How to Get to the Everglades: Airports, Access, and Transportation
The closest airport to the Everglades is Miami International (MIA), about 50 miles from the main entrance. Allow 50 to 60 minutes by car from the terminal, depending on traffic. A rental car is essential because there is no direct public shuttle to the park.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Miami International Airport MIA · 47 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport OPF · 53 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport FLL · 66 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Key West International Airport EYW · 79 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Southwest Florida International Airport RSW · 97 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for the Everglades
Flying into Miami International (MIA)
Miami International is the logical gateway to the Everglades. The airport sits about 50 miles north of the Ernest Coe entrance, a 50- to 60-minute drive in light traffic, though it takes longer during weekday rush hours. All the major rental car companies operate there, and Florida's Turnpike (Road 821) takes you south without driving through downtown Miami.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL): The Budget Alternative
About 68 miles from the main entrance, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is often cheaper than MIA for transatlantic flights with a connection. The drive to the park takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic on I-95. If your connection in the United States is in New York or Atlanta, compare fares. The savings may be worth the extra 20 minutes on the road.
Getting to the Everglades from France
There are no nonstop flights between France and Miami. From Paris-CDG, plan on about 10 to 12 hours of travel with one connection, usually in New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Charlotte (CLT). Air France, American Airlines, and Delta offer regular connections to MIA. Once you reach Miami, pick up your rental car and drive. You'll arrive at the park entrance in less than an hour.
For park entrance fees and pass options, the Fees & Passes page explains the admission fees and available passes.
By Car: Distances from Gateway Cities
A car is the only truly independent way to visit the Everglades. Here are the driving times from the most common starting points to the main Ernest Coe entrance:
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Estimated drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Miami | ~47 miles | 50 to 60 min |
| Miami International (MIA) | ~50 miles | 55 to 65 min |
| Fort Lauderdale | ~68 miles | 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min |
| Orlando | ~236 miles | 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr |
From Miami and the north: Take Florida's Turnpike (Road 821) south to Florida City, where it merges with U.S. 1. Turn right and follow State Road 9336 to the Ernest Coe entrance. Signs are clear once you reach Homestead.
From the west coast (Naples, Marco Island): Take US-41 (Tamiami Trail) east. This road follows the park's northern boundary and leads to the Shark Valley entrance, or you can continue to Everglades City and the Gulf Coast entrance.
Everglades Entrances
The park has three separate entrance areas, each providing access to a different region. Your choice of entrance determines your entire itinerary.
Ernest Coe (Main Entrance, East Side)
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034. This is the busiest entrance from Miami. It provides access to the main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail, and Main Park Road, which runs south to Flamingo through about 37 miles of sawgrass and mangroves. The entrance station is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the park remains open 24/7.
Shark Valley (Northwest Entrance)
Accessible from US-41 (Tamiami Trail), west of Miami. This entrance opens onto a 15-mile loop that you can explore by bike or guided tram. It's the best option for seeing alligators along the road without venturing into the park's southern section. It's a practical addition to an Ernest Coe visit if you have two days.
Gulf Coast (Southwest Entrance)
Accessed through Everglades City on the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the park takes on a different character, with canals, mangroves, and small islands in the Ten Thousand Islands. It's ideal for a kayaking or boating excursion and makes logistical sense if you're arriving from Florida's west coast.
Each entrance requires a separate fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, or $20 per person on foot. The park's $70 annual pass covers all three entrances.
Getting Around the Everglades
A car is essential for reaching the different entrances and traveling between them. For everything you need to know about driving inside the park, shuttles, bike rentals at Shark Valley, and parking tips, see the practical guide to getting around the Everglades.
Other Options: Tours and Public Transportation
Taking a Tour from Miami
Several French-speaking agencies offer guided day trips from Miami, including transportation. This is the simplest option if you don't have a car or you're spending just one day in the park. Plan on an early-morning departure and a late-afternoon return.
By Public Transportation
There is no direct bus service between Miami and the park. Miami-Dade Transit Route 35 serves Homestead, but the distance from the last stop to the Ernest Coe entrance is too great without a vehicle. This option is only realistic if you combine the bus with a bike for the final miles.
In Summary: Your Route Based on Where You're Coming From
From France, the simplest route is always the same: take a connecting flight to Miami International, rent a car at the airport, and follow Florida's Turnpike south. Fifty-five minutes later, you'll be at Ernest Coe. This is the route taken by 90% of European visitors.
If you're combining the Everglades with a stay on the west coast (Naples, Fort Myers), reaching the Gulf Coast entrance through Everglades City makes more logistical sense than driving back and forth from Miami.
To choose the right time for your visit, whether it's the dry season from December through April or the wet season from mid-May through November, when mosquitoes are out but bird numbers are higher, our guide to the seasons in the Everglades can help you decide. For lodging in Homestead or inside the park, our Everglades lodging guide covers all the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I use to visit the Everglades?
The closest airport to the Everglades is Miami International (MIA), about 50 miles from the main Ernest Coe entrance. Fort Lauderdale (FLL), 68 miles away, is often a cheaper alternative for connecting flights from Europe.
How do I get to the Everglades from France?
There are no nonstop flights from France to Miami. Plan on 10 to 12 hours of travel with a connection in New York, Atlanta, or Charlotte, followed by about an hour of driving from Miami International to the park entrance.
How do I drive to the Everglades from Miami?
From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike (Road 821) south to Florida City, then follow State Road 9336 west to the Ernest Coe entrance at 40001 SR-9336 in Homestead. Allow 50 to 60 minutes from downtown.
How much does it cost to enter the Everglades?
Admission costs $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, or $20 per person on foot. A park-specific annual pass is available for $70. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the national parks Fees & Passes page.
When is the best time to visit the Everglades?
The dry season, from December through April, offers more comfortable conditions and better wildlife viewing. The wet season has its own appeal. Our When to Go page can help you choose based on your priorities.
How much time do I need to visit the Everglades?
Plan on at least two days to visit the Ernest Coe and Shark Valley entrances comfortably. Our Everglades itinerary guide offers plans suited to the time you have available.
Where should I stay to visit the Everglades?
Lodging inside the park is limited mainly to camping. Homestead and Florida City, about 12 miles from the entrance, have most of the area's hotels and lodges. Our Where to Stay page details all the options.