If you look at a map, it seems like a quick hop. You see that thin ribbon of asphalt stretching across the turquoise water and think, "Oh, I'll just zip down there for lunch."
Don't do that.
Honestly, figuring out how far is Miami Florida from Key West Florida is less about the odometer and more about the "Keys time" reality. On paper, it’s about 160 miles. In reality? It’s a journey through 42 bridges, countless slow-speed zones, and some of the most distracting scenery in the United States.
You’re basically driving into the ocean.
The Raw Numbers (and Why They Lie)
Strictly speaking, if you start at Miami International Airport and drive to the Southernmost Point buoy in Key West, you’re looking at roughly 160 to 166 miles. If you could drive 70 mph the whole way, you'd be there in under two and a half hours.
But you can't.
The Overseas Highway (US-1) is mostly a two-lane road. Once you hit Key Largo, the speed limits drop. They drop a lot. You’ll be doing 35 mph or 45 mph through town centers. Toss in a slow-moving boat trailer or a tourist gawking at a manatee, and that "three-hour drive" easily turns into five.
If you're flying, the distance is shorter—about 126 miles "as the crow flies." It takes about 50 minutes in the air, but by the time you deal with TSA and rental cars, you might as well have driven.
Distance by the Clock
- Driving: 3.5 to 5 hours (depending on traffic and how much you like Key Lime pie).
- Flying: 50–90 minutes of air time.
- Bus/Shuttle: 4 to 5 hours.
- Boat: 4 to 7 hours, depending on your hull and the "no-wake" zones.
The Overseas Highway: More Than Just Miles
When people ask about the distance, they’re usually planning a road trip. The road itself is a marvel of engineering. You’re following the ghost of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935.
The highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge.
It’s exactly what it sounds like. For seven miles, you are surrounded by nothing but water. To your right is the Gulf of Mexico; to your left is the Atlantic Ocean. It’s breathtaking. It’s also a place where you cannot pull over. If there’s an accident on that bridge, the "distance" between Miami and Key West becomes irrelevant because nobody is moving for a while.
Where to Stop (Because You Should)
If you just drive straight through, you’re doing it wrong. The 160 miles should be savored.
- Robert Is Here (Homestead): Technically not in the Keys yet, but it’s the unofficial starting gate. Get a milkshake. Trust me.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): This is at Mile Marker 102. It’s the first undersea park in the US.
- Robbie’s of Islamorada: You go here to feed the tarpon. These fish are huge, and they will jump for the bait in your hand. It’s terrifying and great.
- The Turtle Hospital (Marathon): A real working hospital for sea turtles. It's heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time.
Why Traffic is Your Biggest Hurdle
In 2026, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is still working on various stretches of US-1. Currently, there’s a significant repaving and reconstruction project between Mile Marker 108 and 112.
If you hit this at night, you might be detoured to Card Sound Road. That adds miles and a toll.
Pro tip: Check the FL511 app before you leave Miami. If there’s a wreck in the Upper Keys, you might want to grab a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana and wait it out. There is only one way in and one way out.
Flying vs. Driving: The Great Debate
Most travelers fly into Miami (MIA) because it’s cheaper. From there, they rent a car.
However, American Airlines and a few others run "puddle jumpers" directly into Key West International (EYW). It’s a tiny airport. You walk off the plane onto the tarmac. It feels very Hemingway-esque.
Is it worth the extra $200?
If you only have 48 hours, yes. If you have a week, drive. You’ll miss the transition from the glitz of Miami to the "Conch Republic" vibe of Key West if you fly over it. The change in atmosphere is gradual. It’s the smell of salt air getting stronger and the buildings getting shorter.
Getting There by Water
There isn't a direct ferry from Miami to Key West anymore, which surprises a lot of people.
The famous Key West Express actually runs out of Fort Myers and Marco Island on the Gulf Coast. If you’re determined to arrive by sea from Miami, you’re looking at chartering a private boat or taking your own.
The distance by water is about 134 nautical miles. If you’re cruising at a casual 20 knots, you’re looking at a full day on the water. You’ll navigate through Biscayne Bay and then down the Hawk Channel. It’s beautiful, but it requires actual maritime knowledge. Don't just wing it with a rental pontoon.
The "Mile Marker" System
In the Keys, we don't use street addresses much. We use Mile Markers (MM).
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- Miami: Start at MM 127 (roughly).
- Key Largo: MM 106.
- Islamorada: MM 82.
- Marathon: MM 50.
- Key West: MM 0.
When you see that green "0" sign in Key West, you've made it. It’s the most photographed sign in the state for a reason.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think Key West is the only "Key" worth seeing. That’s a mistake.
The distance between the islands is short, but the personalities are wildly different. Islamorada is the fishing capital. Big Pine Key is where the tiny Key Deer live (watch your speed there, the fines are massive).
Also, don't expect "white sand beaches" the whole way down. The Keys are coral islands. Most of the "beaches" are man-made or very rocky. If you want the classic Florida beach, stay in Miami. If you want world-class diving and a sunset that looks like the sky is on fire, keep driving to Key West.
Actionable Tips for the Trip
If you're making the trek, here is how to handle the 160-mile stretch like a local:
- Leave Early: If you leave Miami at 10:00 AM on a Friday, you’re going to sit in traffic with everyone else. Leave at 7:00 AM.
- Gas Up in Homestead: Fuel prices jump significantly once you cross the bridge into Key Largo.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is usually fine, but there are "dead zones" in the middle of the long bridges where GPS can get wonky.
- Respect the Speed Zones: Especially in Big Pine Key. The police there do not give warnings for speeding through the deer sanctuaries.
- Check the Calendar: If it’s "Fantasy Fest" or a major holiday, double your travel time estimates.
Knowing how far is Miami Florida from Key West Florida is the easy part. Managing the drive, the heat, and the temptation to stop at every tiki bar is the real challenge. Pack some polarized sunglasses, put on a playlist, and enjoy the ride. It’s the only place in America where you can feel like you’ve left the country without ever showing a passport.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current Florida 511 traffic alerts for the Overseas Highway to see if there are any active construction delays near Mile Marker 108. Once you've confirmed the road is clear, book your rental car in advance at Miami International Airport, as prices tend to spike for "one-way" drop-offs in Key West.