cities reserve for private boat owners. For many visitors, this replaces the need for a car entirely during a short stay.
Cycling is also increasingly viable. Flat terrain, growing bike lanes, and bike-share schemes make short trips practical, especially along the beachfront and canals.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
Despite all this, a car still adds value in certain situations. If you plan to explore beyond Fort Lauderdale—such as heading into the Everglades, visiting multiple beaches in one day, or driving north or south along the coast—a rental car saves time and adds flexibility. It also makes sense if you are staying in suburban accommodation or planning a one-way road trip through Florida.
Car hire prices in Fort Lauderdale are often competitive, particularly compared with Miami, and picking up a vehicle downtown can sometimes be cheaper than at the airport.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Fort Lauderdale?
Unlike many Florida cities, Fort Lauderdale works surprisingly well without one, especially for short stays focused on the beach, downtown, and regional rail travel. However, if your plans include nature, longer coastal drives, or multi-city itineraries, a rental car quickly becomes worthwhile. Fort Lauderdale offers rare choice in Florida—and that flexibility is exactly what makes it such an appealing destination 🚀
