How Long Does It Take to Drive to Key West?

Quick Answer

Driving to Key West from Miami takes 3.5–4.5 hours covering 160 miles along the Overseas Highway (US Route 1). From other Florida cities and out-of-state starting points, the drive is longer. Traffic, especially on weekends and holidays, can add 1–2 hours to the trip.

Drive Times from Major Cities

Starting City	Distance	Drive Time (No Traffic)	Realistic Drive Time
Miami	160 miles	3.5 hours	4–5 hours
Fort Lauderdale	190 miles	4 hours	4.5–5.5 hours
West Palm Beach	250 miles	4.5 hours	5–6 hours
Orlando	390 miles	6 hours	6.5–8 hours
Tampa	420 miles	6.5 hours	7–8.5 hours
Jacksonville	500 miles	7.5 hours	8–9.5 hours
Marathon (Middle Keys)	50 miles	1 hour	1–1.5 hours
Key Largo	100 miles	2 hours	2.5–3 hours

The Route: Overseas Highway

The drive to Key West follows a single route — the Overseas Highway (US-1) through the Florida Keys. There is no alternate route. The highway runs from Florida City at the southern tip of the mainland through a chain of islands connected by 42 bridges, ending in Key West at Mile Marker 0.

The road is almost entirely a two-lane highway (one lane in each direction), which means you cannot pass slow traffic in most sections. This is the primary reason the drive takes longer than GPS estimates suggest.

Key Landmarks Along the Way

• Mile Marker 126 – Key Largo: The first major Key, about 1 hour from Miami
• Mile Marker 80 – Islamorada: Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," about 1.5 hours from Miami
• Mile Marker 50 – Marathon: The halfway point of the Keys, about 2 hours from Miami
• Mile Marker 47–40 – Seven Mile Bridge: The iconic bridge crossing, with stunning ocean views on both sides
• Mile Marker 17 – Sugarloaf Key: You are getting close
• Mile Marker 0 – Key West: Your destination

Traffic and Timing Considerations

When Traffic Is Worst

Traffic congestion is the biggest variable in your drive time. The Overseas Highway bottlenecks frequently because there is no way to bypass slow-moving vehicles on most of the two-lane sections.

• Friday afternoons (southbound) are the worst, as weekend visitors head to the Keys
• Sunday afternoons (northbound) are equally bad for return traffic
• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) can double your drive time
• Fantasy Fest (late October) brings massive traffic to Key West
• Spring break season (March–April) creates sustained heavy traffic

Best Times to Drive

• Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) offer the lightest traffic
• Early Saturday morning (before 7 AM) if you must travel on a weekend
• Midweek departures in either direction are significantly faster

Tips for the Drive

Fuel Up Before You Go

Gas stations exist throughout the Keys, but prices are significantly higher than on the mainland — often $0.50–$1.00 more per gallon. Fill up in Florida City or Homestead before hitting US-1.

Plan for Rest Stops

Despite being only 160 miles, the drive can feel long due to the slower speeds (45–55 mph speed limits in most sections). Popular stop points include:

• Key Largo — grab coffee and stretch your legs
• Islamorada — excellent restaurants and roadside fish markets
• Marathon — good midpoint stop with restrooms and food options
• Bahia Honda State Park (Mile Marker 37) — one of the best beaches in the Keys

Check for Road Closures

The Overseas Highway is the only road in and out of the Keys. Accidents, construction, or severe weather can cause significant delays with no detour option. Check the Florida Department of Transportation's FL511 system before departing.

Consider the Weather

Hurricane season runs June–November. During tropical storm warnings, the Keys may issue mandatory evacuation orders, and the highway becomes one-way northbound. Always monitor weather forecasts during this season.

Alternatives to Driving

If the drive seems too long, you can fly directly to Key West International Airport (EYW) from several US cities, with flights from Miami taking just 45 minutes. The Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach is another option, taking about 3.5 hours by sea.

The Bottom Line

Plan for 4–5 hours from Miami on a typical day, and add an extra hour or two on weekends or holidays. Leave early in the morning for the best experience — less traffic, and you arrive with the whole day ahead of you.