A long layover in Fort Lauderdale is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at FXE:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Broward County Transit Bus takes about 40 minutes into Fort Lauderdale, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport into town:
- Broward County Transit Bus: About 40 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 60 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Bag Storage Near FXE
Specific locker facilities at FXE aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Fort Lauderdale itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Fort Lauderdale might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$13 USD
- A meal: ~$25 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$48 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to See and Do in Fort Lauderdale
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Fort Lauderdale, two standouts are:
- Las Olas Boulevard Stroll — Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach — Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside FXE, you can spend time at Jet Runway Cafe Plane Spotting or try Banyan Air Services Pilot Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
In Fort Lauderdale
If you make it into town, Kaluz Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria.
Inside FXE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Jet Runway Cafe is your main option. Banyan Air Services Deli works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and FXE is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Fort Lauderdale and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at FXE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Fort Lauderdale with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Fort Lauderdale may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.