Miami / Everglades - distances

[Ju]

Has anyone travelled down to Miami and then onto the Everglades for a few days whilst visiting Orlando? If so, approx how long does it take to drive? What are the roads like?

We're thinking about going for a few days but very much depends on times etc.

Hope someone can help!

Cheers

 

[hanncam]

Miami is around 250-300 miles south of orlando... All you do is hit Highway 95 south and it takes you straight into Miami....If you can check flights you would probably be better off to jump a plane... The flight is like 30minutes...

Key West is supposed to be beautiful (never been there) and that is about 75 or 80 miles further south, but beware if you are afraid of water because you have to drive on the highway 1 bridge which at one point you can not see land on either side.. just ocean all around....

 

[disney13]

We flew into Miami a few years ago to save on flight costs. The trip upto Orlando couldn't have been that bad cause I can't remember anything about it!! I do know that we stopped a couple of times for coffee etc. and that my now DW lost a bet and still hasn't paid up!

It's an easy trip that should take about 4-5 hours on very nice roads (compared to the UK )


Andy

 

[Hilary]

Although it's not that far from Miami to Key West, it takes longer than you might expect - at a guess I'd say around 3 hours. We flew into Miami a couple of years ago and drove to Marathon, which is about half way down the Keys, and I'm sure that took at least an hour and a half to two hours.

There's only one main road along the Keys, so the going can be slow if you're stuck behind something, but it's a laid-back place so it doesn't seem to matter! There are a lot of bridges (the only way to drive from one island to the next!), and we had a great time dolphin-spotting. The 7-mile bridge is quite something and it does seem to go on for ever!

We finished our trip in Orlando, and then drove back to Miami for the flight home, and I think that took us about 4 hours on a good road (don't remember which route we took, sorry).

 

[Stuartpaul]

If you want the fastest route then use the turnpike. There are tolls to pay but it is a fast route and we've done Miami in about 4 hours (if you stick to the speed limit everyone will pass you!!!). We'll be using this route agin in November when we drive down to see a NASCAR race at Homestead!!

As has been said already the drive onwards to Key West does take almost as long. Slower road (mostly single carrageway) but quite scenic. I actually enjoyed the drive and its worth it when you get there.

 

[Ju]

Thanks all, we've now decided to fly into Miami for a few days to see the Everglades and a Dolphin Wade at Theatre of The Sea (DD only 6 so can't do swim at other places and anyway would prefer to wade I think!). Then we'll drive up to Orlando where we'll fly back - so only have to do one way.

Thanks again

Julie

 

[Graeme]

We landed on the back of hurricane Frances last Sept and had been diverted to Miami. Fortunately I got talking to a native Orlandian in the airport and he told me to go up highway 27 which goes up the middle of the state and takes you straight from Miami to the I4 just west of Orlando. It was a very quick route, easy to find from the airport and roads were quiet.

 

[hanncam]

We landed on the back of hurricane Frances last Sept and had been diverted to Miami. Fortunately I got talking to a native Orlandian in the airport and he told me to go up highway 27 which goes up the middle of the state and takes you straight from Miami to the I4 just west of Orlando. It was a very quick route, easy to find from the airport and roads were quiet.

How quick?

 

[Graeme]

How quick?

About 4-5 hours if I remember right. The roads were mainly single carriageway and went through the towns. The bloke I spoke to said he always used it in preference to other routes as it was generally much quieter. Be aware though there didn't seem to be many hotels or motels, it was completely un-tourist.

 

[Stuartpaul]

I'd repeat my comment about the Turnpike. I suspect many 'locals' don't use it because of the tolls (from memory about $25 each way) which I know can put some people off.

The benefit is a fairly clear, fast road with services if required. I honestly can't remember the travel time but it hasn't put me off going down again in November!!

 

[Eljay]

Miami to Orlando is 250 miles. Speed limit on the Florida Turnpike is 65 mph in some areas, 70 mph in others. If you slightly exceed the speed limit, which is done routinely without worry of getting a ticket (up to 10 mph over the limit), you can make the trip in under 4 hrs.
The FL Turnpike is a safe, well maintained road that will take you non-stop to Orlando. There are safe rest stops for gas, food & bathrooms every few miles without actually leaving the Turnpike. Depending on what type of car you will have, you will use between 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank of gas for the trip.
Have Fun!