Fort Lauderdale Car Rental information and links to help you find the best deals available. If you've never been to Fort Lauderdale before, you'll find an introduction on the place in general as well as the climate & transportation.

Fort Lauderdale Introduction

Getting around Fort Lauderdale is half the fun: One of the city's main drags is a river (the New River, to be specific), so you can hop on a water bus or taxi and take in the sights.

This South Florida city's extensive system of waterways and a reputation for gracious living have made it one of the country's largest yachting centers.

Restaurants and bars overlook the canals, and several of the city's special events -- including a winter holiday boat parade that draws local, national and international celebs -- revolve around boating and the water.

Fort Lauderdale Climate

Fort Lauderdale's winter temperatures, averaging 60-76 F/16-24 C, attract visitors from northern reaches (known locally as snowbirds) November-April.

In winter, cold fronts do occasionally sweep down from chillier climes, which can drop temperatures abruptly.

Summers are hot and humid (average temperatures are in the low 90s F/32-37 C, and humidity is often 98%), with frequent brief thundershowers.

A high-SPF sunscreen is a must. A hat will help, and an umbrella comes in handy to protect against rain and sun. Hurricane season is June-November.

Fort Lauderdale Transportation

If you will be spending more than a day in the Fort Lauderdale area, we recommend a rental car. The most scenic way to get around is by water bus.

Water Bus of Fort Lauderdale operates a fleet of boats that travel the Intracoastal Waterway between Port Everglades and Commercial Boulevard and travel up the New River to downtown Fort Lauderdale.

They stop within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. One-way tickets are US$4; an all-day pass is US$5.

Ask also about the Riverwalk A&E Passport, which includes a seven-day water-bus pass, prepaid tickets to museums and historical sites, and discounts to performances at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.