How to Get to Key West from Miami

Going from Miami to Key West is a very popular trip due to the proximity between these two destinations. It is a route of about 255 kilometers, through which you will discover an incredible natural scene. You will see the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, which is dotted by the Florida Keys.

If you do not know what to see and do in Miami, visiting Key West is a good option. You can take a day trip to this key, rent a car and drive on your own, hire a private cab, take a flight to arrive in less time or travel by ferry. Here are the details.

If you only have 1 day in Miami to visit Key West in your itinerary, then an organized tour is the best option for you. Just hop on a bus with a driver-guide and enjoy the ride to the island. Depending on the selected experience, you will explore the city on foot, do water activities and much more.

Organized bus tour from Miami to Key West

The Key West excursion from Miami by bus stands out as a very popular option. You will travel comfortably and safely, taking in the panoramic beauty of the Florida Keys islands. In addition, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will provide all the necessary information about the city.

With this excursion to Key West from Miami you will be able to do several activities throughout the day with the guide. For example, take a boat ride; snorkel to learn about the marine fauna of this region; or practice parasailing. You can even take a scenic tour on the Key West streetcar or sightseeing train, among other things.

You also have the option of exploring Key West on your own. Perhaps do some shopping at the local stores, visit the Truman Little White House, relax in the downtown pubs and restaurants, be amazed by the species housed at the Key West Aquarium, etc.

In the late afternoon, you will most likely connect with the guide at a pre-arranged location to board the bus for the return trip. Whether you choose to follow the guide's itinerary or make your own, you will return with plenty of time to enjoy Miami in the evening.

Information of interest

• Price: the cost of this tour is about 41€ per person.
• Travel time: the travel time between Miami and Key West is usually about 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, this may vary according to traffic conditions.
• Advantages: You will have a flexible itinerary, being able to choose between the activities offered by the tour or explore Key West at your own pace.
• Disadvantages: You will have to pay your own entrance fee to attractions that are not on the itinerary. This, in case you decide to explore the city on your own.

Snorkeling excursion to Key West from Miami

Another way to go from Miami to Key West can be an organized snorkeling excursion. You will be able to enjoy a scenic trip where your only concern will be watching the scenery, as someone else will be driving for you. You will see the 32 islands that make up the Florida Keys, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

After traveling a route of at least 256 kilometers, you will arrive at Key West, also known as Key West. There, your guide will make sure you have a memorable day on the island. From the pier of Mallory Square, you will depart aboard a catamaran to start this adventure.

Once you get into the sea, the guide will teach you some basic snorkeling techniques and you will dive into these calm blue waters to explore the reefs and see some marine animals such as tropical fish, turtles, etc.

On this snorkeling excursion to Key West from Miami you will also enjoy the amazing sunset. You will return again by bus to the starting point to continue your itinerary. Perhaps, you could join one of Miami's best food tours, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, discover Miami's best Art Deco at night, among other activities.

Information of interest

• Price: this organized tour has an approximate value of 105€ per person.
• Duration of the trip: the average trip between Miami and Key West is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This time varies according to traffic conditions.
• Advantages: You will live an unforgettable river adventure in the waters of Key West.
• Disadvantages: The excursion does not include a detailed tour of Key West's main attractions, monuments and landmarks.

Air travel is the fastest alternative if, during your stay of at least 3 days in Miami, you wish to take advantage of the proximity to the Florida Keys to visit Key West. You will travel about 225 kilometers in less than half the time required by ground transportation.

You will have to go to Miami International Airport about 10 minutes by car from downtown Miami. There, you will board the respective direct flight to the island of Key West. This air route is usually operated by American Airlines, is available 2 to 3 times per day and departure times vary between 10:00 and 18:00 hours.

Once you get off the plane and go through customs control at Key West International Airport, you can start your trip to the city center or to your destination as scheduled in your itinerary. For this, you will have several options: cab, rental car, bus, private or shared transfer. It all depends on your taste and budget.

Useful information

• Price: the cost of the flight from Miami to Key West starts at 145 € per person. This price may vary depending on the season. For example, if you travel from Miami in December and until April, prices will be higher because it is high season in the key.
• Travel time: the flight from Miami to Key West takes about 60 minutes.
• Advantages: You will travel in the shortest time possible from Miami to Key West.
• Disadvantages: it could be a bit tricky to get flights from Miami to Key West during the high season, since the latter is a very popular tourist destination.

The rental car is another option available to go from Miami to Key West. You will move at your own pace, thus having control of the entire route. You can make as many stops as you wish along the way to enjoy the scenery, take pictures or have lunch. Ideal if you are traveling from Miami with children.

In Miami you will find a wide range of car rental companies that you can contact via the web or by visiting their offices. Whatever the case, be sure to select the model that best suits your taste and needs. For example, some outstanding companies are Miles Car Rental Miami, Drive A Rent a Car Miami, Via Rent a Car Miami, among many others.

You will have to drive approximately 250 kilometers (Miami-Key West), starting at Ronald Reagan Turnpike. Then, you will pass the Miami Zoo and you will have to merge onto US-1.

Then you will pass the famous Seven Mile Floating Bridge, built over beautiful turquoise ocean waters and dotted by the Florida Keys. Continue driving along the Overseas Highway until you reach Key West, also known as Key West, where you can continue to enjoy fun activities such as buying tickets to the Key West Aquarium or taking a tour on the sightseeing streetcar.

Information of interest

• Price: you can rent a car from 45 € per day. Prices vary according to the model selected.
• Travel time: the minimum driving time between Miami and Key West is at least 3 hours 30 minutes. Of course, this time will depend on the stops you make along the way and the traffic conditions.
• Advantages: You will have the freedom to travel at your own pace.
• Disadvantages: renting a car requires additional expenses such as gas, drop-off fees at a different location, tolls, etc.

If you don't know what to do in Miami in a week, want to save on your budget and have a really adventurous spirit, then incorporating a visit to Key West by bus into your itinerary is a good idea. This is a different transfer alternative that, although a bit slow, turns out to be the cheapest.

You will have to go to the Greyhound station in Miami, about 13 minutes by car from downtown. There, you will have to go to the ticket office and buy the ticket to board the bus to Key West. This service is usually available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and departs every 2 to 3 hours.

Although this type of transfer does not require a transfer, it does make a number of stops along the way for other passengers to get on and off. Once you arrive in Key West, the bus will drop you off at the N Roosevelt Blvd. bus station, which is about a 4 minute drive from downtown.

Information of interest

• Price: the cost of the transfer is approximately 23€ per person.
• Travel time: the estimated time for this public bus transfer from Miami to Key West is 6 to 7 hours. You must take into consideration the traffic conditions according to the season of the year and the stops along the route.
• Advantages: You will save considerable money.
• Disadvantages: space on buses can be limited, so you can't carry much luggage.

Going from Miami to Key West is also possible by cab, although it is a bit expensive. This service is ideal if you want to travel comfortably, without the stress of driving on your own or riding a public bus. You will arrive directly to your destination in the Florida Keys, Key West, also called Key West.

This type of cab service from the city of Miami is available 24 hours a day, so it is completely adaptable to whatever your schedule is. You can request the service through the company's website or by calling their office. They will pick you up at the door of your hotel.

There are many cab lines available in the city. Such is the case of Yellow Taxi Miami or Taxi Cab. They offer transportation from Miami to whatever your destination is in Key West.

However, when taking a cab you must take into consideration that not all of them travel from Miami to Key West. Some of them focus on the transfer between the airport and Miami, others only move around the city and nearby surroundings, for example, if you want to go to Miami's Hard Rock Café, the Little Havana neighborhood, etc.

Useful information

• Price: the price of this transfer starts at 230 € per trip.
• Travel time: the minimum time for this trip is 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, traffic conditions may have a considerable influence.
• Advantages: you will travel in comfort and exclusivity from the door of your hotel to the desired destination in Key West.
• Disadvantages: The price of the transfer is very high.

Another means of transportation you can use to get from Miami to Key West is the ferry. You will enjoy a unique river experience, where you will be able to contemplate the scenic beauty of the ocean. Afterwards, you can explore the island at your own pace.

You will have to go to the port of Marco Island, located about 2 hours drive from downtown Miami, as there is no direct ferry from Port Miami. Boarding starts one hour before the ferry departs, which is usually at 8:00 am. Keep in mind that schedules depend on sea conditions.

You will sail for approximately three hours and 30 minutes and disembark at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal. This has a strategic location, as it is only a 7-minute drive from the center of the island and very close to some of the main attractions: Higgs Memorial Beach, the Key West Aquarium, the historic Sloppy Joe's bar, etc.

Information of interest

• Price: the ferry ride from Miami to Key West has an average price of 130 euros per person.
• Travel time: the sailing time between the two ports is 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours. This time is subject to change depending on sea conditions.
• Advantages: you will enjoy a different experience and you will contemplate amazing panoramic views of the sea and the islands it shelters.
• Disadvantages: The ferry leaves infrequently so you must adapt your itinerary to the schedules of this service.

If you have come this far, you already know the means of transportation available to get from Miami to Key West (organized tour, rental car, public bus, cab or ferry). Additionally, it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips so that you can avoid mishaps, whichever means of transportation you choose.

• If you plan to travel by car, keep in mind that you must assume other expenses such as fuel, tolls, insurance, etc.
• In case you are traveling in high season, book in advance any of the best tours and excursions from Miami in which you wish to participate, so you will not be left out.
• Don't carry too much luggage on the bus. Space is usually limited and you will end up traveling very uncomfortably.
• When traveling by ferry, make sure you do not arrive late (between 30 and 60 minutes before departure), as schedules are usually not flexible and if you are late, the ferry will leave without you.
• Negotiate the price of the cab service. Remember that these long routes from Miami to Key West do not use a taximeter, so there is a fixed price that can be negotiated directly with the driver.