Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into EYW, drive to Key West
6 min drive2 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- EYW
Airport drive- 6 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 3–4 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- A car is essential for the Lower Keys, but a liability in Old Town; check for narrow-street rental restrictions.
Your route
EYW
Key West International Airport
Key West
About 6 min · 2 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to EYW
Compare fares into Key West International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at EYW
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Key West. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at EYW
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Key West
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Historic Old Town and Marine Reserve Reservations
Access to Dry Tortugas National Park requires ferry or seaplane bookings months in advance; this is distinct from local reef charters or state park entry. State parks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda use day-use fees, while specialized marine excursions have limited capacity. Verify all systems via official NPS and Florida State Parks portals.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
December – April
Your route
Day 1 · Old Town Immersion and Sunset Waterfront
Duval Street Historic District → Mallory Square
Day 2 · Coastal Heritage and Coral Reefs
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary → Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Day 3 · Lower Keys Ecology and Overseas Vistas
Bahia Honda State Park → National Key Deer Refuge
Viator
Tours & experiences near Key West
Explore guided activities around Key West. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Key West
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
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
What is the closest airport to Key West?
Key West International Airport (EYW) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from EYW to Key West?
Roughly 6 min (about 2 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Key West?
Access to Dry Tortugas National Park requires ferry or seaplane bookings months in advance; this is distinct from local reef charters or state park entry. State parks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda use day-use fees, while specialized marine excursions have limited capacity. Verify all systems via official NPS and Florida State Parks portals.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Key West
