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Getting to the Everglades: Location, directions & entry points explained
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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
By bus
By shuttle/tour bus
By taxi or rideshare
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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
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Directions
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.
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 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.
Book Everglades tickets & tours
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.