Florida Keys Gateway: Which Airport To Choose?

The Florida Keys is a 110-mile string of islands with two airports: Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and Key West International Airport. The former is a private airport with no commercial flights, located in the centre of the Keys, an hour's drive from Key West and Key Largo. Key West International Airport, on the other hand, is located at the westernmost point of the Florida Keys and offers U.S. Customs for international travellers.

Key West International Airport

There are several hotels and resorts located near the airport, including Margaritaville Beach House, Pier House Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Residence Club. Key West itself offers plenty of activities for visitors, including boat rentals, snorkelling tours, parasailing, and sunset dinner cruises. The Dry Tortuga National Park, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and Mallory Square are also popular sightseeing locations in Key West.

For those travelling to the Florida Keys, the choice of airport depends on the specific destination within the Keys. If your destination is Key Largo, then Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports may be more convenient. However, if you are headed straight to Key West, then flying into Key West International Airport is a good option.

Florida Keys Marathon International Airport

The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (KMTH) is located in the center of the Florida Keys, in Marathon, Monroe County. It is a public airport that covers 197 acres of land and has one runway. The airport was built by the U.S. Navy as an auxiliary airfield for Naval Air Station Key West during World War II and was transferred to Monroe County for civilian use at the end of the war.

For most of its existence, the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport has been a general aviation facility, although it did have scheduled passenger airline services for over 25 years, including regional jet services. The airport currently does not have any scheduled passenger airline flights but offers charter air services and accommodates private aircraft of various sizes with its 5,000-foot runway.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection services are available at the airport from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays, and after hours by appointment. The airport provides free parking and easy access to ground transportation options, including car rental agencies, taxi services, and bus companies located within the terminal.

The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport played a crucial role during the Screwworm outbreak in 2016 and in the response to Hurricane Irma in 2017, showcasing its importance to the region beyond just transportation.

Miami International Airport

If you're driving from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys, take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. Then, take the Florida Turnpike south towards Key West, which ends at US 1 in Florida City. From there, follow US 1 south into the Florida Keys.

There are also shuttle services available from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys. Keys Shuttle provides three trips daily, with door-to-door shuttle service from the Florida Keys to and from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, seven days a week. Vans carry a maximum of twelve passengers. In addition to their regular service, Keys Shuttle also provides private charter services.

Greyhound Lines also makes scheduled stops between Miami International Airport and the Florida Keys, including Key Largo.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, Florida Keys Express Shuttle, LLC offers car services and transportation to Key West, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Miami International Airports. They offer vehicle options such as 11-passenger Mercedes Benz vans and SUV limousines.

So, whether you're looking for a quick and convenient shuttle or a more luxurious car service, there are plenty of options available to get you from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (IATA: FLL, ICAO: KFLL, FAA LID: FLL) is a major public airport in Broward County, Florida. It is located roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is a convenient gateway to the Florida Keys, especially for those headed to Key Largo, as it is only about 45 minutes away.

With over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport has become an intercontinental gateway since the late 1990s. It serves as a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton areas, and a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton. The airport is a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, which has its corporate headquarters in nearby Miramar. It is also the primary South Florida airport for Southwest Airlines.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1929 as Merle Fogg Field, a name that pays homage to World War I aviator Merle Fogg. During World War II, it was commissioned by the United States Navy and renamed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, serving as a training base for Naval Aviators.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport operates four terminals with 66 gates, with another terminal under construction as of 2024. The airport provides convenient ground transportation options, including shuttle services, ride-sharing, and a consolidated rental car facility. It also offers free wireless internet access in all terminals and a mobile app with real-time flight and parking information.

When travelling to the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is a great option, especially for those looking to explore Key Largo or Marathon, as it offers easy connections and a more relaxed alternative to the larger Miami International Airport.

Driving from Miami to the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys stretch 180 km (113 miles) from Miami to Key West and the islands are linked by a series of bridges, known as the Overseas Highway. The drive from Miami to Key West can take anywhere from three hours to three days, depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the way.

If you're driving from Miami to the Florida Keys, you'll first reach Key Largo, which is about a 90-minute drive from Miami. Key Largo is home to the quirky Jules Undersea Hotel, where guests don wetsuits and sleep underwater. It's also a great place to learn to scuba dive.

As you continue your journey, you'll pass through Islamorada, known for its vibrant art scene and unique shops. This is also where you'll find the Netflix series Bloodline was set.

Your next stop will be Marathon, located about 115 miles from Miami. Marathon is home to the Turtle Hospital, a fully functioning veterinary hospital that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick sea turtles. It's also where you'll find the oldest restaurant in the area, Castaway Restaurant, which serves up local favourite lionfish.

As you drive further south, you'll pass through the Lower Keys, which offer great beaches and RV parks. Finally, you'll reach Key West, the southernmost point of the United States. Key West is a charming and colourful historic town, centred around Mallory Square. Here, you can visit Ernest Hemingway's House, take a helicopter flight, and indulge in the famous key lime pie.

Throughout your drive, you'll be treated to stunning scenery, including the Seven Mile Bridge and the concrete bridges snaking across the Atlantic Ocean. Keep in mind that the road is only one or two lanes most of the way, so it can be slow-going at times.

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