Parks Manager

Getting to Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park sits in FL, United States, with Homestead the nearest town of any size — about 30.1 mi (48.4 km) out, or roughly 1 hr 4 min of driving.

Everglades National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.

Drive times from Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park sits close enough to Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Everglades National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Biscayne National Park57.7 mi (92.9 km)1 hr 49 min
Dry Tortugas National Park131 mi (210 km)3 hr 32 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Everglades National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Homestead30.1 mi (48.4 km)1 hr 4 min
Islamorada33.2 mi (53.5 km)1 hr 9 min
Key Largo34.2 mi (55.1 km)1 hr 11 min
Princeton35.8 mi (57.7 km)1 hr 14 min
Richmond West37.1 mi (59.7 km)1 hr 16 min
The Hammocks38.8 mi (62.5 km)1 hr 19 min
South Miami Heights39.3 mi (63.2 km)1 hr 20 min
Cutler Bay41 mi (66 km)1 hr 23 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Everglades National Park?

Homestead, about 30.1 mi (48.4 km) away — roughly 1 hr 4 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Everglades National Park?

The practical bases are Homestead, Islamorada, and Key Largo — all within a reasonable drive of the park.