You're looking for flights to Marathon Florida because you want that middle-of-the-road Keys vibe—the one where you can eat a fish sandwich at Castaway and be on the Seven Mile Bridge in five minutes. But here is the thing. If you go to a major booking site and type in "MTH," you might be surprised by the results. Or lack thereof.
Honestly, the logistics of getting to the heart of the Florida Keys are kinda misunderstood. Most people assume every "International" airport has a gate for Delta or United. Marathon is different. It’s special. But it requires a bit of a strategy shift if you don't own a Gulfstream.
The Reality of Flying Into Marathon (MTH)
The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH) is a gem. It recently went through a massive runway upgrade that finished up in late 2025, which was a huge deal for the local economy. But—and this is a big "but"—as of right now, there is no scheduled commercial airline service directly into MTH.
None.
Basically, if you see a website promising "cheap commercial flights to Marathon," they are usually just selling you a ticket to Miami or Key West and hoping you don't notice the 50-mile gap. MTH is currently a paradise for general aviation. It’s where the private jets land. It's where charter outfits like Silver Air (not to be confused with the airline Silver Airways) and various "on-demand" operators bring in the high-flyers.
If you aren't chartering a plane, your "flight to Marathon" is actually a flight to somewhere nearby followed by a scenic drive.
Where You Should Actually Land
Since you can't hop on a Boeing 737 and land in Marathon, you've got two real choices. Most travelers end up at Miami International (MIA) or Key West International (EYW).
Miami is the budget-friendly play. It’s a massive hub. You can find flights from literally anywhere—London, Dallas, Chicago—and the prices are usually the lowest you’ll find in the state. Once you land, you grab a rental car and head south. It’s a two-hour drive if the traffic gods are smiling on you. If it’s a Friday afternoon in February? Plan for three.
Key West is the "lazy" play (and I mean that in the best way possible). It is only about 45 to 50 minutes from Marathon. American Airlines, Delta, and Allegiant fly in there regularly. It’s a tiny, charming airport. You walk off the plane, smell the salt air immediately, and you’re in a car and headed north on US-1 before your seatmate in Miami has even found the baggage claim.
The Charter Workaround
If you really want to land in Marathon, you go private. It isn't just for billionaires anymore, though it still isn't "cheap." Companies like Jumpjet or local Florida charters out of Fort Lauderdale (FXE) or Miami Executive (TMB) can buzz you down in a King Air or a Cessna.
Is it worth it?
If you have a group of six people, the cost of a private charter from Fort Lauderdale to Marathon sometimes rivals the cost of six last-minute, full-fare commercial tickets plus the hassle of a three-hour drive. Plus, the view of the reefs from 3,000 feet is something you’ll never forget.
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Ground Transport: The Final Leg
So, you’ve landed in Miami or Key West. Now what?
- The Keys Shuttle: They run three times a day between the major airports and Marathon. It’s door-to-door.
- FlixBus: Surprisingly reliable and very cheap. They stop right in Marathon.
- Rental Cars: This is the standard. Just be aware that "one-way" rentals (picking up in Miami and dropping in Marathon) can have a "drop fee" that will make your eyes water.
What No One Tells You About the Drive
If you fly into Miami to get to Marathon, you’re going to drive the Overseas Highway. Most people think it’s just a road. It’s not. It’s a series of 42 bridges.
The highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge, which starts right at the south end of Marathon. If you’re flying into Key West and driving up, you’ll cross it heading north. Keep your eyes peeled for the "Old Seven" bridge running parallel—you can see people walking and biking on it. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the world for a reason.
Making the Choice
Which route wins?
Honestly, it depends on your patience. If you hate driving and have a bit of extra cash, Key West (EYW) is the winner. It saves you the "Miami crawl." If you’re a family of five trying to keep costs down, Miami (MIA) is the only logical choice. You’ll save enough on airfare to pay for your entire hotel stay at somewhere like Isla Bella or Tranquility Bay.
Keep an eye on the news, though. There is always talk of a regional carrier like Silver Airways or Southern Airways Express eyeing Marathon for a return of scheduled "puddle jumper" service. Until that happens, MTH remains the world's most beautiful private driveway.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check Key West (EYW) First: Before booking Miami, look at Allegiant or American's direct flights to Key West. Sometimes the price difference is less than $50, which is cheaper than the gas and tolls from Miami.
- Verify Your Rental Location: If you are renting a car in Miami, make sure they allow "Keys travel" without extra surcharges—most do, but some boutique agencies are weird about it.
- Book Your Shuttle Early: If you aren't renting a car, book the Keys Shuttle at least a week out. They use 12-passenger vans and they fill up fast, especially during lobster season or spring break.
- Monitor MTH Status: If you are a pilot or looking for charters, check the latest NOTAMs for MTH. The airport is fully operational after the 2025 upgrades, but local noise ordinances and specific FBO (Million Air) rules are strictly enforced.