You're standing on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, looking south, thinking about the Margaritaville vibes of Key West. It makes sense. You want to skip the nightmare that is Miami traffic and the slow-motion crawl of the Overseas Highway. A boat sounds perfect. Salty air, a cold drink in your hand, and zero brake lights. But here’s the thing that trips everyone up: if you’re looking for a direct ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, you're going to be looking for a long time.
It doesn't exist.
Honestly, it’s one of the biggest travel misconceptions in Florida. People assume because both cities are on the water and have massive ports, there must be a high-speed catamaran zipping between them. There isn't. Not right now, anyway. If you go to Port Everglades hoping to hop on a boat to Duval Street, the only thing you'll find are massive cruise ships headed to the Bahamas or Mexico. To actually get on a ferry to the Southernmost Point, you’ve got to head about 50 miles south to Fort Myers or 75 miles south to Miami—and even the Miami option is notoriously "on-again, off-again."
Why the Fort Lauderdale route is a ghost
It’s mostly about the math and the geography. To run a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, a company has to deal with the Gulf Stream. That’s a powerful, north-flowing current. Going south against it burns an incredible amount of fuel. Back in the day, there were attempts to make this work, but the price of tickets ended up being so high that people just decided to drive or fly instead.
There's also the time factor. A high-speed ferry would still take about 4 to 5 hours to make that run. By the time you drive to the port, park, go through security, and board, you could have already driven halfway down the Keys. For most operators, the profit margins just aren't there compared to the Fort Myers route, which has been the gold standard for years.
The Fort Myers Connection (The Real Key West Express)
If you are dead set on the ferry experience—and it is a cool experience—you have to look at the Key West Express. This is the big one. It operates out of Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island.
Why does this one work when a Fort Lauderdale version doesn't? It's the "angle of attack." From Fort Myers, the boat travels south through the calmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico, rather than fighting the Atlantic's Gulf Stream. It’s a smooth, three-and-a-half-hour shot. You get sundecks, a full bar, and big-screen TVs. It feels like a mini-cruise. But for someone staying in Fort Lauderdale, this involves a two-and-a-half-hour drive across the state via I-75 (Alligator Alley) just to get to the boat.
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Is it worth it? Maybe. If you hate the Overseas Highway (US-1), it’s a great pivot. But if you’re already on the east coast, it’s a lot of extra logistics.
The Miami ferry rumors
Every couple of years, a headline pops up saying a new ferry service is launching from Miami to Key West. Most recently, companies like Poseidon Ferry have looked into the route. They’ve run limited "test" schedules or seasonal charters.
The problem is consistency.
One season it’s running, the next it’s tied up in dockage disputes or mechanical issues. If you’re planning a trip months in advance, banking on a Miami ferry is a gamble. If you see an ad for a ferry leaving from the Miami area, check the "last updated" date on that website very carefully. Usually, these services cater more to day-trippers than people trying to move luggage and stay for a week.
Better ways to get there from Fort Lauderdale
Since the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Key West isn't an option, you have to look at the alternatives. Each has a totally different vibe.
The Drive (The classic choice) It’s roughly 190 miles. On a perfect day with no wrecks on the 18-mile stretch, you can do it in 4 hours. On a holiday weekend? God help you. It could be seven. The drive is iconic, though. You cross 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge, which is basically a religious experience at sunset.
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The Flight (The fast choice) Silver Airways and American Eagle run "puddle jumpers" from FLL to EYW. It’s a 50-minute flight. You spend more time in the security line than in the air. It’s expensive, but if you value your time more than your money, this is the way to go. The view of the reefs from the window is spectacular.
The Bus (The "I want to nap" choice) The Keys Shuttle or Greyhound. It’s cheap. It’s fine. You don't have to worry about parking in Key West, which is a nightmare anyway—most hotels charge $40+ a day just to leave your car in a cramped lot.
What about private charters?
If you have a group and a healthy budget, you can hire a private boat. This isn't a "ferry" in the public sense, but a private transport. You’re looking at several thousand dollars. It’s basically for the 1% or for people who want to fish their way down to the Southernmost Point.
For the rest of us, we’re stuck with wheels or wings.
The "Hidden" Logistics of Key West
Let’s say a ferry did exist. Where would it drop you? Most boats dock at the Historic Seaport or Mallory Square. This is the heart of the action. If you arrive by boat, you don't need a car. Key West is only 4 miles long and 1 mile wide. You rent a bike or a golf cart, and you’re set.
This is why people want the ferry so badly.
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Dragging a car into Key West is a burden. The streets are narrow, the chickens have right-of-way, and the parking enforcement officers are the most efficient workers in the entire state of Florida. They will ticket you the second your meter expires.
Making the trip work for you
Stop looking for the ghost ferry. It’s a waste of time. Instead, embrace the reality of the Florida coast. If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and you want that island fix without the 4-hour drive, maybe consider the Balearia Caribbean ferry.
It leaves from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) and goes to Bimini, Bahamas.
It’s about a two-hour trip. You get the turquoise water, the island drinks, and the boat experience you were looking for. It’s just not Key West. It’s a different country. But if the goal was "get on a boat and end up somewhere tropical," this is the only actual ferry service currently operating out of Fort Lauderdale that fits the bill.
Final Reality Check
The Florida Keys are fragile. Part of the reason there isn't massive high-speed ferry infrastructure is environmental. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has strict rules about wake zones and manatee protection. Blasting a giant catamaran through the shallow waters of the bay at 35 knots isn't exactly "eco-friendly."
You have to respect the pace of the Keys. They call it "Island Time" for a reason. Even the transportation is slow.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Key West Express Schedule: If you are willing to drive to Fort Myers to catch the boat, check their official calendar. They often shut down for maintenance in the late fall or during peak hurricane threats.
- Book Flight Alerts: If you decide to fly from FLL, use Google Flights to set an alert. Prices fluctuate wildly—sometimes it's $150, sometimes it's $450.
- Check the Miami "Seasonal" Options: If it’s currently between December and April, search specifically for "Poseidon Ferry Key West" to see if they’ve resumed their seasonal weekend runs from Miami.
- Reserve a Golf Cart: Regardless of how you get there, if you're staying overnight, book your golf cart or bicycle rental at least two weeks in advance. Key West is small, and they do sell out during Fantasy Fest or spring break.