You're standing at the top of the Florida Keys, likely with a pub sub in hand and a rental car that smells faintly of old sunscreen. You want to know the distance. Specifically, the miles from Key Largo to Key West. It’s a number. But it’s also a whole vibe.
If you punch it into Google Maps right now, it’ll tell you it’s 98 miles. That’s the raw data.
But honestly? That number is a lie. Well, not a literal lie—the odometer doesn't hallucinate—but it’s a functional lie because 98 miles on the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is not the same as 98 miles on I-95. One is a scenic crawl through turquoise dreams; the other is a white-knuckle sprint through a swamp.
The Reality of the Miles From Key Largo To Key West
The drive is basically a straight shot southwest. You start at Mile Marker 108 (or thereabouts) in Key Largo and you end at Mile Marker 0 in Key West. Do the math. It’s roughly 100 miles of asphalt ribbon draped over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Two hours. That’s what the apps say.
Don't believe them for a second.
If a chicken truck stalls on the Seven Mile Bridge, your two-hour trip just became a four-hour meditation session. There is only one road in. There is only one road out. This isn't just about distance; it's about the unique physics of the Florida Keys. You're dealing with strictly enforced speed limits—often dropping to 35 or 45 mph through "downtown" areas like Islamorada—and a lot of confused tourists looking for the next Tiki bar.
Breaking Down the Stretch
Key Largo is the largest island. It feels a bit like a standard Florida suburb until you get closer to the water. Once you clear the "Stretch" (that long, flat run from the mainland), the miles from Key Largo to Key West start to feel different.
The first big chunk is getting through Islamorada. That’s about 17 to 20 miles into your journey. It’s gorgeous. It’s also where the traffic starts to bunch up because everyone wants to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s. If you stop to feed the fish, your "miles per hour" average tanks, but your "joy per mile" skyrockets.
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Then comes Marathon. This is roughly the halfway point, around Mile Marker 50.
Marathon is where the landscape shifts. It feels more industrial, more "lived-in." But once you exit Marathon, you hit the Seven Mile Bridge. This is the crown jewel of the drive. It is exactly what it sounds like—seven miles of unobstructed ocean views. It’s also the place where you realize that 98 miles is a long way when you’re surrounded by nothing but water.
Why the Mile Markers Matter More Than GPS
In the Keys, nobody uses street addresses. If you ask a local where a restaurant is, they won't say "123 Main Street." They’ll say "Mile Marker 82, bayside."
- Bayside: The side of the road facing the Gulf of Mexico (to your right if heading south).
- Oceanside: The side facing the Atlantic (to your left).
Knowing the miles from Key Largo to Key West is helpful for gas planning, but knowing the markers is how you actually survive. Most people don't realize that the Mile Markers (MM) actually start at 0 in Key West and go up as you head toward Miami. So, as you drive toward the southernmost point, the numbers are counting down. It’s like a countdown to paradise.
The Speed Trap Factor
Let's talk about Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. They are everywhere.
The speed limit fluctuates constantly. One minute you’re doing 55 mph, the next it’s 35 mph because you’re passing a school or a deer crossing. In Big Pine Key (around MM 30), the speed limit is strictly enforced to protect the Key Deer—tiny, endangered deer that are about the size of a large dog. Hit one of those, and you've ruined your trip and a local ecosystem.
Slowing down adds time. It doesn't add miles, but it makes those 98 miles feel much longer.
Hidden Gems Along the 98-Mile Route
You could blast through the miles from Key Largo to Key West in one go. You shouldn't. If you’re just looking for the fastest way to get drunk on Duval Street, take a flight. The drive is the point.
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Around MM 77, you’ll find Anne’s Beach. It’s a tiny, shallow beach with a boardwalk. It’s free. It’s a great place to stretch your legs if the traffic is starting to get to you.
Further down, at MM 37, is Bahia Honda State Park. Honestly, this is the best beach in the Keys. Most of the Keys aren't actually known for sandy beaches (they are coral-based), but Bahia Honda is the exception. If you have the time, stop here. The view of the old, broken railway bridge against the sunset is the stuff of postcards.
The Impact of Weather and Seasonality
Distance is static; time is fluid.
During "Season" (January through April), the miles from Key Largo to Key West can take three or four hours. It’s a slow-moving parade of RVs and rental convertibles. If a storm rolls in—which happens almost every afternoon in the summer—visibility drops to zero and everyone slows to a crawl.
You also have to consider the weekends. Friday afternoons heading south are a nightmare. Sunday afternoons heading north are worse. If you can, drive the stretch on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s a completely different experience.
Logistics: Gas, Food, and EV Charging
People worry about running out of gas. Don't.
While there are some "remote" stretches, you’re never more than 10 or 15 miles from a gas station. However, prices get higher the further south you go. Fill up in Key Largo or Marathon to save a few bucks.
For the EV crowd, Tesla has Superchargers in Key Largo and Marathon. Key West has plenty of destination chargers, but that middle stretch across the Seven Mile Bridge can be a bit of a "range anxiety" moment if you aren't paying attention.
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- Key Largo: Plenty of options (Wawa, Publix).
- Islamorada: High-end seafood and quick bites.
- Marathon: The last big "city" with major grocery stores.
- Big Pine Key: Very limited; mostly local spots.
- Key West: Everything you could want, but expensive.
Common Misconceptions About the Drive
A lot of people think the whole 98 miles is over water. It isn't.
Most of the time, you’re driving through small towns that look a lot like any other coastal Florida town—strip malls, dive shops, and motels. The "over water" parts are spectacular, but they are segments. You’ll cross about 42 bridges in total.
Another mistake? Thinking you can "make up time" by speeding. You can't. The road is mostly two lanes (one each way) once you get past Islamorada. If you're stuck behind a slow-moving boat trailer, you’re stuck. Embrace the pace.
Practical Tips for the Road
- Download your maps. Cell service is surprisingly spotty in the Middle Keys.
- Check the "Monroe County Traffic" groups. Locals post about accidents in real-time on Facebook or X.
- Keep sunglasses handy. The glare off the water at MM 50 can be blinding.
- Hydrate. The Florida sun through a windshield is no joke.
- Watch the fuel. Don't let it get below a quarter tank; if there’s a bridge closure, you might be idling for a long time.
The miles from Key Largo to Key West represent one of the most iconic road trips in America. It’s a transition from the mainland hustle to the "Conch Republic" lifestyle. Treat it like a tour, not a commute.
When you finally see that Mile Marker 0 sign, you'll realize the distance didn't really matter. It was the shift in perspective that happened somewhere around the midpoint of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your drive, check the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) live cameras for the Overseas Highway before you leave Key Largo. This allows you to see if there are any major bottlenecks on the bridges. Additionally, plan your "halfway" stop in Marathon at least an hour before you expect to be there; it’s the most logical place to refuel both your car and yourself before the final push into Key West. Finally, ensure your hotel in Key West offers parking, as street parking near the end of the 98-mile journey is notoriously difficult and expensive.