By the ART Executive Services dispatch team. Private chauffeur service across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
Quick answer: Miami to Key West transportation comes down to four choices: drive yourself, take a shuttle bus, fly, or book a private car. The drive is about 160 miles and roughly 3.5 to 4 hours on US-1, longer with traffic. There is no Miami ferry. See ART’s long-distance transportation.
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Key West is the end of the road, and the road is a long one. Most visitors start in Miami, and the right way to get there depends on how many people you are, how much luggage you have and whether you want a car once you arrive.
Below is a plain comparison, based on official tourism sources. Times and schedules change, so check each provider before you go.
The drive: distance, time and the route
Florida’s tourism site puts Key West at about 160 miles from Miami, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours on US-1. It warns that the drive may take longer than your GPS says. Plan for more if you leave during a busy period.
The usual route follows the Florida Turnpike south to Exit 4 (Homestead and Key West), which joins US-1 in Florida City. From there you follow US-1 south the whole way. The Overseas Highway runs about 113 miles with mile markers counting down from 127 near Florida City to 0 in Key West, and it crosses 42 bridges.
US-1 itself has no tolls, according to the tourism site. The Turnpike section before Florida City is a tolled road, so check the Turnpike’s toll information if you use it.
Speed limits drop to 35 to 55 mph through the populated areas, and the tourism site says they are strictly enforced. Limits are lower again near Big Pine Key, which is a Key Deer refuge. Traffic can build at peak times, and a single crash or a stretch of roadwork can slow the whole highway because there is rarely a second route. Check Florida’s traffic and road work updates before you leave.
Rental car or your own car
Driving yourself gives you the most freedom. You can stop where you like and keep a car in the Keys. It also means four hours or more at the wheel, then a drive back, and you need somewhere to put the car in Key West.
Old Town has narrow streets, and tourism sources suggest a small car there. Many hotels charge for parking, and there is a public park-and-ride lot with a combined ticket for the city bus. Ask your hotel about parking before you arrive.
Shuttle buses, charter buses and the train link
Scheduled buses run from Miami and Miami airport to the Keys. The Florida Keys tourism office lists a bus service with scheduled stops between Miami International Airport and the Keys, and a door-to-door shuttle with three daily trips between the Keys and the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. Check that your date and drop-off point are served, because door-to-door service can stop short of some hotels.
The train runs as far south as Fort Lauderdale, and from there you would transfer to a shuttle bus. That adds a connection, so it suits travelers with light bags and flexible time.
Groups can charter a bus. Charter companies run 24 hours a day to and from Miami airport and Keys locations. For a larger party, ART can arrange Sprinters, mini buses and coaches through partners.
Flying from Miami to Key West
Key West International Airport (EYW) has direct and connecting flights, and the Florida Keys tourism site names several airlines that serve it. Flight options from Miami change by season, so look at the airlines’ current schedules.
Flying saves time on the road, but you still go to the airport early, clear security, and get a ride at each end. Count that time before you decide. Key West is small, so a ride from the airport to Old Town is short.
Leave the driving to someone else
Travelling with luggage or a group? Call (728) 777-3721 to ask about a booked, confirmed-price ride.
Call (728) 777-3721 | Request a quote
Is there a ferry from Miami?
We could not verify a current passenger ferry from Miami to Key West, so do not plan around one. The official Keys tourism pages describe a high-speed passenger ferry to Key West from Southwest Florida (Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island), about 3.5 hours each way. It does not leave from Miami, and it operates seasonally, so it helps only if you are already on that side of the state.
If you want a boat day, treat it as a separate trip once you are in the Keys, not as the way to get there from Miami.
Comparing the options
Use the table to match the option to your trip. Cost is described in words because prices change with date, season and demand.
| Option | Typical time | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive your own car | About 3.5 to 4 hours, often more | Fuel and parking | Travelers who want a car in the Keys |
| Rental car | About 3.5 to 4 hours, often more | Moderate to high, plus one-way fees | Flexible trips, stops along the way |
| Shuttle bus | Longer than driving, fixed schedule | Lower | Solo travelers and light luggage |
| Flight | Short in the air, long door to door | Varies by season | Short stays where time matters |
| Ferry from Miami | Not available | Not applicable | Not an option |
| Private car with driver | About 3.5 to 4 hours, plus planned stops | Higher, confirmed in advance | Groups, luggage, families, set arrival times |
Honest advice: for one traveler with a backpack and a flexible schedule, a shuttle bus or a flight is usually the lower-cost choice.
When a private car is the better choice
A private car from Miami suits groups of three to six, families with children, travelers with several bags, and anyone who wants to arrive rested. Nobody in the group has to drive or find parking at the other end, and you can set the pickup time.
ART serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, so a pickup can start at the airport, a hotel, PortMiami or a home. A sedan seats up to three passengers, and an SUV or Premium SUV seats up to six. See the Miami airport transportation page for airport pickups, or group transportation for larger parties. Rides are booked in advance with a confirmed price.
For a long trip, tell ART your pickup address, drop-off address, number of passengers, bags and any stops you want. Ask whether a driver can stay for a return trip or an overnight.
What to plan before you go
Stops can make the drive. Key Largo is about 60 miles from Miami, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. Islamorada is about 80 miles, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes. Marathon is about 115 miles, roughly 2 hours. These are drive times without stops, from the state tourism site.
Match the day to your hotel. Check-in and checkout times vary by property, so ask your hotel before you set your pickup time, especially if you arrive early or leave late.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If a storm threatens the Keys, local authorities can order evacuations and close the highway. Check the forecast and local emergency announcements before you book and before you travel.
- Buy travel insurance that covers weather if your dates are fixed.
- Confirm hotel check-in and checkout times.
- Check for roadwork on US-1 before you leave.
Quick facts
| Route | Florida Turnpike to Exit 4, then US-1 (Overseas Highway) |
| Distance from Miami | About 160 miles |
| Typical drive time | About 3.5 to 4 hours, longer in traffic |
| Tolls on US-1 | None; the Turnpike section is tolled |
| Ferry from Miami | None verified |
| ART service area | Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties |
| ART vehicles | Sedan (up to 3), SUV and Premium SUV (up to 6); Sprinters and coaches through partners |
| ART phone | (728) 777-3721 |
| Booking | In advance, with a confirmed price |
About ART Executive Services
ART Executive Services is a private chauffeur and limo service for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties: airport transfers, cruise port rides, corporate travel, weddings and events. Our fleet includes sedans, SUVs and Premium SUVs, booked ahead with a confirmed price. Reserve at (728) 777-3721 or through our quote form.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Key West from Miami?
Florida’s tourism site gives about 160 miles from Miami to Key West by US-1. The Overseas Highway section itself is about 113 miles, running from Florida City at mile marker 127 to Key West at mile marker 0. Your exact distance depends on where in Miami you start.
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, according to the state tourism site. It warns the trip can take longer than GPS suggests. Slower limits in towns, traffic and roadwork all add time, so plan extra and leave early.
Are there tolls on the way to Key West?
The tourism site says the Overseas Highway (US-1) has no tolls. The usual route uses the Florida Turnpike to reach Florida City, and that road is tolled. Check the Turnpike’s toll information before you go.
Is there a ferry from Miami to Key West?
We could not verify a current ferry from Miami. The official Keys sources describe a seasonal high-speed passenger ferry from Southwest Florida, not Miami. Do not plan your trip around a Miami ferry without confirming a current operator.
Can I take a bus from Miami to Key West?
Scheduled buses and door-to-door shuttles connect Miami and Miami airport with the Keys, according to the Florida Keys tourism office. Check the operator for current schedules, stops and whether Key West itself is served, since some routes end in the Upper Keys.
Can I fly from Miami to Key West?
Yes. Key West International Airport has direct and connecting flights from several airlines. Schedules change by season, so check the airlines directly. Add airport arrival time and rides at both ends when you compare flying with driving.
What is the cheapest way to get to Key West?
For one traveler, a scheduled shuttle bus or a flight is usually the lower-cost choice, depending on the date. For a group, the cost per person of a shared car can compare well. Prices change, so check each provider.
Is a private car worth it for Key West?
It can be for groups, families, travelers with lots of luggage and anyone who wants a fixed arrival time and no driving. If you are travelling alone with one bag, a shuttle or flight may cost less.
Is hurricane season a problem?
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. A storm can bring evacuations and a closed highway, and the Keys are often cleared early. Watch the forecast and local emergency announcements before booking, and keep your plans flexible.
Does ART drive from Miami to Key West?
ART serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and offers long-distance rides. Call (728) 777-3721 to ask about a Key West trip, your date and your vehicle size. Rides are booked in advance with a confirmed price.
What vehicle fits a group going to Key West?
A sedan seats up to three passengers, and an SUV or Premium SUV seats up to six. Larger groups can use a Sprinter, mini bus or coach, which ART arranges through partners. Tell ART your passengers and bags when you book.
Where should I stop on the way?
Key Largo (about 60 miles) and Islamorada (about 80) are the usual choices. Pick one or two and leave early.
Ready to book?
Call or send your trip details and ART Executive Services will confirm your pickup, vehicle and price.
Call (728) 777-3721 | Request a quote
