Getting to Key West is an adventure in itself, whether you choose the legendary Overseas Highway road trip, a quick flight into the island’s compact airport, or a scenic ferry ride across the Gulf of Mexico. This comprehensive transportation guide covers every way to reach the southernmost city in the continental United States and every option for getting around once you arrive. From driving tips and airline routes to bicycle rentals and the island’s free bus system, this guide ensures you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying everything Key West has to offer.
Getting to Key West requires a bit more planning than your average Florida destination. Located at the end of a 113-mile chain of islands connected by 42 bridges, Key West sits roughly 160 miles southwest of Miami — closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami. That geographic isolation is precisely what makes the island so special, but it also means your transportation choices genuinely shape your vacation experience. Some visitors treat the journey as a highlight, savoring every mile of the Overseas Highway. Others prefer to maximize their island time by flying directly into Key West International Airport (EYW). This guide will help you choose the right approach based on your budget, timeline, and travel style.
Driving to Key West: The Overseas Highway Experience
The Overseas Highway (US Route 1 through the Florida Keys) is consistently ranked among the most beautiful drives in the world, and for good reason. This 113-mile stretch of road hops across a chain of tropical islands, crossing 42 bridges that span impossibly blue water. For many visitors, driving to Key West is not just a means of transportation — it is the opening act of an unforgettable vacation. The journey from Miami to Key West takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, but most travelers recommend budgeting 5 to 6 hours to enjoy the scenery and make a few worthwhile detours.
Planning Your Drive from Miami
The drive begins on US-1 South from Florida City, the last major mainland town before the Keys. You will pass through Key Largo (Mile Marker 106), Islamorada (MM 80), Marathon (MM 50), Big Pine Key (MM 33), and finally Key West (MM 0). Mile markers decrease as you head south, making them a reliable way to track your progress and locate specific attractions along the route. The entire Overseas Highway is essentially a two-lane road, so patience is essential — especially during peak season from December through April when traffic can be heavy.
If you are flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), you can rent a car and begin your drive the same day. From MIA, take the Florida Turnpike South (toll road) to US-1 in Florida City, which is the most efficient route. From FLL, expect to add about 30 to 45 minutes to your total drive time. Budget approximately $105 to $140 per person for a rental car when splitting costs between two travelers, including gas and basic parking.
Seven Mile Bridge and Scenic Highlights
The crown jewel of the Overseas Highway is the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Marathon in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. This engineering marvel offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. The original Seven Mile Bridge, now called the Old Seven Mile Bridge, runs parallel and has been partially converted into a pedestrian and cycling path — a fantastic spot for photos if you have time to stop at the parking areas on either end.
Other notable stops along the drive include Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37), widely considered one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys with its stunning Calusa Beach and the photogenic ruins of the Bahia Honda Bridge. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo (MM 102.5) offers glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling at the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Robbie’s of Islamorada (MM 77.5) is famous for hand-feeding massive tarpon from the dock — a memorable experience for families. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon (MM 48.5) offers guided educational tours where you can see sea turtles being rehabilitated.
Essential Driving Tips
The Overseas Highway demands a different driving mindset than typical highway travel. Here are essential tips that will make your drive safer and more enjoyable. First, never stop on any bridge to take photos — this is illegal, extremely dangerous, and can result in hefty fines. Pull over at designated parking areas at the ends of major bridges instead. Second, use turnouts and passing zones courteously. If you are driving slowly to enjoy the scenery, pull over periodically to let faster traffic pass. Third, be especially alert during sunrise and sunset hours, when glare off the water can be blinding. Fourth, fill your gas tank before leaving the mainland or in Key Largo, as gas prices increase significantly the farther south you travel. Fifth, watch for speed limit changes as you pass through each island community — speed traps are common, particularly in Layton and Big Pine Key.
Weather can significantly impact your drive. During rainy conditions, the narrow two-lane bridges can become slippery and visibility drops quickly. If a severe storm develops, pull over at a safe location and wait it out. During hurricane season (June through November), always check weather forecasts before departing. The Florida Keys operate a mandatory evacuation system during major hurricanes, and the single-road-in, single-road-out geography means evacuations begin earlier than on the mainland.
Driving Times from Major Florida Cities
Planning your departure time helps you avoid traffic and arrive before dark (the Overseas Highway is not well-lit at night). From Miami, expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. From Fort Lauderdale, add 30 to 45 minutes. From Orlando, the drive is approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours. From Tampa, plan for 7.5 to 8.5 hours. From Jacksonville, it is a full 8.5 to 9.5 hour drive, making it more practical to break the trip into two days with an overnight stop in the Upper Keys.
Flying to Key West: Airport Guide
For travelers who want to maximize their island time, flying directly into Key West International Airport (EYW) is the fastest option. This compact airport sits on the southeast side of the island, just four miles from Duval Street, making the transfer to your hotel remarkably quick. Despite its small size, EYW offers an impressive number of nonstop routes from cities across the eastern United States, and the airport is currently undergoing an expansion expected to be completed by summer 2026 that will include a larger security checkpoint and additional baggage claim space.
Airlines and Nonstop Routes
Key West International Airport is served by a growing roster of airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and Avelo Airlines. Nonstop service is available from over 20 destinations, including major hubs like Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (American), Chicago O’Hare (United), Dallas-Fort Worth (American), Newark (United), Boston (American and JetBlue), and multiple Florida cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando-Sanford.
Allegiant Air offers particularly good value with nonstop service from cities including Tampa, Asheville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. Silver Airways provides essential air service connecting Key West to Fort Lauderdale and other Florida destinations with smaller turboprop aircraft. JetBlue offers competitive fares from Boston and other northeastern cities, while Breeze Airways has expanded with new routes targeting underserved markets.
Flight Tips and Pricing
Flights to Key West tend to be more expensive than flights to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, particularly during peak season (December through April) and around major events like Fantasy Fest. Booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance typically offers the best pricing. Round-trip fares from the Northeast generally range from $250 to $550 depending on the season and airline, while flights from Atlanta or Charlotte may start around $200 round trip during off-peak periods. One helpful strategy is to compare the cost of flying into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and renting a car for the drive down — sometimes the savings are significant enough to justify the extra travel time, and you get the Overseas Highway experience as a bonus.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Because Key West International Airport is so close to downtown, getting to your hotel is easy and affordable. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and the fare to most Old Town hotels ranges from $15 to $25. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) operate on the island, though availability can be limited during off-peak hours — it is wise to have a taxi number as a backup. Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary airport shuttle service, so check with your accommodation before arranging your own transportation. If you plan to have a car during your stay (which is often unnecessary), all major rental agencies have counters at or near the airport.
The Key West Express Ferry
The Key West Express ferry offers a unique and scenic alternative for getting to Key West from Florida’s Gulf Coast. This high-speed catamaran service operates year-round from Fort Myers Beach and seasonally (late December through April) from Marco Island. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, and the ferry accommodates passengers only — no vehicles. It is a popular option for day trips as well as multi-day visits, and many travelers consider the boat ride itself to be a highlight of their trip.
Schedule, Fares, and Booking Tips
The Key West Express typically departs Fort Myers Beach with boarding beginning at 7:00 AM and the vessel departing at 8:00 AM. The return trip from Key West usually departs in the late afternoon, giving day-trippers a solid block of time on the island. One-way fares start at approximately $130 per adult, though travel vouchers are available starting at $119 with potential savings of up to $66 per person on round-trip bookings. Children’s fares are reduced, and seasonal promotions are common — check the official fare page for current pricing.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as the ferry frequently sells out during peak season weekends and holidays. The Fort Myers Beach terminal offers on-site parking (included in your fare or available for a fee), making it convenient for visitors staying in the Fort Myers, Naples, or Sarasota areas. Pack light, as luggage space is limited, and bring layers — the air conditioning on board can be chilly, while the outdoor decks offer sun and wind. Motion sickness medication is worth considering if you are sensitive, as Gulf waters can be choppy, particularly during winter cold fronts.
Bus Service and Shuttle Options
For budget-conscious travelers, bus and shuttle services provide affordable transportation to Key West from Miami and other Florida cities. Greyhound operates scheduled service along US-1, with round-trip fares typically ranging from $40 to $90. The ride from Miami takes approximately 4 to 5 hours with stops along the way. Several tour operators also run day-trip shuttles from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, with basic transportation-only packages starting at $35 to $50 per person and comprehensive packages including attraction admission ranging from $90 to $150 per person.
FlixBus has also entered the Miami-to-Key West market, offering competitively priced service with amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. The Keys Shuttle provides door-to-door shared van service from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport directly to your Key West hotel, with fares around $70 to $90 per person one way. While not as quick as flying or as scenic as driving yourself, shuttle services eliminate the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and the expense of parking in Key West.
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Key West is one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the United States, welcoming thousands of visitors daily during peak cruise season (November through April). Cruise ships dock at the Outer Mole Pier or anchor in the harbor and tender passengers to Mallory Square, putting you steps from Duval Street and the heart of Old Town. If you are visiting Key West as part of a Caribbean cruise itinerary, you typically have 6 to 10 hours on the island — enough time to explore the highlights if you plan efficiently.
For cruise ship passengers, Key West’s compact size is a major advantage. The most popular attractions — Mallory Square, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, the Hemingway Home, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Southernmost Point buoy — are all within walking distance of the cruise port. If you want to venture farther or visit attractions like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or Smathers Beach, consider renting a bicycle or taking the Conch Tour Train, which offers a narrated 90-minute loop around the entire island.
Getting Around Key West: Your Island Transportation Options
Once you arrive in Key West, you will quickly discover that the island’s compact size (just two miles wide and four miles long) makes it one of the most walkable destinations in America. Most visitors find that they do not need a car at all, and in fact, a car can be more of a hindrance than a help given limited parking and narrow streets. Key West offers a variety of fun and practical transportation options perfectly suited to island exploration.
Walking: The Best Way to Explore Old Town
Walking is the most popular and practical way to get around Key West, particularly in the historic Old Town district where most attractions, restaurants, and nightlife are concentrated. The walk from one end of Duval Street to the other — from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean — takes about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace. Sidewalks throughout Old Town are generally in good condition, though some historic areas have uneven surfaces that require appropriate footwear. The flat terrain means walking is easy for most fitness levels, and the constantly changing streetscape of Victorian architecture, tropical gardens, and colorful galleries makes every walk an experience.
Bicycles: The Island’s Favorite Transportation
Bicycling is deeply embedded in Key West culture, and you will see locals and tourists alike pedaling through the streets at all hours. The island’s flat terrain and relatively short distances make cycling an ideal transportation choice. Numerous rental shops throughout Old Town and along major hotel corridors offer daily and weekly rentals, typically starting around $15 to $25 per day for a basic cruiser bike, with discounts for multi-day rentals. Most rental shops include locks, baskets, and helmets.
Key West has designated bike lanes on several major streets, and drivers are generally accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists. However, exercise caution on busy streets like Duval and Truman, where traffic can be congested. Always lock your bike when parking — bicycle theft is one of the most common petty crimes on the island. Riding at night requires a front light and rear reflector by Florida law. For a more guided experience, several companies offer bicycle tours that combine transportation with sightseeing, covering historical sites, architectural highlights, and hidden local gems.
Scooters and Mopeds
Scooter and moped rentals are wildly popular in Key West, offering the perfect balance between the freedom of a car and the convenience of a bicycle. A single-seat scooter rents for approximately $40 to $60 per day, while two-seater scooters cost around $60 to $90 per day, with significant discounts for weekly rentals. Most rental agencies require a valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 18 (some require 21 for two-seaters). A brief orientation is typically provided before you hit the road.
One of the biggest advantages of scooters in Key West is parking — scooters can park free in designated motorcycle and scooter spots throughout the island, saving you the significant expense and hassle of car parking. Popular rental companies include A&M Rentals, Pirate Scooter Rentals, and Sunshine Scooters, all conveniently located near Old Town. The “Scoot Coupe” — a small, enclosed, car-like scooter — is another popular option that offers weather protection and additional storage space.
Golf Carts: Fun and Flexible
Golf cart rentals have surged in popularity in Key West, providing a fun, open-air way to cruise the island’s scenic streets. Street-legal golf carts in Key West are classified as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and are permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, which covers virtually the entire island. Daily rentals typically range from $100 to $200 depending on the model and season, with electric models being the most common. Companies like Fun Rentals Key West and Minty’s offer a variety of cart sizes, from two-seaters to six-passenger family carts.
Keep in mind that unlike scooters, golf carts must park in regular vehicle parking spaces and are subject to the same parking fees and restrictions as cars. A valid driver’s license is required, and Florida law requires all passengers to wear seatbelts in LSVs. Golf carts are particularly popular with families and groups, as they allow everyone to ride together while enjoying the fresh air and island atmosphere. Just be aware of your surroundings — golf carts are slower than regular traffic, so use turnouts when possible and stay in the right lane.
Electric Cars and Specialty Vehicles
Beyond traditional scooters and golf carts, Key West offers several unique vehicle rental options. Electric car rentals — compact, street-legal vehicles similar to oversized golf carts — provide weather protection with the same parking advantages as smaller vehicles. Some companies offer electric trikes, surreys (multi-person pedal vehicles), and even electric skateboards for the more adventurous traveler. These specialty rentals add a fun, memorable element to your Key West experience and make for great photo opportunities.
Taxis, Rideshare, and Public Transit
For those times when walking, cycling, or scootering is not practical — late-night returns to your hotel, trips with luggage, or rainy weather — Key West has several point-to-point transportation options. Taxis are readily available, particularly around hotels, the airport, and popular nightlife areas. Key West taxi fares are metered, with a base fare plus per-mile charge, and typical rides within the island range from $10 to $25. It is customary to tip your driver 15 to 20 percent.
Uber and Lyft both operate in Key West, though the small pool of drivers means wait times can vary significantly. During peak evening hours and major events, rideshare availability drops while surge pricing increases. Having a local taxi company number saved in your phone (Five Sixes Taxi at 305-296-6666 is the largest on the island) provides a reliable backup when rideshare options are limited.
The City of Key West Department of Transportation (KWDoT) operates public bus routes that serve the island. The bus system is affordable and covers key areas including Old Town, New Town, shopping centers, and Stock Island. Routes run during daytime hours, and fares are very reasonable — an excellent option for reaching attractions outside of walking distance from Old Town. The buses are also equipped with bicycle racks, allowing you to combine cycling with transit for maximum coverage.
Key West Parking Guide
If you do bring a car to Key West — whether you drove the Overseas Highway or rented a vehicle locally — parking is the biggest challenge you will face on the island. Street parking in Old Town is extremely limited, and metered spaces accept credit cards at rates comparable to major urban areas. Here is what you need to know to avoid parking headaches and unnecessary expense.
The most convenient parking option for visitors is the Old Town Garage (also known as the Caroline Street Garage) located at 300 Grinnell Street, near the harbor and within easy walking distance of Duval Street. This multi-level garage offers both hourly and daily rates and is the most reliable option for finding a space in Old Town. The Mallory Square parking lot near the cruise ship pier is another option, though it fills quickly on cruise ship days. The Key West Bight Marina area also has limited public parking.
For longer stays, consider parking your car at your hotel (many charge $20 to $40 per night for parking) and using alternative transportation during your visit. Some visitors park at free or lower-cost lots in New Town and bike or bus into Old Town. If you are staying for a week or more and do not plan to leave the island, it may be more economical to return your rental car on the first day and rent a scooter or bicycle instead — you will save on both rental fees and parking costs while enjoying the island more freely.
Conch Tour Train and Trolley Tours
For a combination of transportation and sightseeing, Key West offers two iconic narrated tour experiences. The Conch Tour Train has been operating since 1958, offering a 90-minute narrated loop through Key West’s most scenic and historic areas. The open-air train covers 14 miles and makes one stop where passengers can hop off and reboard a later train. It is an excellent way to get oriented on your first day in Key West while learning about the island’s fascinating history.
The Old Town Trolley Tours operates a similar narrated circuit but with the added advantage of 12 hop-on, hop-off stops throughout Old Town. Your ticket is valid for the entire day, effectively turning the trolley into a sightseeing shuttle — ride to the Hemingway Home, spend an hour exploring, then catch the next trolley to Fort Zachary Taylor or Mallory Square. Both the Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley offer online booking discounts and are particularly valuable for first-time visitors who want an overview of the island’s layout and highlights.
Comparing Your Options: How to Choose the Best Way to Get to Key West
Choosing the best transportation option depends on your priorities, budget, and travel style. Here is a practical comparison to help you decide.
Best for scenic experience: Driving the Overseas Highway is the clear winner if you want the journey to be part of the adventure. Budget a full day, stop at Bahia Honda State Park and the Turtle Hospital, and time your arrival for sunset.
Best for maximizing island time: Fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW). You can be at your hotel within 30 minutes of landing, giving you maximum vacation time on the island.
Best for Gulf Coast visitors: The Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach is hard to beat for visitors staying on Florida’s west coast. The 3.5-hour boat ride doubles as a scenic cruise.
Best for budget travelers: Bus service from Miami offers the lowest fares, starting around $35 to $50 per person. Combine with free walking and the public bus system on the island for the most affordable Key West experience.
Best for families: Driving gives families the most flexibility, with the ability to stop when kids need a break, carry extra luggage, and explore the Middle Keys and Lower Keys at your own pace.
Best for couples: Flying in and renting a scooter for the duration of your stay is the ultimate romantic Key West experience — no traffic worries, easy parking, and the wind in your hair as you explore the island together.
Practical Transportation Tips
Regardless of how you get to Key West or how you choose to get around, these practical tips will enhance your experience. First, Key West is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is worth noting for scheduling ferry departures and flights. Second, if you are visiting during special events like Fantasy Fest (October) or the Hemingway Days (July), book all transportation well in advance — flights fill up, ferry spots sell out, and rental vehicles become scarce. Third, download the maps of Key West to your phone before arriving, as cellular service can be spotty on the Overseas Highway.
For getting around the island, the most versatile approach for most visitors is to rent a bicycle or scooter for daytime exploring and keep a taxi number handy for late-night rides. This combination gives you freedom of movement during the day without the expense and hassle of parking, while ensuring you always have a safe ride back to your hotel after enjoying Key West’s legendary nightlife. If you are staying in New Town or on Stock Island (farther from Old Town), a scooter or golf cart becomes more practical than relying solely on walking.
Sun protection is essential regardless of your transportation mode — you can get sunburned on a scooter, bicycle, or golf cart just as easily as on the beach. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and use a hat when riding anything open-air. Florida law requires helmets for motorcyclists under 21, but wearing one at any age is strongly recommended for scooter riders. And remember, the island has a strict DUI enforcement policy that applies to bicycles and scooters as well as cars — enjoy Key West’s bar scene responsibly and arrange a sober ride home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Key West
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
The drive from Miami to Key West covers approximately 160 miles and takes 3.5 to 4 hours without stops under normal traffic conditions. During peak season (December through April), traffic can add an hour or more, especially on weekends. We recommend budgeting 5 to 6 hours to allow for scenic stops and rest breaks along the Overseas Highway.
Do I need a car in Key West?
Most visitors do not need a car in Key West. The island is just two miles wide and four miles long, making it extremely walkable. Bicycles, scooters, and golf carts are more practical alternatives that avoid the hassle and expense of parking. If you flew into Key West, you can easily get by without a car for your entire stay.
What airlines fly to Key West?
Key West International Airport (EYW) is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and Avelo Airlines. Nonstop service is available from over 20 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Newark, Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.
How much does the Key West Express ferry cost?
Key West Express ferry fares start at approximately $130 per adult one way from Fort Myers Beach. Travel vouchers offer savings, starting at $119 per person. Round-trip pricing offers additional discounts. Children’s fares are reduced. The ferry operates year-round from Fort Myers Beach and seasonally from Marco Island.
Can I take a ferry from Miami to Key West?
There is currently no regular ferry service from Miami to Key West. The Key West Express ferry operates from Fort Myers Beach (year-round) and Marco Island (seasonally). From Miami, your options are driving, flying, or taking a bus or shuttle service.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Key West?
Scooter rentals in Key West range from approximately $40 to $60 per day for a single-seat scooter and $60 to $90 per day for a two-seater. Weekly rentals offer significant discounts, with two-seater scooters available for around $200 per week. Scooters enjoy free parking throughout the island, making them an economical choice.
Is there public transportation in Key West?
Yes, the City of Key West Department of Transportation operates public bus routes that serve the island at very affordable fares. Routes cover Old Town, New Town, shopping areas, and Stock Island. The buses run during daytime hours and are equipped with bicycle racks. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available for point-to-point transportation.
Where should I park in Key West?
The most convenient public parking in Old Town is the Caroline Street Garage at 300 Grinnell Street, which offers hourly and daily rates. The Mallory Square lot is another option but fills quickly on cruise ship days. Many hotels charge $20 to $40 per night for parking. For the best value, consider parking at your hotel and using a bicycle or scooter during your stay.