Going to a Miami Dolphins game can be a thrilling experience for any football fan. Watching the game live with thousands of other fans cheering on their team is an energizing atmosphere. However, figuring out parking for the game can often be a headache. Hard Rock Stadium only has a limited number of on-site parking spots available for purchase, and other lots nearby fill up quickly. Planning ahead is key to make sure you have secured parking before heading out to the stadium on game day. Here are some tips to help you buy parking for Dolphins games at Hard Rock Stadium:
Dolphins Website
The best place to start when looking for parking is the Miami Dolphins official website. On the website, you can purchase parking passes in advance for the stadium lots directly from the team. Parking passes allow you to park in the designated stadium lots closest to the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices for stadium parking typically range from $30-50 per game. Passes sell out quickly, so check the website as soon as the game schedule is announced to have the best chance at buying a pass. The website also lists information on prepaid preferred parking and VIP packages if you want upgraded amenities. Buying directly from the Dolphins site guarantees you an official parking spot at Hard Rock Stadium.
Third Party Resellers
If the stadium parking is sold out, check third party ticket reseller sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and ParkWhiz. Season ticket holders and other fans often resell their unused parking passes on these sites. The resale prices are generally marked up compared to face value, but it’s a reliable way to still get parking at Hard Rock when the official lots are full. Be sure to look at the seat map to confirm the pass is for one of the Dolphins official lots. Parking prices typically range from $40-$100 on these reseller sites for Dolphins games. Purchase your pass well in advance of the game you want to attend.
Offsite Parking Lots
If you don’t secure parking ahead of time, there are a number of private offsite lots that offer game day parking near Hard Rock Stadium. Prices are generally $20-$50 depending on proximity. Look for large open lots near the stadium, many will have attendants out front on game days with signs selling parking spots. Hooper Road, NW 199th Street, and NW 27th Avenue are areas where you can often find open parking lots. The drawback is these lots can fill up hours before kickoff, so get there early. And be prepared for bottlenecks leaving the lots after the game ends. Arriving to the stadium area at least 3-4 hours pre-game is recommended to find available offsite parking.
Ride Share Services
Using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi is an option to get dropped off and picked up at Hard Rock Stadium without needing parking. This avoids the headaches of parking completely. However, prices surge dramatically during Dolphins games due to high demand. Some estimate rideshare costs $40 or more each way from downtown Miami. Cabs also charge premium rates. Public transportation like the Metrorail is a more affordable option, but requires walking about a mile to the stadium. Give yourself extra time as rideshare pickup locations can get very crowded after games end.
Disabled Parking
Disabled parking spots are available for those with valid disabled parking permits or license plates. Disabled parking must be purchased in advance through the Dolphins ticket office. There is no day-of-game sales for disabled spots. Make sure to indicate you require disabled parking when purchasing parking from the team website or resellers. The number of disabled spots is limited, so purchase early. Disabled parking provides closest access to stadium entrances. Companion parking spots next to disabled spots must also be purchased in advance.
Motorcycle Parking
For those arriving to Hard Rock Stadium on motorcycle, you can purchase advance parking in the motorcycle lot from the Dolphins website. Day-of-game motorcycle parking is also available on a first-come basis at Lot 13 for $20 on the east side of the stadium. Space is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. Keep valuables off your motorcycle as the lot is not secured.
When to Arrive for Parking
To make sure you get into the parking lot with minimal delays, plan to arrive at Hard Rock Stadium early, especially for big games or rivalry matchups. Traffic getting into the parking lots is usually lighter a few hours before kickoff. Here are some recommended arrival times:
1 PM Kickoff
– Stadium Lots – Arrive by 9-10 AM
– Offsite Lots – Arrive by 10-11 AM
– Major Rivalry Games – Add 1 Hour
4 PM Kickoff
– Stadium Lots – Arrive by 11 AM-Noon
– Offsite Lots – Arrive by Noon-1 PM
– Major Rivalry Games – Add 1 Hour
8 PM Kickoff
– Stadium Lots – Arrive by 4-5 PM
– Offsite Lots – Arrive by 5-6 PM
– Major Rivalry Games – Add 1 Hour
Gates to the stadium parking lots typically open 4 hours prior to kickoff. The lots can fill completely 3 hours before game time or more for big games. If you want the best spot, come early. Hard Rock Stadium parking gates close 90 minutes before kickoff, so do not arrive after that cutoff.
Getting to the Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is located at 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. When driving to the stadium it is accessible from the Florida Turnpike, I-95, and Palmetto Expressway.
From the Florida Turnpike
– Take Exit 39 Northwest 27th Ave
– Turn Left onto NW 27th Ave
– Drive about 1 mile and turn right on NW 199th St
– Turn left on NW 21st Ave to access parking
From I-95
– Take Exit 16 toward FL-860 W/NW 151st St
– Keep left to continue on Ramp
– Turn right onto NW 41st St
– Slight right onto NW 27th Ave
– Turn right onto NW 199th St
– Turn left on NW 21st Ave to access parking
From Palmetto Expressway
– Take the exit for NW 57th Ave/Red Rd toward Hard Rock Stadium
– Turn right onto NW 57th Ave
– Turn left onto NW 199th St
– Turn left on NW 21st Ave to access parking
Follow posted signs and police direction once you get close to the stadium for your designated parking lot. If parking offsite, leave extra time to walk from the lot to the venue. Give yourself plenty of time to navigate traffic getting to the stadium as postponement or missing kickoff is not a risk worth taking. Enjoy the game!
Parking Tips & Reminders
– Arrive early to avoid traffic backups entering parking
– Purchase parking passes well in advance of the game
– Check Dolphins website first before using resellers
– Bring pre-game food & drinks to tailgate
– Only park in your designated purchased lot
– Don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle
– Write down where you parked or take a photo
– Nearby residents charge for lawn parking – avoid
– Leave stadium lots no later than 1 hour after final whistle
– Expect long taxi/Uber lines – have patience
Conclusion
Securing parking for Miami Dolphins games takes some planning and preparation if you want the most convenient access to Hard Rock Stadium. Buying passes in advance from the team website or resellers locks in your spot at the lowest prices. Arrive to the parking lots at least 3-4 hours before game time to avoid the biggest crowds. If you want that true tailgating atmosphere, get there even earlier! Hard Rock Stadium has limited parking, so offsite lots within walking distance are a good option too. For a hassle-free ride to the game you can use Uber or Lyft, but expect to pay a premium. Follow these tips to make parking for your next Dolphins game a breeze. Then you can focus on cheering on your ‘Fins to victory!