How to Get to Key West: By Air, Car, and Sea

Now and again, you need a break from everyday life. If it’s been a while since you’ve treated yourself to some R&R, now is the perfect time to plan your getaway to Key West. The Florida island’s sandy beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and variety of activities mean you can plan your version of the perfect vacation. However, before you arrive, there are a few things you need to take care of first. After booking your vacation rental from Rent Key West Vacations, turn your attention to deciding how you’re going to get to Key West. To help you decide your preferred method of transportation, we’ve put together this guide that outlines three popular ways to reach the island.

By Air

If you feel like flying, your go-to airport is the Key West International Airport. Found only about 10 minutes from downtown Key West, several major airlines operate flights into Key West from hubs like Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. Flights can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible. Because Key West has facilities to support general aviation, you can also arrange a flight via private plane or charter service.

By Car

For a more scenic and flexible option, choose to travel by car. Driving to Key West is one of the most iconic road trips in the country. If you’re traveling from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, you’ll take the Florida Turnpike south to U.S. 1 South in Florida City. Follow that to Overseas Highway, which will take you all the way to Key West. Your drive includes key landmarks, such as the Seven Mile Bridge. Traffic can get back up during the holidays and on weekends, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

By Sea

A unique and sometimes-forgotten option for getting to Key West is by sea. Book your spot on the high-speed passenger ferry that runs from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island to Key West’s historic seaport. Operating seasonally, the ferry ride takes less than four hours. You can also captain your own boat to Key West. There are several marinas you can dock at, but be sure to make reservations in advance.

Reserve Your Key West Vacation Rental

Between deciding how to get to Key West and packing your bags, you also need to reserve a well-appointed home base. Turning to Rent Key West Vacations means you can easily find a Key West vacation rental that meets all your wants and needs. Our inventory includes homes and cottages in an array of styles. Whether you’re planning a trip for two or the whole family, we have the perfect place for you!

Reasons to Choose Key West for Your Next Family Vacation

Vacation is an opportunity to create memories with the people you love the most. If you are looking for a family beach vacation that’s just as fun for the kids as it is for the adults, look no further than Key West. Plan a Key West family vacation and spend your time soaking up the sunshine, playing at the beach, watching wildlife, learning local history, and relaxing in your private vacation rental. Book your property with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy plenty of space for everyone in your family. There are many reasons to bring your family to the Florida Keys, but here are the top 5:

1. Travel Options for Every Family’s Needs

Bringing your family to Key West is easy, with several transportation options to suit your needs:

Fly directly to Key West International Airport from major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and Dallas.
Fly into Miami International Airport and drive three hours the rest of the way to Key West along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. There are also several bus and ground transportation options available to take you from Miami to Key West.
Depart from Fort Myers Beach and take the Key West Express boat to the island.

2. Beautiful Beaches and Year-Round Sunshine

Key West offers the allure of a tropical island paradise without the hassle of traveling internationally. Play at the island’s beautiful beaches year-round and enjoy calm, shallow waters perfect for the kiddos. Stay in one of our vacation rentals near the beach and enjoy these activities together:

Suntanning
Swimming
Snorkeling
Parasailing
Fishing

3. Activities for All Ages

Key West offers fun for all ages, making it an ideal destination for multigenerational families. Traveling with young kids? Our aquarium, beaches, and butterfly garden have something to delight our youngest guests. How about hard-to-please teens? We have something for them, too! Take them parasailing, sign up for a spine-tingling ghost tour, and explore quirky museums.

4. Unique Wildlife and Marine Experiences

Key West is a paradise for families who love nature and wildlife. In fact, Key West sits near North America’s only living coral barrier reef, where you can snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles. Find a wildlife encounter for your interests below:

See the marine life that calls the Florida Keys home at the Key West Aquarium. Walk through exhibits, home to over 250 fish species, sharks, and sea turtles.
Walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic birds at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.
See wildlife in their natural habitat: sign up for a dolphin watching tour, snorkel with tropical fish, and watch birds fly by.

5. Key West Vacation Rentals for Families of All Sizes

Is Key West family-friendly? Absolutely! Book your Key West family vacation today and find the perfect accommodations with Rent Key West Vacations! We offer accommodations for groups of all sizes, ranging from charming one-bedroom cottages to 11-bedroom grand estates. Book with us today and escape to Key West!

Explore the Island: Key West Tours for Every Interest

There’s so much to do and see in Key West. To help you make the most of your vacation, our team at Rent Key West has compiled a list of popular tours to add to your itinerary. Whether you want to explore the island’s history on a guided trolley tour, snorkel with tropical fish, or see an incredible sunset from the water, there is an experience for everyone’s interests. Stay on the island with Rent Key West Vacations and find the perfect accommodations for your Florida Keys adventures!

Key West Sightseeing Tours

One of the best ways to explore the island is on a guided sightseeing tour. See top attractions and learn about local history as your guide narrates your adventure. From hop-on hop-off trolley tours to ghost tours, there are endless ways to tour Key West with these local companies:

Key West Snorkeling Tours

Explore the underwater world of Key West, home to the world’s 3rd largest living reef. Snorkel in the warm waters and be mesmerized by plant and marine life like tropical fish and sea turtles. Each tour includes everything you need for the day, including snorkel equipment and boat transportation to the reef. Find the right option for your group below:

Key West Boating and Sailing Tours

If you prefer to cruise around the water without getting wet, we recommend signing up for a boating or sailing trip. From romantic sunset sails to glass-bottomed boats showcasing the reef, there is a tour for everyone:

Key West Wildlife and Eco Tours

Get an up-close look at the island’s backcountry, sandbars, and wildlife on an eco-tour. Whether you want to paddle through mangrove tunnels on a kayak tour, see dolphins splashing around, or relax at sandbars, there are abundant nature tours to choose from:

Stay in a Private Key West Vacation Rental

These are just some of the Key West tours available on the island. Find even more local tours on the Viator website. If you need assistance finding the right tour, our local and knowledgeable staff at Rent Key West Vacations is here to help. Plus, we offer excellent Key West accommodations for groups of all sizes and needs. Please call our reservation specialists at 1-800-833-7368 to start customizing your vacation!