Daytime solo on a budget to downtown Fort Lauderdale? Take Route 1.
Broward County Transit Route 1 runs as a local bus along US‑1 between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and downtown Fort Lauderdale, with stops that line up for connections to the Broward Central Terminal on Broward Boulevard. It’s the slow option, but it’s the cheapest way off the airport property for a single rider landing in daylight or early evening.
The bus stop for Route 1 sits at the Rental Car Center, which connects to all FLL terminals (1, 2, 3, and 4) via the free airport shuttle and elevated pedestrian bridges. Follow signs to “Rental Cars / Buses,” then look for the Broward County Transit stop marked for Route 1 toward central Fort Lauderdale along US‑1. Expect a short indoor walk from each terminal, usually under 10 minutes if you know your way.
Service runs during daytime and evening hours, not overnight, so late arrivals after midnight should plan on a rideshare or taxi from the terminal curbs outside doors at Terminals 1–4. Since the timetable can shift with schedule updates, check same-day times before you leave baggage claim; Route 1 generally runs at regular intervals but can thin out later at night or on Sundays.
Seats are standard city-bus style with front space for luggage, fine if you have one suitcase and a carry-on, but tight if you roll in with two 50‑pound checked bags. Stops come every few blocks on US‑1, so the ride into downtown Fort Lauderdale can feel slow compared with a 15‑minute rideshare, especially in afternoon traffic near Broward Boulevard and SE 17th Street.
Route 1 works best if your hotel or short‑term rental sits near US‑1 or between the airport and downtown, since you can often walk from a stop instead of transferring. If you need to reach the beach near A1A, plan on a hand‑off to another bus or a short rideshare from the downtown area, which still keeps the total cost lower than a direct car from FLL.
Step-by-step: using Broward County Transit Route 1 from FLL
- 1. After landing at Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4, follow signs to baggage claim and collect your bags.
- 2. Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Center / Buses” and use the free shuttle or walk via the pedestrian bridge, which usually takes 5–10 minutes from most gates.
- 3. At the Rental Car Center, look for the Broward County Transit area and find the marked stop for Route 1 heading toward downtown Fort Lauderdale along US‑1.
- 4. Check the posted schedule or a transit app for the next Route 1 departure; daytime waits are generally moderate, but gaps grow later in the evening.
- 5. Board at the front door, pay the standard local bus fare for a single trip, and keep small bills or a transit card ready.
- 6. Ride to your chosen stop along US‑1 or to the downtown Broward Central Terminal if you’re connecting onward, then exit via the front or rear door when the bus stops.
- 7. From your stop, walk to your hotel or transfer to another local route to reach the beach or neighborhoods away from US‑1.
One tip: if your flight lands close to sunset, check the last Route 1 departure time before you commit to walking over from the terminal, so you don’t end up backtracking to the rideshare queue at FLL.