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Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA to Key West, FL, USA from $18: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Fort Lauderdale, United States
to
Key West, United States

How to Get from Fort Lauderdale to Key West: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$18 by busBest price
241.4 kmDistance
2h 44m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
2h  54m
Estimated price
$165-568
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  35m
Estimated price
$18-92
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 241.4 km
Duration: 2h 44m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  44m
Estimated price
$98-396
Company
Keys Shuttle
Drive
Average Duration
7h  54m
Estimated price
$111-193
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Traveling From Fort Lauderdale to Key West

Traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Key West offers a striking transition from urban sophistication and vibrant nightlife to the laid-back, island charm of the Florida Keys.

Best Neighbourhoods in Key West

Key West features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Old Town
• Historic architecture and colorful streets.
• Close to nightlife and attractions.
New Town
• More modern amenities and shopping options.
• Less touristy, offering a local experience.
Stock Island
• Home to working docks and lively marinas.
• Great seafood restaurants and art galleries.

Best Times To Visit Key West's Attractions

Planning your visit around less crowded times enhances your Key West experience.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Visit early in the morning to enjoy the gardens peacefully and avoid larger crowds.
Mallory Square
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for prime viewing without the rush.
Duval Street
Explore in the late afternoon when shops are less busy and the vibe is relaxed.

Key West Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Key West enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it a delightful destination for beach lovers. Visiting during the winter and early spring often means milder weather, while late summer may bring humidity and sudden rain showers that can affect outdoor plans.

Dining in Key West: A Unique Culinary Experience

For a true taste of the Keys, try the conch fritters at Blue Heaven, a laid-back eatery known for its open-air dining amidst lush gardens, a stark contrast to Fort Lauderdale's sleek waterfront dining. The use of fresh, local seafood and a vibrant, tropical atmosphere create a unique culinary experience that reflects the island’s character.

Fort Lauderdale - Key West operators

Explore transport companies operating between Fort Lauderdale and Key West, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
954-783-6030
Website
https://www.tri-rail.com/

Train from Fort Lauderdale Station to Miami Airport Station

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$4-6
Plane Show flights
Website
silverairways.com

Plane from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) to Key West (EYW)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$85-430
Website
aa.com

Plane from Miami Airport (MIA) to Key West (EYW)

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
$150-650
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Miami Airport Station to Key West

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$15-60
Shuttle
Contact phone
+1 (305) 289-9997
Website
https://keysshuttle.com

Shuttle from Fort Lauderdale, FL - International Airport to Sugarloaf Key - Upper - Past Crane Blvd/School

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$110-190
Drive

Drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$30-50

Fort Lauderdale to Key West: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Fort Lauderdale and Key West offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🌴 Embark on a scenic road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, covering a driving distance of approximately 305.8 km. 🚗 The journey from Fort Lauderdale to Key West takes around 4 hours by car, offering travelers the freedom to explore charming towns and beautiful landscapes at their own pace. 💸 Travelers can expect to spend between $30 to $50 on gas and tolls for the road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, making it an affordable and memorable adventure through the picturesque Florida Keys. 🌞
Average price
$30 - $50
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train journey include dining options ranging from light snacks to full meals, depending on the operator. For example, Amtrak provides a dining car where you can enjoy regional cuisine and beverages. Check your train’s schedule ahead of time as meal services may vary.
• When booking your tickets, you will find options such as Coach (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Amtrak offers comfortable seating with amenities such as power outlets and more legroom in Business Class. For a premium experience, consider First Class, which includes complimentary meals and beverages.
• The primary operators for the journey from Fort Lauderdale to Key West are Amtrak and the Brightline train service. For schedules and ticket bookings, visit their websites: Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Brightline (gobrightline.com). Also, explore shuttle services like Key West Transit for local transportation.
🛫 Flying from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is a quick and convenient travel option, with a direct flight from Miami Airport to Key West Airport taking just 55 minutes. ✈️ American Airlines provides flights between Miami Airport and Key West Airport, making it easy to reach the beautiful island city in under 3 hours from Fort Lauderdale. 💸 Flight prices between Key West and Fort Lauderdale can vary, ranging from $98 to $396, giving travelers flexibility based on their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Miami Airport
Arrival Point
Key West Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, consider checking both American Airlines and Silver Airways as they provide direct services on this route, often with competitive pricing.
• Upon arrival at Key West International Airport, expect a small, user-friendly terminal; keep your eye out for the ground transportation area, where ride-shares like Uber and local taxi services are available for an approximate fare of $20 to the city center.
• For dining options before or after your flight, check out the American Airlines website for any meal services available on your flight, and explore Key West dining recommendations online for great seafood spots near the airport.
🚌 If you're traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Key West by bus, be prepared for a journey of approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes with transfers involved. 🎫 Ticket prices for the bus between Key West and Fort Lauderdale range from $18 to $92, offering an affordable way to travel between these two vibrant Florida cities.
Departure Point
Miami Airport Station
Arrival Point
Key West station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your tickets in advance as prices for the bus from Fort Lauderdale to Key West can vary significantly, and securing a seat early can save you money; for schedules, visit Greyhound or RedCoach's websites at greyhound.com and redcoachusa.com
• Plan for a layover at Miami Airport Station; use this time to grab a bite at the airport's variety of dining options—like Shake Shack or Starbucks—to refuel before continuing your journey to Key West.
• When you arrive at Key West Station, check out the local transportation options such as the Lower Keys Shuttle to navigate around the island—plan your route in advance by visiting Key West Transit's website at kwtransit.com to help you get to your accommodations efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.

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The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Key West is approximately 241.4 km by road. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation. The quickest way to reach Key West is by plane, with a travel time of 3 hours and 37 minutes. Taking a train to Miami and then flying is the second fastest option, taking approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes. Traveling by ferry is the slowest option, with a travel time of 6 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is to fly. The flight takes approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes, making it the quickest option. The cost of the flight varies between $85 and $380. Alternatively, driving is also a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $30 to $50, but it takes longer, approximately 4 hours.
The price of a bus ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Key West can range from $18 to $92, depending on the specific bus service and fare options. On the other hand, the price of a ferry ticket between the two cities typically ranges from $123 to $147.
To get from Fort Lauderdale to Key West without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 305.8 km. The journey typically takes around 4 hours by car. Prices for renting a car and driving from Fort Lauderdale to Key West can vary, but generally range from $30 to $50, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.
The best way to travel from Fort Lauderdale to Key West without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes and ticket prices range from $18 to $95.
Yes, there is a direct link between Fort Lauderdale and Key West but it involves transferring at Miami Bus Station. The bus service, operated by Flixbus USA, departs from Fort Lauderdale and arrives at Key West via Miami. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes, including transfers.
The flight between Fort Lauderdale and Key West typically takes 50 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $88 to $377.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Key West with over 466 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $142 per night.