MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Everglades National Park

How to Get to Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Florida, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Florida has several airports that serve the Everglades region, offering various domestic and international connections.

Main Gateways

  • Miami International Airport (MIA): About 50 miles (80 km) northeast of the main park entrance near Homestead.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): About 75 miles (120 km) northeast of the main park entrance.
  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers: About 85 miles (137 km) north of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center (western entrance).

Airline & Transfers

All major U.S. Airlines and many international carriers serve MIA and FLL. RSW receives service from many domestic carriers.

Getting from Airport

  • Rental Car: Most recommended and practical option for Everglades. All major companies operate at MIA, FLL, RSW. Book in advance.
  • Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): Available from MIA and FLL to Homestead/Florida City, but costly and not practical for park travel.
  • Taxis and Shuttle Services: Available from airports, but costly for long distances to park entry points.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights using services like Dollar Flight Club for price alerts.

Compare Flights

Use flight aggregators like Skyscanner to compare prices across different airlines and dates.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices to South Florida are generally higher during the dry season (winter) due to increased tourism.

Airport Facilities

Major Airport Amenities

  • MIA and FLL are large international airports with full amenities.
  • Rental car centers, diverse dining.
  • Shopping opportunities.
  • Lounges and ground transportation services.

Connectivity & Convenience

  • Free Wi-Fi access available at most airports.
  • Charging stations for electronic devices.
  • Baggage claim services are efficient.
  • Information desks for traveler assistance.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving

Driving yourself is the most flexible and recommended way to explore Everglades. The park is vast, and internal transportation is limited. Road conditions are generally good.

Car Rentals

All major international car rental companies operate at Florida's airports. Book well in advance. Find options at DiscoverCars.com.

Public Transport

Train (Amtrak) and bus (Greyhound) serve South Florida cities. From these stations, a rental car or other ground transport is still required to reach the park.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Direct sea or river arrivals are not typical for park visitors. Cruise ships dock in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, requiring land transport to the park.

Post-Port Travel

  • Cruise ships dock in major Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
  • From cruise ports, rental cars, taxis, or ride-sharing services are available to reach the Everglades.
  • Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures apply for international cruise passengers.

River Transportation

The Everglades is a "River of Grass." However, no commercial river transport exists for general park entry.

Park Waterways

  • Specific boat tours operate within the park, launching from visitor centers like Flamingo and Gulf Coast.
  • Canoeing and kayaking are popular self-guided activities on designated paddling trails.
  • Access to the park's waterways is typically via land-based entry points.

Driving Considerations

Driving is the main means of transportation within the Everglades. Be aware of local regulations and conditions.

Roads & Safety

  • Main park roads are paved and well-maintained.
  • Be aware of wildlife crossing roads, especially at dawn or dusk.
  • Speed limits are enforced to protect animals.

Departure Information

Plan your departure with enough time to avoid rushes and ensure a smooth exit from the U.S.

Exit Procedures

  • No specific exit fees apply for departing the U.S. By air for tourists. Airline tickets usually include relevant taxes.
  • Airport arrival: 2-3 hours before domestic flights, 3 or more hours for international flights.
  • Account for rental car return time.

Road Safety & Regulations

  • Standard U.S. Driving laws apply (drive on the right, seatbelts required).
  • Minimum driving age is 16 in Florida. Most rental companies require 21+ (extra charge under 25).
  • Ample parking at visitor centers. Park only in designated areas. Do not leave valuables visible.
  • Road conditions on main park roads are generally good.
  • Speed limits are typically low to protect wildlife, and they are enforced.
  • Be alert for deer, alligators, and other animals, especially at night.

Departure Logistics

Airport Facilities

Major airports serving the Everglades offer comprehensive services for departing travelers.

At the Airport

  • Standard airport facilities (check-in counters, security checkpoints).
  • Shops and restaurants for last-minute purchases or meals.
  • Lounges are available for eligible passengers.

Timing Your Departure

Careful planning of departure time avoids stress, especially when driving from the park.

Park to Airport

  • Allow much time to drive from the park (Flamingo area is an hour's drive from main entrance) to the airport.
  • Consider potential traffic, especially during peak hours around Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
  • Factor in time for returning your rental car.

Domestic Flights

Arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled domestic flight.

International Flights

Arrive 3 or more hours before your international flight.

Rental Car Return

Allocate sufficient time for rental car return procedures at the airport.

Planning Your Exit

Smooth Departure

To ensure a stress-free departure, consider all aspects of your journey from the park to your final transport hub.

Checklist

  • Pre-plan your route from the park to the airport.
  • Confirm flight status and check-in online if possible.
  • Have all necessary travel documents readily accessible.

Last-Minute Details

Final checks ensure nothing is left behind and your return journey is as pleasant as your visit.

Before Leaving

  • Double-check your accommodation for forgotten items.
  • Dispose of any waste properly.
  • Consider visiting a nearby beach or attraction if you have extra time before your flight.

Security Procedures

Baggage Checks

Follow TSA guidelines for carry-on and checked baggage to expedite security checks.

ID Verification

Have your identification ready for all security checkpoints.

Pre-Check Options

Consider TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for faster security clearance if eligible.

Departure Wisdom

Allocate plenty of time for travel from the park to the airport, specifically during peak seasons or busy times of day. This prevents rushing and stress before your flight.