Getting to Key West
Flights, the drive from Miami, hotels, and whether you need a car. Skip the guesswork — these are the booking paths locals use.
Flights
Key West International (EYW) — easiest, 10 minutes from downtown. American, Delta, United, and JetBlue serve EYW seasonally.
Miami (MIA) — far more flight options, lower fares. Connect to EYW on a regional carrier (Silver, Tropic) or drive the 3.5 hours.
Search Miami → Key West flightsThe Drive from Miami
US-1 South from Miami. 4 hours with stops. Best stops: Key Largo (mile 100, snorkel John Pennekamp), Islamorada (mile 84, sportfishing), Marathon (mile 50, Turtle Hospital), and the 7-Mile Bridge into the Lower Keys.
Leave Miami by 8am to beat Card Sound traffic. Gas up before mile 80 — pumps get sparse in the Lower Keys.
Where to Stay
Old Town — walk to Duval, Mallory Square, sunset. Most expensive but most convenient.
Casa Marina / Higgs Beach — quieter, beach access, easy bike or golf-cart ride to Old Town.
Stock Island — newer hotels, lower prices, 10 minutes to downtown by car or cart.
Compare Key West hotelsGetting Around
Old Town is walkable. For everything else, locals use golf carts — they fit the island's pace and the parking is easier.
Conch Cart Rentals — 4, 6, and 8 passenger street-legal carts, locally owned. Delivery + pickup at your hotel island-wide.
See cart rentalsMore options on Viator
For tours, day trips, and excursions not in our direct catalog, Viator has the broadest Key West inventory. We earn a commission on Viator bookings at no extra cost to you.
Browse Key West on ViatorCommon questions
What's the closest airport to Key West?
Key West International (EYW) — about 10 minutes from downtown. Miami International (MIA) is the major-hub alternative, 3.5 hours by car or about a 1-hour connecting flight.
Is the drive from Miami to Key West worth it?
Yes — the Overseas Highway (US-1) crosses 42 bridges including the 7-Mile Bridge. Plan 4 hours with stops in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon. Leave Miami early to beat traffic.
Where should I stay in Key West?
Old Town puts you walking distance to Duval, Mallory Square, and the sunset bars. Higgs Beach and Casa Marina area is quieter with beach access. Stock Island is cheaper and 10 minutes from downtown.
Do I need a car in Key West?
Not really. Old Town is walkable, golf carts and scooters get you anywhere on the island, and parking is expensive and limited. If you're driving from Miami, consider a hotel with included parking and leave the car parked.