Ferry to Fort Lauderdale

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Fort Lauderdale in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Fort Lauderdale connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Bimini - Fort Lauderdale, Freeport - Fort Lauderdale.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Fort Lauderdale are provided by leading carriers like Balearia.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Fort Lauderdale feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is currently served by 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Balearia.

Fort Lauderdale is accessible via multiple transportation options, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offering direct flights from major cities across North America. The city sits directly on Interstate 95, making it a 30-minute drive from Miami or 45 minutes from Palm Beach. Brightline train service connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando with modern trains arriving at the downtown station. Public buses and ride-share services provide connections between transportation hubs and ferry terminals. For those driving, parking is available near the ferry docks, though arriving early during peak season is recommended.

Fort Lauderdale shines as South Florida's premier coastal destination, where intricate waterways weave through upscale neighborhoods earning its nickname 'Venice of America.' This sun-drenched city balances sophisticated charm with laid-back beach vibes, serving as an ideal gateway for ferry adventures to tropical destinations. Visitors arriving by sea are greeted by palm trees, clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures Florida's coastal character.

Fort Lauderdale enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, though the winter months from November to April offer the most pleasant conditions with temperatures ranging from 65-80°F and minimal rainfall. This high season brings good weather but also larger crowds and higher prices. May through October brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer. The sweet spot for visitors is often late April to early June or October to early November when you'll find fewer tourists, reasonable rates, and favorable weather. Ferry services operate throughout the year, though hurricane season (June through November) occasionally affects schedules, so checking advance forecasts is advisable.

Fort Lauderdale serves as a launching point for Caribbean adventures with regular ferry services to several destinations. The Bahamas sits just 50 miles offshore, with ferries reaching Freeport or Bimini in approximately 2-3 hours, offering visitors beaches and island culture. Key West can be reached via high-speed ferry in about 4 hours, providing access to its historic district and sunset celebrations. For nature enthusiasts, ferry excursions to Everglades outposts provide an opportunity to experience Florida's ecosystem. The city's position makes it a base for exploring multiple tropical destinations without changing hotels, with many travelers creating multi-destination itineraries using Fort Lauderdale as their hub.

Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard stands as the city's entertainment centerpiece, lined with boutiques, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés perfect for people-watching before or after your ferry journey. The historic Stranahan House offers a glimpse into the city's past as a trading post, while the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District includes museums, performing arts venues, and shops in a walkable waterfront area. Seafood dominates the local culinary scene, with waterfront restaurants serving fresh catches alongside water views – try the stone crab claws when in season or the local mahi-mahi. Beach enthusiasts shouldn't miss Fort Lauderdale Beach with its signature wave-shaped wall separating the sandy shores from the palm-lined promenade.

Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of navigable waterways within its limits, exceeding even Venice, Italy in canal length – these waterways host the annual Winterfest Boat Parade, the world's most watched boat parade. The city was once the spring break capital of America, drawing over 350,000 college students annually during the 1980s before developing into an upscale destination. Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades ranks among the busiest cruise ports globally but began as a harbor dug by hand in the 1920s. The city's beaches contain sand imported from the Bahamas, creating a connection to one of its popular ferry destinations.