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Getting Here
Paradise Has Never Been Easier to Reach
The 120-mile-long Florida Keys island chain is linked to mainland Florida by U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway. Visitors to the Upper Keys can fly into Miami International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. From there, they can hop on shuttle buses or rent cars and arrive in the Upper Keys in about an hour from Miami or an hour and 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale.
In addition, visitors can now fly to Marathon, the small city at the mid-point of the island chain, aboard small airlines such as Florida Coastal Airlines and SeaCoast Airlines. Ground transportation is available in Marathon including shuttle buses and rental cars by Avis, Budget and Enterprise.
As always, visitors can fly to Key West International Airport via connections or direct flights from a host of Florida cities. The airport offers a host of ground transportation options, including local shuttle buses and rental cars.
General aviation enthusiasts and corporate jet operators will find plenty of services at the Florida Keys Marathon Airport and Key West International Airport.
If you choose to drive to Key West from the mainland, or take a shuttle bus, the trip will take about 3.5 hours over U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway.
By Air
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- Flights to Key West
- Flights to Marathon
- Airport Ground Transportation
- Getting around Key West is fun and easy! Taxis and Key West Transit busses serve Key West International and are conveniently located curb side at the terminal.
- Airport Codes
- EYW - Key West International Airport
- FLL - Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International
- MTH - Florida Keys Marathon Airport
- MIA - Miami International Airport
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By Land
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- Ground Transportation
- Greyhound Lines
This bus service makes scheduled stops along the route between Miami International Airport and the Florida Keys and Key West. Phone: 1-(800) 231-2222 or (305) 296-9072.
- Keys Shuttle
The company provides door-to-door service between the Keys and the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports. (305) 289-9997 or 1 (888) 765-9997.
- Train Services
Amtrak takes you as far south as Miami, where you can transfer to the Keys Shuttle bus discussed above. Amtrak: 1-800-USARAIL.
- Directions for a Scenic Drive
From Miami International Airport, take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. Take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West. The Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south about 22 miles to Key Largo and you are now in the Florida Keys.
From Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, exit the airport and follow the signs for 595 West. Take 595 to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs for the Florida Keys.
From the north, take the Florida Turnpike south to just below Ft. Lauderdale, where Exit 4 joins the southern portion of the Turnpike. The Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south into the Florida Keys.
From Florida's west coast, take 1-75 Alligator Alley east to the Miami exit, and south to the Turnpike Extension.
A Note on Mile Markers. Once you're in the Keys, U.S. 1 becomes the Overseas Highway, which is our Main Street. The best way to get around is to know the mile marker of your destination. Look for the little green mile-marker signs on the side of the highway. They begin just south of Florida City with number 127 and run all the way down to zero in Key West. Think of them like addresses. If you know the mile marker, getting there is easy. Here's a quick guide:
| City |
Mile Marker |
Approx. Miles from Miami |
| Key Largo |
118-90 |
58 |
| Islamorada |
90-63 |
76 |
| Marathon |
63-47 |
111 |
| Big Pine Key |
47-4 |
128 |
| Key West |
4-0 |
159 |
More Drive Times
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By Sea
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- Key West Express
This company operates high-speed passenger ferries from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island. The ferries dock at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal in the heart of the Historic Seaport District with its many fine restaurants, bars and shops. Passengers can walk to Duval Street, the heart of old town Key West, in about 15 minutes. The ferry ride takes approximately 3.5 hours.
- Private Boaters
Experienced boaters can navigate to Key West along the Atlantic side of the Keys or by traveling on the Gulf of Mexico side. The first part of the trip takes you through the specially-marked Intracoastal Waterway. After Long Key, however, international markers apply. Consult the appropriate Coast Pilot and Light List manuals. Numerous marinas are waiting to entertain you, but you should make reservations ahead.
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