Getting Around, Key West Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Key West, Florida - FL, USA)
Getting about in Key West is straightforward, with convenient public travel and transportation systems in place that include taxis, tour trains, trolleys and pedi-cabs, as well as a park-and-ride service for those who drive into the city.
Key West International Airport is a convenient airport to fly to with direct flights that travel from many Florida and Bahamian destinations; those who are coming from overseas and from other American cities will usually have to change at Miami International Airport. Shuttles and taxis run to destinations around the city.
However, Key West is such a small place that if you choose your accommodation carefully you can practically walk to most places comfortably. Of course in the heat of the summer you may want to catch a pedi-cab, which is an enjoyable way to travel around Key West.
Key West International Airport (EYW) / Arriving by Air
Key West International Airport is located in the southeast of the island, 6 km / 4 miles from the Southernmost Point landmark in the Old Town. Several major carriers serve Key West, as well as smaller airlines from Florida and Bahamas destinations, while many flights are routed through Miami International Airport. Taxis, limos and shuttles run to hotels and other locations in Key West. For further information, please refer to the
Key West Airport page.
Car Rental
Key West is compact and easy to get about on foot and the Trolley, but for exploring the other Keys in the chain a hire car is essential. Highway 1, originating in Waycross,
Georgia, travels along the Atlantic coast of Florida, through Miami and down through the Keys. This is the only highway to serve Key West and all of the other major Keys. Key West is 160 miles / 256 km from Miami via Highway 1, a journey time of about three to four hours depending on traffic. Parking is a big problem in Key West due to a lack of space; however, designated car parks are provided. Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around the Key West area, with some firms offering discounts for rentals of three days and over, particularly when booked online using the Internet.
Buses and Coaches
The Greyhound bus network is the largest bus network in the country serving towns and cities the length and breadth of the US. Greyhound runs single and return buses every day, traveling from Miami to Key West, although there is always a big demand for seats so book early! The journey time from Miami to Key West is about 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Trains
There is no rail service to Key West, but if you have time and are elsewhere in the US then Amtrak trains run from most major cities to Miami, either directly or indirectly, and can be an option if you don't like flying. There are two trains per day that travel from
New York to Miami that take in excess of 25 hours.
Boats and Ferries
Fast Cats' PurrSeavearance, a multi-million dollar cruiser, travels from the downtown Sealine Marina in Miami to Key West with a capacity of up to 149 passengers, a 4-hour, 30 minute journey time. Tickets are reasonably priced and ferries depart up to four times per week. The boat leaves Miami from Thursday through to Sunday at 07:30 and departs Key West on Sundays at 17:30.
Trams
There are a couple of tram / fake trains in the city that offer tours of Key West and all of her sights. The Old Town Trolley picks-up at Mallory Square and many hotels along its route and includes a humorous running commentary. Additionally, the open-air Conch Tour Train does the same sort of tour around the island's sights in 90 minutes and travels from Mallory Square and the Welcome Center in the New Town.
Taxis
There are more than a dozen taxi and shuttle companies that travel around Key West, with transfers available from Key West International Airport to any location in the city. There is also the Key West Park n Ride service that is located on the corner of Grinnell and Caroline streets. Shuttles run to the downtown area and various landmarks throughout the day.
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