Driving to Key West from Fort Myers vs. Miami
Grace writes for Dwell Key West, helping you plan unforgettable vacations to Key West.
If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, then you know by now that Key West is a fantastic vacation destination. Not only is it a gorgeous city right on the water, there are also a million and one exciting things to do while you’re in town!
It’s no secret that booking flights, accommodations, and preparing for a few days of going out for every meal isn’t cheap, though. Don’t worry, there’s still a way you can build in some time off, have a dreamy vacation, and avoid breaking the bank! Key West is easily drivable from many locations in Florida. Today, we’ll focus on driving to Key West from Fort Myers vs. Miami.
Before we show you the best travel routes for driving to Key West, make sure you’re signed up for our email newsletter! You can stay up to date on all the latest news, specials, and updates from Dwell Key West!
In this blog:
- Driving to Key West from Fort Myers
- Driving from Miami to Key West
- Do We Need a Car in Key West?
- Is it Cheaper to Fly into Fort Myers or Miami?
- Book Your Trip to Key West Directly with Dwell Key West!
Driving to Key West from Fort Myers
If you live in Fort Myers, the trip from there to Key West isn’t bad at all!
How Long Does it Take?
It takes about 5 and a half hours to drive from Fort Myers to Key West.
Is the Drive Worth It?
Yes! Not only is Key West an incredible vacation destination, the road to get there is beautiful. You’ll pass through one of the most scenic routes in America, the Overseas Highway, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
Best Places to Stop Between Fort Myers and Key West
A five-hour drive means you’ll need to stop at some point. Our recommendation is to turn the day into an experience itself! After all, if you’re going to travel anyways, you might as well make it fun.
Naples
If you’re starting early, Naples is a great first stop for coffee, breakfast, or a walk along the pier before getting back on the road.
Everglades City
Just slightly off the main route, this small town is known for its access to Everglades National Park. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or book a quick airboat tour if you’re not in a rush.
Islamorada
Islamorada is one of the best mid‑drive stops before reaching Key West. Known as “The Village of Islands,” it’s a great place for lunch, waterfront views, and a little exploring. Popular stops include Robbie’s Marina, where you can feed the tarpon, and local seafood spots right on the water.
Turning the drive into a mini road trip makes the journey to Key West feel like part of the vacation instead of just travel time!
Can We Take a Ferry to Key West from Fort Myers?
Yes! The ferry is actually faster than driving. It takes about 3.5-4 hours to complete the trip by boat. The Key West Express can cut your travel time by close to two hours each way, meaning you can make better use of your vacation time! It drops you right onto Duval Street, so you’ll be conveniently close to our Dwell vacation rentals and ready to start your vacation ASAP.
Driving from Miami to Key West
Now let's compare the drives!
How Long Does it Take to Drive From Miami to Key West?
It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Miami to Key West. Similar to the Fort Myers route, you will drive over the Overseas Highway on your way.
Where to Stop Between Miami and Key West
The drive from Miami may be shorter, but there are still several can’t‑miss stops along the Overseas Highway.
Key Largo
As the first of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a popular place to stop for gas, food, or a nice oceanside walk. It’s also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park if you want to spend a little extra time snorkeling or sightseeing!
Bahia Honda State Park
One of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Bahia Honda State Park is a perfect final stop before reaching Key West. The views from the old bridge are incredible, and even a short visit feels like a reward after the drive!
Do We Need a Car in Key West?
No! If you choose to take the Key West Express ferry into Key West, you’ll be just fine without your car for a few days. Key West is a very walkable city, with most of the main attractions within a 2-4 mile radius of downtown and Duval Street. If you do decide to road trip and bring your car, though, check out our rentals with parking included to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Is it Cheaper to Fly into Fort Myers or Miami?
Yes, it is often cheaper to fly into Fort Myers or Miami rather than fly directly to Key West. The Key West airport (EYW) is very small, while Miami (MIA) or even nearby Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are both major hubs. You could absolutely save money by flying into one of these larger hubs, renting a car, and making the drive to Key West! You’ll make memories as you go—plus, if you’re traveling in a group and you’re each saving hundreds on your ticket and splitting gas, it makes a lot of sense.
Book Your Trip to Key West Directly with Dwell Key West!
Pictured: The pool at the Scarlet Mango Inn. Book a room like the Golden Nugget to enjoy!
Now that you know all the routes to get to Key West and how you can make your trip more affordable, it’s time to book your vacation rental! When you stay with Dwell, you’re staying in a boutique rental right off Duval Street—all for a competitive price.
Our rentals are near all the action in town, so you won’t miss a thing while you’re here. Whether you want to stay in our fabulous Inn on Fleming, Scarlet Mango Inn, or another one of our properties, we're confident you'll find the perfect fit for you amonst our catalog of Key West rentals. Ready to book? Browse our available rentals now and book your trip directly with Dwell Key West!
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