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 kilometres, through which you will discover an incredible natural scene. You'll see the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, which is dotted with the Florida Keys.

If you don't know what to see and do in Miami, visiting Key West is a good option. You can take a day trip to this key, hire a car and drive yourself, hire a private taxi, take a flight to get there 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 organised 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.

Organised bus tour from Miami to Key West

The bus tour to Key West from Miami stands out as a very popular option. You'll travel comfortably and safely, taking in the scenic 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 tour to Key West from Miami you will be able to do several activities throughout the day with your guide. For example, you can take a boat trip, snorkel to discover the marine fauna of this region, or go parasailing. You can even take a scenic tour on the Key West tram or sightseeing train, among other things.

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

At the end of the afternoon, you will most likely connect with your guide at a pre-arranged location to board the bus back home. Whether you choose to follow the guide's itinerary or make your own, you'll be back in plenty of time to enjoy Miami in the evening.

Useful information

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

Key West snorkelling excursion from Miami

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

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

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

On this snorkelling tour to Key West from Miami you can also enjoy the amazing sunset. You will return by bus back 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.

Useful information

• Price: this organised tour costs approximately 105€ per person.
• Travel time: The average journey time between Miami and Key West is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This time varies according to traffic conditions.
• Pros: You will experience an unforgettable river adventure on the waters of Key West.
• Disadvantages: The tour 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 of the Florida Keys to visit Key West. You will travel about 225 kilometres in less than half the time required by land transport.

You will have to drive about 10 minutes from the city centre to Miami International Airport. 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 a day and departure times vary between 10:00 and 18:00 hours.

Once you get off the plane and go through customs at Key West International Airport, you can set off for the city centre or the destination on your itinerary. There are several options available to you: taxi, 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 can vary depending on the season. For example, if you travel from Miami in December through April, prices will be higher because it is high season on the key.
• Travel time: The flight from Miami to Key West takes about 60 minutes.
• Advantages: You will travel in the shortest possible time from Miami to Key West.
• Disadvantages: It can be a little tricky to get flights from Miami to Key West during the high season as Key West is a popular tourist destination.

Car rental is another option for getting from Miami to Key West. You'll move at your own pace, so you'll be in control of the entire route. You can make as many stops as you like along the way to enjoy the scenery, take pictures or have a bite to eat. Ideal if you are travelling 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, make sure you 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 kilometres (Miami-Key West), starting at Ronald Reagan Turnpike. You will then pass the Miami Zoo and merge onto US-1.

You will then pass the famous Seven Mile Floating Bridge, built over beautiful turquoise ocean waters and dotted with 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 tram.

Useful information

• Price: You can rent a car from €45 per day. Prices vary depending on the model selected.
• Journeytime: 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 traffic conditions.
• Advantages: You'll 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. It's a different kind of transfer alternative that, although a little slow, is the cheapest.

You'll need to head to the Greyhound station in Miami, about a 13-minute drive from downtown. There, you'll need to go to the ticket booths and buy a 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 4 minutes' drive from the city centre.

Useful information

• Price: the transfer costs 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 depending on the time of year and the stops along the route.
• Advantages: You will save considerable money.
• Disadvantages: Space on buses can be limited, so you may not be able to carry much luggage.

It' s also possible to travel from Miami to Key West by taxi, although it's a bit pricey. This service is ideal if you want to travel comfortably, without the stress of driving on your own or taking a public bus. You will arrive directly to your destination in the Florida Keys, Key West, also known as Key West.

This type of taxi service from 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 taxi lines available in the city. Such is the case of Yellow Taxi Miami or Taxi Cab. They offer transfers from Miami to whatever your destination is in Key West.

However, when taking a taxi you should 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 neighbourhood, etc.

Useful information

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

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

You'll need to make your way to Marco Island harbour, 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. Please note that times depend on sea conditions.

You will sail for approximately three hours and 30 minutes and disembark at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal. It is strategically located, just a 7-minute drive from the centre 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.

Useful Information

• Price: The average ferry trip from Miami to Key West costs €130 per person.
• Journey time: The sailing time between the two ports is between 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 see amazing panoramic views of the sea and the islands it shelters.
• Disadvantages: The ferry departs infrequently so you will need to adapt your itinerary to the ferry schedule.

If you've come this far, you already know the available means of transportation from Miami to Key West (organized tour, rental car, public bus, taxi or ferry). Additionally, it's important that you take into consideration some basic tips to help you avoid mishaps, whichever mode of transportation you choose.

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