Best Way to Get to Key West: Drive, Fly and Sail Tricks
Key West is a beautiful island at the very end of Florida. It’s known for its warm weather, pretty houses, and amazing sunsets. Many people want to visit Key West, and there are several ways to get there. Let’s talk about how you can plan your trip to this sunny paradise.
Different Ways to Travel to Key West
You can get to Key West in three main ways: by airplane, by car, or by boat. Each way has its good points, and the best choice depends on what you like and how much time and money you have.
Best Ways to Get to Key West
Flying to Key West
If you want to get to Key West fast, flying is your best choice. Key West has its own airport called Key West International Airport. It’s small, but planes from big cities fly there often. Airlines like Delta and American Airlines have regular flights to Key West.
Flying directly to Key West can be more expensive than flying to bigger airports like Miami. If you want to save money, you could fly to Miami and then drive to Key West. But if you want to save time, flying straight to Key West is best. Remember to book your flight early to get good prices.
Driving to Key West
If you like road trips, driving to Key West is amazing. You’ll take a special road called the Overseas Highway. This road goes through all the Florida Keys, which are small islands. You’ll drive over 42 bridges, and the views are incredible.
The best part of the drive is the Seven Mile Bridge. It’s a long bridge where you can see the blue sea on both sides. It’s really beautiful.
If you start driving from Miami, it takes about 3-4 hours to get to Key West. But you might want to stop along the way. There are nice places like Key Largo and Marathon Key where you can stop for lunch or take a quick swim.
Taking a Boat to Key West
If you love being on the water, you can get to Key West by boat. Many big cruise ships stop at Key West as part of their trips. Companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer these cruises.
If you have your own boat, you can sail to Key West too. The city has good places to park boats, called marinas. Some of these are Key West Bight Marina and Garrison Bight Marina.
Day Trips to Key West from Miami
Key West is a great place to visit for a day, even if you’re staying in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. There are several ways to get there, and each one offers something special. Let’s look at how you can plan an exciting day trip to this sunny island.
If you’re in Miami, you can drive to Key West. It takes about 3-4 hours on a road called the Overseas Highway. This drive is really beautiful. You’ll see lots of ocean views and small islands. You’ll also cross a famous bridge called the Seven Mile Bridge.
Bus Trips from Miami to Key West
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a bus tour. Companies like Miami Tour Company and Key West Express offer these trips. On a bus tour, you can relax and enjoy the views while someone else does the driving. They’ll also tell you interesting facts about the places you pass.
Boat Trips from Miami to Key West
Another fun way to get to Key West is by boat. This takes longer, about 4-5 hours, but it’s a great experience. You’ll be on the water and might even see some sea animals on the way. Several companies offer boat trips from Miami to Key West.
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, you can take a one-day cruise to Key West. Companies like Key West Express offer these trips. You’ll travel on a big, comfortable boat and have time to explore Key West before heading back.
Getting Around in Key West
Once you’re in Key West, it’s easy to explore the island. It’s a small place, only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide. Here are some ways to see the sights:
- Tour Trains and Trolleys: The Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley are fun ways to see Key West. You can hop on and off at different places.
- Bikes: Many people like to ride bikes in Key West. The island is flat, so it’s easy to pedal around.
- Electric Cars or Scooters: You can rent these for a quick and fun way to get around.
- Walking: Key West is a great place to walk. You can discover interesting shops, old buildings, and nice cafes just by strolling around.
FAQs
What’s the closest airport to Key West?
The closest airport is Key West International Airport (EYW). It’s a small airport near the city center. You can fly here directly from some big cities, making it the fastest way to get to Key West.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get to Key West for a day trip. You can drive, take a bus, go by boat, or even fly. Each way of traveling has its own good points. Think about what you enjoy most – do you like road trips, being on the water, or getting there quickly? No matter how you choose to go, your trip to Key West will be exciting and full of great memories.
