You're standing in Fort Lauderdale, maybe grabbing a coffee on Las Olas, and you think, "Let’s just keep going south." It sounds like a dream. Key West is that legendary tropical finish line, the end of the road, the place where the sunsets actually live up to the postcards. But before you toss the flip-flops in the trunk, you need to know what you're actually getting into.
How far is Fort Lauderdale from Key West?
If you look at a map, it’s about 190 miles. That sounds like a breezy three-hour scoot, right? Wrong.
In Florida math, 190 miles doesn't equal three hours. It equals a saga. Depending on how the traffic gods are feeling on I-95 and how many tourists are gawking at the water on the Overseas Highway, you’re looking at anywhere from 4 to 6 hours of seat time.
The Breakdown: Miles vs. Reality
Let's get technical for a second. The actual driving distance is roughly 189 miles if you take the most direct route via the Florida Turnpike and US-1.
If you were a bird—or a very fast boat—the straight-line distance is closer to 145 miles. But unless you have wings or a hull, you’re stuck with the pavement.
The drive essentially splits into two distinct chapters:
👉 See also: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
- The Mainland Slog: Getting from Fort Lauderdale through the mess of Miami and Homestead.
- The Island Hop: The 113-mile stretch of the Overseas Highway (US-1) that starts at Key Largo and ends at Mile Marker 0.
Honestly, the first part is just "driving." The second part is "traveling." Once you hit that first bridge in Key Largo, the vibe shifts. The air smells saltier, the water turns a weirdly bright shade of turquoise, and suddenly you don't mind that the speed limit just dropped to 45 mph.
Can You Do It Faster?
People always ask about shortcuts. There aren't many. You’ve basically got two choices to get out of the Miami area: the Florida Turnpike or US-1.
Take the Turnpike. It’s a toll road, yes, but it bypasses most of the local traffic lights that make US-1 a nightmare in the city. You’ll pay a few bucks in SunPass fees, but it’ll save you 45 minutes of staring at the bumper of a plumber’s van in Kendall.
Once you get to Florida City, the roads merge. From there, you have one way in and one way out. If there’s an accident on the 18-Mile Stretch (the road leading into Key Largo), you’re going to be there for a while.
What About the Ferry?
Here’s a common misconception: people think there’s a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.
There isn't.
✨ Don't miss: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
To catch the famous Key West Express, you actually have to drive away from Key West first. You’d have to drive about two hours west to Marco Island or Fort Myers. From there, the ferry takes about 3.5 hours. It’s a blast—there’s a bar, air conditioning, and you don’t have to white-knuckle the steering wheel—but it’s not necessarily a "time saver" when you factor in the cross-state drive.
Flying the 145 Miles
If you’ve got the budget and zero patience, flying is the way to go. Flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) to Key West International (EYW) are incredibly short.
You’re in the air for about 45 to 60 minutes.
Airlines like Silver Airways and Spirit run these routes frequently. You’ll spend more time in the security line than you will in the sky. It’s pricey, but the view of the reefs from a low-altitude flight is something you won’t forget.
Why the Drive Takes So Long (and Why That’s Okay)
The Overseas Highway is a technical marvel, but it’s a slow one. You’re crossing 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
You cannot rush this.
🔗 Read more: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
First off, the Florida Highway Patrol does not play around in the Keys. Speed zones change constantly—sometimes from 55 to 35 in the blink of an eye. Second, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not stopping.
If you're making the trek, you have to hit these spots:
- Robert Is Here (Homestead): Grab a fruit milkshake before you leave the mainland. Trust me.
- Robbie’s (Islamorada): This is where you feed the tarpon. It’s chaotic, fishy, and a total rite of passage.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Some of the best beaches in the country are right here at Mile Marker 37.
- The Turtle Hospital (Marathon): A legitimate rehab facility for sea turtles that offers incredible tours.
Logistics You Can't Ignore
If you're planning this trip, keep a few things in mind. Gas gets more expensive the further down the Keys you go. Fill up in Homestead or Florida City to save a few bucks.
Also, watch the clock. If you’re driving down on a Friday afternoon or coming back on a Sunday, you’re going to hit the "Keys Creep." This is when the two-lane road becomes a parking lot because everyone is trying to do exactly what you’re doing.
Pro Tip: If you can swing a mid-week trip, do it. Tuesday morning is the "sweet spot" where the road belongs to the locals and the delivery trucks, and you can actually maintain the speed limit.
Is the Distance Worth It?
At the end of the day, 190 miles is a long way for a "day trip." I usually tell people that if you're coming from Fort Lauderdale, stay at least one night. Key West is a place that needs to be felt after the cruise ships leave and the moon comes up over Duval Street.
By the time you reach Mile Marker 0, you'll have traveled across an entire ecosystem. You've gone from the skyscrapers and mega-mansions of Fort Lauderdale to a tiny island where chickens roam the streets and nobody wears a tie.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the traffic on the "18-Mile Stretch" via the Florida 511 app before you leave Homestead. If it's backed up, take the Card Sound Road detour—it costs a small toll, but the stop at Alabama Jack’s for conch fritters makes the extra miles worth every second. Over and out.