Travel To and Around the Florida Keys and Key West
Airports Serving The Florida Keys
Traveling to The Florida Keys by air offers several convenient options, with flights into Key West as well as nearby South Florida airports. From there, visitors can connect to their destination by rental car, shuttle or other ground transportation.
Key West International Airport
Visitors can fly to Key West International Airport via connections or direct flights from a host of cities. Airlines serving Key West include Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, JetBlue and United. Please check with the airlines for the latest flight and route information. The airport offers a host of ground transportation options, including local shuttle buses, ride share services, taxis and rental cars.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport is a major gateway to South Florida, offering extensive domestic and international service. From MIA, visitors can easily continue to The Florida Keys by rental car, shuttle or private transportation.
Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights and is a convenient gateway to The Florida Keys. From FLL, visitors can continue south by rental car, shuttle or private transportation.
Marathon International Airport
Visitors can fly into Florida Keys Marathon International Airport aboard on-demand small charter aircraft or their own private plane. No commercial air service is currently available at the Marathon airport. Ground transportation is available in Marathon including airport shuttle buses, taxis and rental cars. General aviation enthusiasts and corporate jet operators will also find plenty of services. Be sure to coordinate with the fixed base operator
Driving to The Florida Keys
From Miami International Airport, take the Florida Turnpike south to U.S. 1 in Florida City, then continue about 22 miles to Key Largo.
From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, take I-595 west to the Florida Turnpike and follow signs south toward The Florida Keys.
From Florida’s west coast, take I-75/Alligator Alley east and connect to the Turnpike Extension south.
Florida’s Turnpike Extension and Card Sound Road use cashless electronic tolling. Tolls are collected through SunPass®, compatible transponders or TOLL-BY-PLATE.
Overseas Highway
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from north of Key Largo to Key West, has been designated an All-American Road. The Keys highway is one of two All-American Roads in Florida. It's the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by the U.S. Congress in 1991. Only 36 other roadways in the nation have earned the prestigious title.
"Mile Markers"
Once you reach The Florida Keys, U.S. 1 becomes the Overseas Highway, with green mile markers running from 127 near Florida City to 0 in Key West. Locals often use mile markers as location references:
- Key Largo: MM 108-90
- Islamorada: MM 90-63
- Marathon: MM 63-40
- Lower Keys: MM 40-4
- Key West: MM 4-0
The Overseas Highway is Florida’s only All-American Road and crosses 42 bridges along the way. Since it is the main road through the Keys, traffic can build during peak travel times, so plan ahead and allow extra time.
Ground Transportation
Getting around The Florida Keys is easy, whether you’re traveling by car, shuttle, bus, rideshare or bike. Transportation options vary by area, so plan ahead based on where you’re staying and how far you want to explore.
Key West
Key West is one of the easiest places in the Keys to explore without a car, especially in Old Town. Walking, biking, pedi-cabs, taxis and rideshare services are all popular options.
Key West Rides On Demand provides local transit and connects with services such as the Lower Keys Shuttle. Visitors can also use the Key West Park & Ride or explore additional car-free options through Car-Free Key West.
Upper Keys
In Islamorada, Freebee offers free, on-demand rides in eco-friendly electric vehicles. Rides can be requested through the Freebee app or by phone.
Traveling by Bike
Cycling is another way to explore the Keys, with routes available throughout the islands and along portions of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
To, From & Around the Keys
Airport shuttles, scheduled buses, private transfers, charter transportation, taxis and rideshare services connect destinations throughout The Florida Keys and South Florida.
Rather than listing every provider here, explore our Transportation Directory to find transportation options for your trip.
The Scenic Route
Cruise into The Florida Keys by private boat or passenger ferry and make the journey part of the adventure. Marina options are available throughout the Keys, while ferry service connects Southwest Florida directly to Key West.
Private Boaters
Experienced boaters can reach The Florida Keys and Key West from the Atlantic or Gulf of America. Navigation conditions and markers vary along the route, so consult current nautical charts and boating resources before traveling. Marina reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel periods.
Take the Ferry
Key West Express offers high-speed passenger ferry service from Southwest Florida to Key West. The ferry arrives at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal in the Historic Seaport, within walking distance of Duval Street and Old Town.
Getting Around in the Keys
Getting around The Florida Keys is part of the experience. Cruise the Overseas Highway by car or Jeep, explore island streets by scooter, Slingshot or bike, hop in a taxi or rideshare, or take to the water by boat. Whatever your style, there are plenty of ways to explore the island chain at your own pace.