Mediates the uptake of L-fucose across the boundary membrane with the concomitant transport of protons into the cell (symport system) (PubMed:2829831, PubMed:8052131). Can also transport L-galactose and D-arabinose, but at reduced rates compared with L-fucose. Is not able to transport L-rhamnose and L-arabinose (PubMed:2829831). Binds D-arabinose with the highest affinity, followed by L-fucose, and then by L-galactose (PubMed:9826601). H(+)(in) + L-fucose(in) = H(+)(out) + L-fucose(out) D-arabinose(out) + H(+)(out) = D-arabinose(in) + H(+)(in) H(+)(out) + L-galactose(out) = H(+)(in) + L-galactose(in) Optimum pH is 5.5 for fucose transport. By L-fucose. Contains an outward-open, amphipathic cavity. Contains only two acidic residues along the transport path, Asp-46 and Glu-135, which can undergo cycles of protonation and deprotonation. Asp-46 and Glu-135 have an essential role, coupling proton translocation and substrate recognition (PubMed:20877283). Sugar binding probably induces a conformational change in which the outward-facing cavity closes, thereby bringing Trp-38 and Trp-278 into close proximity around the bound sugar to form an occluded intermediate (PubMed:22930818). Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. FHS transporter (TC 2.A.1.7) family.