You’re staring at a flight search engine, and the price difference is haunting you. On one tab, you have a direct flight into the heart of the island. On the other, a significantly cheaper flight into a massive city three and a half hours away. Deciding what airport to Key West travelers should actually use isn't just about the money, though. It’s about whether you want to start your vacation with a cocktail in hand or a steering wheel between your fingers.
Most people assume there's only one "right" way. They're wrong.
The reality is that your choice depends entirely on your patience for Florida traffic and how much you value your time. Key West is a tiny four-mile-long island at the very end of the world (or at least the end of U.S. 1), and getting there is either a 45-minute puddle jump or a legendary 160-mile trek across 42 bridges.
The Most Obvious Option: Key West International Airport (EYW)
If you want to be on Duval Street within twenty minutes of touch-down, this is your spot. Key West International Airport (EYW) is located right on the eastern edge of the island. It’s small. It’s charming. It feels like 1975 in the best way possible.
In 2026, the airline landscape here has stayed surprisingly robust. You’ve got the heavy hitters like American Airlines, Delta, and United running daily service from hubs like Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Newark. Even budget-friendly Spirit Airlines has jumped into the mix recently, adding more competition to what used to be a very expensive ticket.
Why EYW is usually the winner
Honestly, you don't need a car in Key West. Parking is a nightmare that costs $40 a day at most hotels, and the streets are narrow. If you fly directly into EYW, you grab a $15 Uber or a taxi, drop your bags, and you're done. No rental car contracts, no gas stations, no stress.
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The downside? The "island tax." You will almost always pay a premium to fly here. It’s a short runway, meaning smaller planes and fewer seats. Demand stays high because nobody actually wants to drive back to the mainland after four days of margaritas.
The Mainland Alternative: Miami International (MIA)
When people ask me what airport to Key West is the most cost-effective, I always point to Miami. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the massive beast of the south. It has more direct flights from more cities than almost any other airport in the country.
Because of that volume, the prices are often half of what you’d pay to fly into the island.
The catch is the drive. It’s roughly 160 miles. On a perfect Tuesday morning with no accidents, you can make it in about three and a half hours. But let’s be real—this is South Florida. One fender-bender on the Seven Mile Bridge can turn your "quick drive" into a six-hour ordeal.
Is the drive worth it?
Yes, but only once.
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The Overseas Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. You’re literally driving over the ocean for miles at a time. You can stop in Islamorada for a fish sandwich at The Hungry Tarpon or feed the massive tarpon at Robbie’s Marina. It turns your travel day into an actual part of the vacation.
If it’s your first time to the Keys, flying into MIA and driving down is almost a rite of passage. If it’s your fifth time? You’ll probably find the traffic through Florida City soul-crushing.
The Wildcard: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)
Don’t sleep on Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). While it’s technically 30 minutes further north than Miami, many locals prefer it.
MIA is a labyrinth. It’s loud, it’s confusing, and the rental car center requires a train ride. FLL is much more "human-scale." It’s easier to navigate, and often, budget carriers like JetBlue or Southwest have incredible deals there that beat out Miami.
If you choose FLL, you’re looking at a 4-hour drive to Key West. It sounds long, but if you’re saving $300 per person on airfare, that pays for a lot of key lime pie.
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Comparing the Logistics at a Glance
- Key West International (EYW): 0 miles to downtown. No car needed. High ticket price.
- Miami International (MIA): 160 miles to downtown. 3.5 to 5-hour drive. Lowest ticket prices.
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 185 miles to downtown. 4 to 5.5-hour drive. Very easy airport experience.
Transportation for the Non-Drivers
What if you want the cheap flights of Miami but don't want to drive? You actually have a few solid "middle ground" options.
- The Keys Shuttle: This is a shared van service that runs between MIA/FLL and Key West multiple times a day. It’s roughly $100 per person, so for a solo traveler, it’s cheaper than a rental car.
- FlixBus/Greyhound: These are the budget options. You can sometimes catch a bus for under $50, but it’s going to take 5 or 6 hours because of the frequent stops in Key Largo and Marathon.
- The Ferry: If you happen to be on the west coast of Florida, the Key West Express runs out of Fort Myers and Marco Island. It’s a 3.5-hour boat ride. It’s basically a party boat with a bar. It’s a great way to arrive, but obviously only works if you're starting in the Fort Myers area.
Making the Final Call
If you have more money than time, fly into EYW.
If you’re traveling with a family of four and want to save $1,200, fly into MIA or FLL and rent a minivan. Just make sure your rental car return isn't at 8:00 AM on a Monday morning—the traffic heading north out of the Keys is a beast when the weekenders are all trying to go back to work.
One tiny pro tip: Check the "multi-city" flight option. Sometimes it’s surprisingly cheap to fly into Miami, drive down, and then fly out of Key West on the way home. It gives you the scenic drive without the repetitive 4-hour haul back to the mainland at the end of your trip.
Practical Next Steps
- Check the math: Total up the flight to MIA + rental car + gas + hotel parking fees. Compare that to the direct flight to EYW + Ubers. Often, the "expensive" direct flight is actually cheaper when you add in the hidden costs of a car.
- Timing is everything: If you drive, aim to hit the road before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM to avoid the worst of the South Florida congestion.
- Book early: Key West’s airport doesn't have "last minute deals." Those seats fill up with wedding parties and retirees months in advance.
Regardless of where you land, the water is just as blue. Just get there.