The best way of getting around Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida is by personal or rental vehicle. There is no direct bus service into the national preserve, but buses from various cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale stop near Big Cypress. From there, you’d still need some sort of vehicle rental service or rideshare.

Area map around Big Cypress National Preserve / Google Maps screenshot

The commercial airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Myers, Florida are each within an hour’s drive of the national preserve.  The commercial airport in Palm Beach, Florida, is about two hours away.

Map of Big Cypress National Preserve / NPS graphic

According to park staff:

From Florida’s West Coast

(North Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, etc.)

1. Take I-75 (Alligator Alley) South to Exit 80, SR-29.
2. Head south on SR-29 (towards Everglades City) 17 miles to where it intersects with US-41 (Tamiami Trail).
3. Turn Left onto US-41 southbound and proceed approximately two miles.
4. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center will be on your right, on the south side of US-41 (Tamiami Trail).

From East Naples / South Naples / Marco Island / Everglades City

1. These visitors will find it fastest to find US-41 southbound and proceed directly along it, as if they were heading for Miami.
2. Keep an eye out for the intersection of US-41 / SR-29 (flashing light) –you will only go approximately two miles further beyond that intersection.
3. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center will be on your right, on the south side of US-41.
4. Oasis Visitor Center is another 20 miles down the road, on the opposite side.

 From Florida’s East Coast

(Fort Lauderdale & Northward)

1. Take I-75 North out of Fort Lauderdale and drive across to Exit 80 (SR-29 / Everglades City)
2. Head south on SR-29 (towards Everglades City) 17 miles to where it intersects with US-41.
3. Turn Left onto US-41 / Tamiami Trail southbound and proceed approximatley two miles.
4. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center will be on your right, on the south side of US-41.
5. Oasis Visitor Center is another 20 miles down the road, on the opposite side.

 From Southwest Florida

(Miami / Homestead / Florida Keys)

1. These visitors will find it fastest to find US-41 / Tamiami Trail northbound (called SW 8^th Street in Miami itself) and proceed northbound (technically, you are travelling west) all the way out.
2. From the Keys or Homestead, Florida, we recommend taking 997 Krome Avenue, North to reach US-41.
3. Once you leave the edge of Miami (at the intersection of US-41 / 997) you will drive about 40 miles.
4. Oasis Visitor Center is located on the right, on the north side of US-41.
5. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is another 20 miles down the road on the opposite side.

The landscape at Big Cypress looks vast and you might feel you are far away from civilization, but you really are not. The cities surrounding the national preserve’s borders have lodging, grocery stores, gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. EV charging stations also dot US-41 through Big Cypress. Still, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle fueled and stocked before making a visit.