Drive from Miami to Key West: Distance, Route, and Travel Tips

The drive from Miami to Key West is completed through the Overseas Highway (U.S.-1). The stretch is about 165 miles, and the route offers various ocean views, long bridges, islands, beaches, and more attractions. Although the nonstop drive takes about four hours, visitors prefer stopping at intermediate destinations like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key before reaching the final stop. Additionally, people get the option either to use their personal cars or to rent a vehicle in Miami.

Miami to Key West Drive

Traveling from Miami to Key West by car is a straight route, but it is often done in intervals and with intermediate stops.

• Start: Miami

• End: Key West

• Route: Overseas Highway (US-1)

• Distance: ~165 miles (265 km)

• Driving Time: 4 hours nonstop

Vehicle Options to Drive from Miami to Key West

Travelers have multiple vehicle options for driving from Miami to Key West; both personal and rented vehicles are appropriate. Those using their own cars follow the main route using the main U.S.-1 Highway. However, for renting a car in Miami, renters get several companies to choose from. 

1. On-site Companies at Miami International Airport

• Budget Car Rental

• Ace Rent A Car

• Alamo Car Rental

• Avis Car Rental

• Carnival Rent A Car

• Dollar MIA Car Rental

• Enterprise Car Rental

• Hertz Car Rental

• National Car Rental

• Payless Car Rental

• Royal Car Rental

• Sixt Rent A Car

• Thrifty Car Rental

All these companies are located inside the MIA Rental Car Centre on level 4 within the airport premises. Passengers must collect their bags from the baggage claim belts and take the MIA Mover on the third level between the Dolphin and Flamingo Garages. Access the Skyride to reach the centre. Most of the companies operate throughout 24 hours a day, while some close between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

2. Off-Airport Miami Car Rental Location

• Americas Auto Rental

• Easirent.COM Car Rental

• Miami Rent A Car

• Green Motion

• Priceless Car Rental

• OC Car Rental

• Fox Rent A Car

• One Switch-NEXTCAR-ROUTES

• Colusa / ADDCAR / CARWIZ

• NU Car Rentals

• HDC Rent A Car

• Miami Life Cars

• Victory Rent A Car

• RENTA FLORIDA LLC

• RENT A CAR 4 LESS

• U-SAVE CAR & TRUCK RENTAL 

• DASH RENT A CAR

Miami to Key West Drive Main Route

The journey to Key West offers multiple stops and views in between, from oceans to bridges, wildlife, open-water drives, and refuge shelters for animals.

Miami → Key Largo

People start their journey by traveling from Miami to Key Largo, the first stretch, which is about 60 miles on the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1). It begins by heading south from Miami International Airport, taking the Florida Turnpike toward Key West. This first major island and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Also, America's first underwater preserve. 

Distance and Time: It takes about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to reach this first stop after leaving Miami, about 60 miles away.

Main Attraction in Key Largo:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and its primary specialties include:

• Vibrant living coral reefs, the iconic underwater Christ of the Abyss statue, and extensive mangrove forests. 

• An immersive visitor center featuring a massive 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

• The park is spread across 70 nautical square miles and offers multiple ways to experience the marine life both outside and inside the water. 

Key Largo → Islamorada 

Driving from Key Largo to Islamorada is a coastal journey along the Overseas Highway (US-1). This stretch defines the classic laid-back Florida Keys vibe, offering ocean views, quaint fishing villages, and peaceful marinas. 

Distance and Time: Takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cover the 17-mile distance.

Fishing Villages, Marinas & Attractions 

The Upper Keys region has a deep maritime history and local culture:

• Robbie's of Islamorada, where visitors can grab a bite to eat and explore local artisans.

• Bud n' Mary's Sportfishing Marina, watch the charter boats come in with their catch, or book deep-sea and backcountry fishing excursions. 

• The Rain Barrel Village, located at MM 86.7, this open-air artist colony that features tropical gardens, local galleries, and spots to grab a drink. 

Islamorada → Marathon 

The Islamorada to Marathon drive is a stunning 30-mile stretch along the Overseas Highway (US-1). People will cross major spans, including the Seven Mile Bridge, and 360-degree open-water driving above the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Distance and Time: Approximately 30 miles, and the drive is about 45 to 60 minutes non-stop.

Main Attraction in Marathon:

• Robbie's of Islamorada to grab some food. 

• Long Key State Park is ideal for quiet walks and offers beachfront access to travelers. 

• The Turtle Hospital is located just at the entrance of Marathon. It’s a rescue centre for rehabilitating sea turtles. 

• Sambrero Beach. 

Marathon → Big Pine Key 

The drive from Marathon to Big Pine crosses several small islands and offers open-water drives through the Seven Mile Bridge. It’s a natural destination for nature, wildlife, and beaches.

Distance and Time: It takes about 30 minutes to cover the 7-mile distance.

Main Attraction in Big Pine Key:

• Bahia Honda State Park.

• Calusa Beach that contains white sand and crystal clear water for swimming.

• Old Bahia Honda Bridge.

• National Key Deer Refuge, it shelters hundreds of the endangered dog-sized deer.

• The Blue Hole, where people can see turtles, wading birds, and alligators.

Big Pine Key → Key West 

This is the final drive from Big Pine Key to Key West, completed through the U.S. 1 Highway. The stretch of transit from the natural views to the Island city.

Distance and Time: 40 to 45 minutes to cover this 29-mile distance with a non-stop drive.

Key West Entry: 

People will cross the smaller bridges and the Cow Key Channel Bridge, which physically connects them to Key West. They will enter the island via N. Roosevelt Boulevard, which eventually splits into the palm-lined Overseas Highway heading toward Old Town. 

General Tips for a Florida Keys Road Trip

Commuters planning to drive from Miami to Key West should consider these tips before starting their journey.

• Fill up the tank before leaving Florida City: Florida City is the last major stop before the Overseas Highway begins. Fill up the gas tank and take care of bathroom or snack stops here.

• Leave Miami early to beat traffic: When heading out of Miami, leaving early helps avoid the morning rush hour. 

• Respect the speed limits strictly: The speed limit is about 45 mph through most Keys towns. The flashing lights in zones signal a drop to 20 mph, and the authorities enforce it.

• Check weather and road conditions before leaving: Checking weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out is important. There are 42 bridges along the Overseas Highway, and strong winds and sudden storms can make bridge crossings challenging.

• No rest areas on the route: There are no dedicated rest areas along the Miami to Key West drive, but there are many restaurants and convenience stores that have restrooms available.

• Prefer Renting Cars at Miami Airport: People arriving from another state or country should consider renting a car at the MIA Airport for convenience and to avoid traveling to another spot for pickups.

A road trip from Miami to Key West takes approximately four hours, but the timeline certainly depends on the passengers taking stops in between, as it can eventually increase their arrival time. However, it is also important to comply with the speed and fuel limits during the journey.