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Flights to MIA
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Gateway Road Trip · Florida
Miami to Key West Road Trip
Fly into MIA6–8 days~10848 mi loop (straight-line)Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- MIA
Suggested stay- 6–8 days
Reservation demand- 4 stops · check each guide
Who this route is for
Built for visitors from Europe, the UK and Latin America who want beaches, coral reefs and wetland wildlife on a short, easy-driving loop.
Land in Miami, drive the Overseas Highway through Key Largo to Key West, cross the Everglades on the Tamiami Trail to Naples and return the car at MIA.
Start in Miami
Arrange your arrival, choose your wheels and get connected before the first park day.
Book in this order
2Step 2 · Motorhome Republic
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
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Motorhome or campervan
Professional fleets; check pickup hours and park vehicle limits.
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2Step 2 · Airport Rentals
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MIA
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Car or SUV at MIA
Choose MIA pickup, dates and a standard car or SUV.
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3Step 3 · Vrbo
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
Stays near Miami
Choose your overnight stops and check dates on Vrbo.
Find cabins & homesBefore you go · Airalo
Mobile data for the U.S.
Check phone compatibility; download maps before entering the parks.
Get a U.S. eSIMBefore you fly: essentials for overseas visitors
Entry: ESTA or visa
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply only on the official U.S. government ESTA website and allow at least 72 hours.
Driving licence
A valid licence in the Latin alphabet is generally accepted for rentals; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside it and required by some rental desks.
Hurricane season
Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November, peaking August to October. Buy flexible bookings and follow National Hurricane Center advisories.
Tolls are electronic
Many Miami highways are cashless. Ask your rental company how tolls (SunPass) are billed so you are not surprised by admin fees.
Everglades park pass
Everglades National Park charges a vehicle entry fee; the America the Beautiful pass covers it. Bring mosquito repellent in the wet season.
One road to Key West
The Overseas Highway is a single two-lane road for long stretches. Allow 3.5–4 hours from Miami to Key West and avoid driving it after dark on Friday evenings.
The loop, stop by stop
1Miami
Suggested: 2 days
~114 mi straight-line from Miami
Key Largo is the first stop on the Overseas Highway — snorkel John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
2Florida Keys
Suggested: 4 days
Overseas Highway Access and Reef Protection
~17 mi straight-line from Florida Keys
3Key West
Suggested: 3 days
Historic Old Town and Marine Reserve Reservations
~5424 mi straight-line from Key West
The drive follows the Tamiami Trail through Everglades National Park and Big Cypress; stop at Shark Valley or the Everglades City visitor area.
4Naples
Suggested: 3 days
- Return to Miami and drop the car at MIA.
Experiences worth planning ahead
Guided tours along the loop: choose what fits your route and allow time for the meeting point.
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Florida Tropical & Keys Loop from Miami
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
How many days do I need for Miami, Key West and the Everglades?
Plan 6 to 8 days: two nights in Miami, one in Key Largo, two in Key West and one or two in Naples after crossing the Everglades.
Can I return the rental car in Miami?
Yes. The loop returns to Miami, so you can drop the car at MIA and usually avoid one-way fees.
When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?
December to April is dry and mild. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane risk peaks from August to October.
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