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Getting to the Everglades: Location, directions & entry points explained

Where is the Everglades located

Address: Florida, United States | Find on Maps

Everglades National Park covers a massive subtropical wetland in southern Florida, stretching across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties.

  • Main entry points: The most popular access points are through Homestead and Florida City, just southwest of Miami. It is also easily reachable from Fort Lauderdale, about an hour’s drive away.
  • Nearby landmarks: It’s around 40 miles from downtown Miami and not far from Biscayne National Park and Florida Bay.
  • Closest city: Miami (42 miles)

Getting there by public transport

Woman boarding AC bus to Nami Island in Seoul, South Korea.
  • The Everglades are partially accessible by bus. You can take public buses from Miami to Homestead or Florida City, which are the closest towns to the park.
  • From there, you’ll need to catch a taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or use a local shuttle to reach the park entrance (like the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center).
  • There’s no direct public bus that takes you deep into the Everglades itself, so plan for that extra leg of the journey.
Passengers enjoying a ride on a Terravision bus from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Center.
  • Many tour operators offer direct shuttles or guided tours from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding cities. 
  • Most of these tours include roundtrip transportation, often with hotel pickup or pickup from easy-to-reach central locations.
  • They’ll drop you off either inside the park or at one of the main visitor centers like Shark Valley or Ernest F. Coe, depending on the tour.
London taxi driver in front of iconic red telephone booth.
  • If you're looking for a no-fuss, door-to-door option, taking a taxi or rideshare (like Uber or Lyft) is one of the easiest ways to reach the Everglades. 
  • The most common drop-off spot is the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, which is the park’s main entrance near Homestead. From there, you can access several popular trails and exhibits. 
  • Just make sure to arrange your return trip in advance since cell service can be spotty inside the park, and rideshares might not always be readily available for pickup.

Getting there by car

Family driving through scenic countryside towards a travel destination.

Driving route

Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes from Miami Downtown

Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km)

Peak traffic hours: 7am–9am and 4pm–7pm on weekdays

Route: The fastest route is via US-1 S and Florida State Road 9336. Take US-1 south from Miami, then exit onto FL-9336 W toward Everglades National Park. This route offers scenic views of southern Florida’s wetlands. An alternate, slightly longer but more scenic route runs along Florida’s Turnpike south toward Homestead.

Blue parking sign at WonderWorks Orlando.

Parking facilities

On-site parking: Available at main visitor centers including Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Shark Valley Visitor Center

Timings: Open during park hours, generally 8am to sunset

Charges: Parking is free for visitors

Accessibility

  • The Everglades National Park is partially accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. 
  • The visitor centers have paved paths, ramps, and accessible restrooms. 
  • Shark Valley features a tram tour that is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests to experience the park comfortably.
  • On-site parking offers designated disabled spots near visitor centers.

Compare your travel options from Miami Downtown

Mode of transportTravel timeEstimated costBest forDirections

Car/Rideshare

45–60 mins

$$

Flexibility, quick access

Get directions

Bus + Taxi/Shuttle

90–120 mins

$

Budget travelers

Get directions

Guided Tour Shuttle

90 mins

$$$

Stress-free, guided visit

Book via tour providers

How to enter the Everglades

Everglades National Park has two main entrances, each leading to a different part of the park, and a different kind of adventure. Since there are no roads linking them inside the park, it’s best to pick your entrance based on the experience you're after.

Ernest Coe Visitor Center entrance with informational signs in Everglades National Park.

Main Entrance (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center)

Address: 40001 State Highway 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, United States | Find on Maps

Closest city: Homestead, FL

Distance: About 40 miles from Miami (1-hour drive) and around 75 miles from Fort Lauderdale (1.5-hour drive)

Why use this entrance: This is the go-to entrance for most first-time visitors. From here, you can explore top spots like Royal Palm, Anhinga Trail, and Long Pine Key, or take the scenic drive all the way down to Flamingo. It’s perfect if you want the classic Everglades experience.

Shark Valley Observation Tower in Everglades National Park, Florida, with panoramic views of wetlands.

Shark Valley Entrance

Address: 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, United States | Find on Maps

Closest city: Miami, FL

Distance: About 25 miles from downtown Miami (40–50 mins) and roughly 70 miles from Fort Lauderdale (1.5-hour drive)

Why use this entrance: Super easy to get to from downtown Miami, Shark Valley is ideal for a half-day trip. It’s famous for its 15-mile paved loop trail, observation tower, and tons of gator and bird sightings, especially in the dry season.

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Everglades

What’s the best way to get to the Everglades from Miami?

Driving is usually the quickest and most flexible way to reach the Everglades, with about a 45-min trip from Miami downtown. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Homestead and use a taxi or shuttle for the final leg.

How long does it take to drive to the Everglades from Miami Beach?

It takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your Everglades tour location.

Are there multiple Everglades tour locations?

Yes. Everglades tours run from several key locations including Everglades National Park, Shark Valley, Sawgrass Recreation Park, Everglades City, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Each spot offers unique experiences, from airboat rides to wildlife viewing.

Which airport is closest to the Everglades?

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest major airport. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to many Everglades tour departure points.

What’s the easiest way to visit without a car?

Booking a guided tour with transportation is your best bet. Many tours including the Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour and Everglades National Park Airboat Tour depart from central Miami and offer hotel pick-ups.

Are there signs directing visitors to the Everglades?

Yes, major roads like the Tamiami Trail (US-41) and signs from the Florida Turnpike clearly guide you to popular Everglades entrances.

Is it easy to follow Everglades directions at night?

The Everglades is remote with limited lighting. It's best to visit during daylight hours. Evening tours with transport included are a safe alternative if you want a night experience.

More reads

Guests observing alligators from a wooden platform in Everglades wildlife park.

Weather

Guests feeding capybaras at a wildlife park in the Everglades.

History

Aerial view of winding waterways in the Everglades for a private airboat tour.

Everglades map

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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