Navigating the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Transportation Tips

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is a must-attend event for yachting boating enthusiasts. Held annually in the Venice of America, this expansive event showcases luxury yachts, innovative marine products, and so much more. However, navigating the show can be daunting with such a large-scale event footprint. As such, Northrop & Johnson has a comprehensive guide to getting around this yachting capital during one of its busiest weeks of the year.

Know the Venues
FLIBS spans a multitude of venues. From the largest in-water yachting and boating show that floats on the Intracoastal Waterway from the 17th Street bridge past Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard to the Broward County Convention Center and beyond. Familiarizing yourself with the places you want to visit is crucial and will help you plan your transportation accordingly. Maps are available on the event’s official website, allowing you to visualize distances and layout. Northrop & Johnson has customized maps indicating where its stand, luxury off-site estate and yachts will be located. Please ask your broker for more details.

Show Transportation
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show provides complementary shuttles and golf carts to show attendees. You can skip the hassle of traffic by parking at the Broward County Convention Center, the central hub for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. You’ll find convenient parking and access to shuttles, golf carts, and water taxis to take you to all seven show locations. The Convention Center will feature various exhibits, including fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, marine accessories, fishing gear, diving equipment, personal watercraft, and much more!

Transportation via golf cart will be provided by ICON Electric Vehicles.

FLIBS shuttles and golf carts will begin to operate one hour before the show opens and will discontinue service one hour after the show closes. 

• Purple Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center and Bahia Mar (loop).
• Green Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center to Superyacht Village to Bahia Mar (loop).
• Red Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station to Riverside Hotel (loop).
• Blue Route (shuttle only): Pick-up/Drop-off to and from West Marine Center and Bahia Mar (loop).

Public Transportation

Fort Lauderdale has a range of public transportation options that are convenient:

• Sun Trolley: This charming, open-air trolley service operates in several key areas and can be a fun way to get around while enjoying the sights. Check their schedule for any extended routes during the boat show.
• Water Taxi: Given Fort Lauderdale’s network of canals, the Water Taxi is a unique and enjoyable way to navigate the city. It connects various venues and is incredibly scenic, providing a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle. The water taxis operate one hour before and after the show opens and closes. One-day tickets are available for $15 and a five-day ticket is $65. Windward VIP ticket holders receive complimentary water taxi service. Children under five are free.
  • Orange Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Riverside Hotel to Bahia Mar (loop).
  • Yellow Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center to SuperYacht Village to Bahia Mar (loop).
  • Pink Route: Pick-up/Drop-off to and from GALLERYone DoubleTree Hotel to Las Olas Marina to Bahia Mar (loop).
• Brightline: Make your way to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with Brightline and kick off the fun early! With Brightline’s express rail service, you can bypass traffic and parking hassles. Once you arrive, enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to the Riverside Hotel, where you can easily catch the Water Taxi ($15) directly to the show. Don’t miss out on this convenient and enjoyable way to experience FLIBS!

Ridesharing and Taxis
If you prefer a more direct route, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Fort Lauderdale. During the boat show, demand may be high, so it’s wise to book your ride in advance or expect longer wait times. Traditional taxis are also readily available throughout the city, providing another option for quick transportation.

Parking Solutions
If you drive to the show, be prepared for limited parking options significantly closer to the venues. There are designated parking lots and garages, but they can fill up quickly. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot or consider parking at a distance and utilizing public transportation to get to the venues. You can visit the FLIBS website to review all of the parking locations. Northrop & Johnson will also offer valet parking at our estate and tender service to the show. For more information on that, please reach out to your broker.

Plan Ahead
The key to smooth transportation during the FLIBS is planning. Review the show’s schedule, including any events you don’t want to miss, and map out your routes in advance. This will help you avoid potential delays and maximize your time at the event.