Ready to point your sails toward Key West? One of the big perks of visiting the Florida Keys is that you get to travel to a Caribbean-like paradise without the need to dust off your passport. While flying is common, you can’t overlook the fact that you can essentially drive to an island if you prefer to take a scenic ride into paradise. There’s simply no other place with the same weather and beauty that offers so many different arrival options.
What is the best way to get to Key West? This guide to how to get to Key West covers all of the popular options for enjoying an incredible vacation in the Florida Keys!
A tour we think you'll love
1) Flying To Key West
Getting to Key West by plane is often the most convenient and expedient option for people coming from all over the country. However, there’s more than one way to do it.
If you’re looking for a direct option, most major airlines offer direct flights to Key West International Airport (EYW) from major cities around the country. Another option is to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) before either hopping on a flight to EYW or grabbing a rental car to make the scenic drive to Key West. We’ll cover what the driving route looks like a little further down in this post!
If your plan is to avoid the cost of rental cars, it’s recommended that you book door-to-door shuttle service to get to and from Key West International Airport on both ends of your stay. This ensures that you can easily make your flight or check-in slot on time with a predictable ride that accommodates all of your luggage.
2) Boating Around Key West Once You Arrive
The need to plan how to get around doesn’t end just because you’ve successfully arrived in Key West using whichever mode of travel you’ve selected. You also want to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity to see the stunning sights of Key West. Many locals and seasoned visitors will tell you that you haven’t really seen Key West until you’ve seen the sandbars around Key West!
Key West Boat Trips offers Key West sandbar charters that bring you to Key West’s dreamiest locations to bathe in warm, shallow tides while snapping once-in-a-lifetime photos. A charter with friends or family is the best way to unplug in paradise!
Choose your perfect itinerary from the following options:
We offer the best sandbar charters in the Florida Keys using our world-class small-group boat fleet and knowledgeable, helpful captains. We take pride in offering affordable rates that make it easy to turn your dreams of a private Key West boat tour into reality!
Due to the popularity of our sandbar charters, we recommend booking your spot as soon as you figure out how you’re getting to Key West!
3) Cruising To Key West
Cruise operators offer a multitude of cruise options that depart from the East Coast or Gulf Coast of the United States. Major cruise lines offering Key West itineraries include:
-
Carnival Cruise Line
-
Royal Caribbean
-
Celebrity Cruises
-
Norwegian Cruise Line
-
Virgin Voyages
-
MSC Cruises
While some cruise itineraries are focused solely on Key West, others include Key West as a stop on a longer trip that visits Mexico or the Bahamas.
If you cruise to Key West, your cruise ship will probably dock at Mallory Square or the Truman Annex to give you easy access to Duval Street, Old Town Key West, and the rest of the popular attractions and neighborhoods you’ll want to visit during your time at port. A select number of cruise operators dock on the outskirts of downtown at Outer Mole Pier.
4) Driving To The Florida Keys From Mainland Florida
As the lowest spot in the continental United States, Key West can feel a long way from home! In fact, Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba. While it may seem like you’re in the middle of the ocean while vacationing in the Florida Keys, you are actually connected to mainland Florida via the easy-to-drive Overseas Highway. The Turnpike Extension that connects to U.S. Route 1 in Florida City is the gateway to the Florida Keys!
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway that carries U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys to Key West. When you choose to drive to Key West, there’s really no limit to where you can start. In fact, you’ll be free to compare airfare from Miami Airport, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, or other options to choose your starting point. You can also compare rates from rental car companies if you’re planning to start your driving journey anywhere along Florida Turnpike South.
Getting to Key West by car offers several advantages. The views are incredible when you choose to drive to Key West! Speed limits on U.S. Route 1 and the Overseas Highway are generally around 50 to 55 miles per hour in most places. As you make your way toward the westernmost island in the chain to hit Key West, speed limits dips down to 35 to 45 miles per hour in the Big Pine Key area and similar spots.
One highlight of the drive down to Key West from Miami is that you’ll cross over the Seven Mile Bridge. Connecting Knights Key to Little Duck Key, this bridge offers stunning ocean views. While the bridge takes just 10 minutes to cross, it does have some areas where drivers can pull over to take in views.
Pro tip: Another perk of having your own rental car in Key West is that you can plan spontaneous day trips to Key Largo, Big Pine Key, Marathon, and other beautiful spots.
5) Taking A Ferry To The Florida Keys
Key West Express is a ferry service linking Fort Myers and Marco Island with Key West. This pleasant transportation option carries passengers on jet-powered catamarans through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to reach Key West.
Passengers can enjoy light snacks and a sun deck. If you decide to use Key West Express, be sure to confirm departure times carefully ahead of time to ensure that the seasonal schedule from Marco Island aligns with your travel times.
6) Taking A Florida Keys Shuttle
A shuttle is one of the most economical ground transportation options for getting to Key West. Several companies offer shuttle services that bring visitors from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and other pickup spots along the Florida Turnpike South.
7) Taking A Bus From Miami
Yes, you can actually take a bus to visit Key West! Greyhound bus offers the familiar Greyhound experience and friendly crew that many people have used to get from city to city in the continental United States when you make the 129-mile trip from Miami to Key West.
A bus ticket often costs less than a seat on a Florida Keys shuttle. Passengers enjoy movies and use of power outlets during the journey.
Your Trip Starts Here
While deciding how to get to Key West is important, it’s not as important as choosing what to do once you get here!
Key West Boat Trips can’t wait to take you on the water in a charter boat for the ultimate sandbar experience. Our knowledgeable and friendly crew brings decades of experience to each excursion.
We promise that this will be an experience you’ll never forget. Book your sandbar tour with us today!