Lois Larson
The Florida Keys are a string of islands that can be reached by car, ferry, or plane. There are two airports in the Florida Keys: Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and Key West International Airport. Key West International Airport is the only airport in the Keys with commercial air service, but it is a small airport with only a few gates. If you are looking for a more relaxing trip, you can fly into Key West and drive to your destination. However, if you are looking for a more convenient trip with more flight options, you may want to consider flying into a larger airport like Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and then driving to the Keys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports in the Florida Keys | Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, Key West International Airport |
| Airports near the Florida Keys | Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport |
| Transport options to the Florida Keys | Drive, fly, ferry |
| Transport options within the Florida Keys | Car, bus, taxi, ferry, plane |
| Airlines that fly to the Florida Keys | AirStar Executive Airways |
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What You'll Learn
Flying into Key West International Airport
Key West International Airport (IATA: EYW, ICAO: KEYW, FAA LID: EYW) is located in the City of Key West in Monroe County, Florida, 2 miles (3.2 km; 1.7 nmi) east of the main commercial centre of Key West. The airport's relatively short runway of 5,076 feet (1,547 m) limits the size and weight of aircraft that can serve the airport.
Key West's aviation history began in 1913 with a flight to Cuba by Augustin Parla. In 1928, Pan American Airways started scheduled flights from the airport. During the 1970s and 1980s, a number of commuter and regional airlines served the airport, primarily with nonstop flights to Miami, but also with services to Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Tampa. These included Air Florida Commuter, Dolphin Airlines, Jetstream International Airlines, Provincetown-Boston Airlines, and Southern Express.
In the early 1990s, USAir and Eastern Air Lines ended their jet services to the airport, and all commercial services were operated by propeller aircraft for the rest of the decade. Airlines operating at that time included Airways International, Pan Am Express, and Paradise Island Airlines. In 1993, Cape Air began services to Key West, and in 1996, the airline expanded with flights to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers.
In 2009, mainline jet service returned to the airport when AirTran Airways introduced flights to Orlando International Airport. Delta Air Lines also upgraded some of their Atlanta flights to mainline service. In 2011, AirTran added flights to Tampa, and in 2012, Southwest Airlines took over these flights as part of a merger. In 2017, the airport was awarded a $6.5 million grant by the FAA for a runway project.
Today, Key West International Airport offers a convenient gateway to the Florida Keys, with non-stop flights available to and from various destinations.
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Flying into Miami International Airport
The Florida Keys are a string of islands that can be reached by car, ferry, or plane. If you're flying into Miami International Airport (MIA), there are a few ways to get to the Florida Keys.
Firstly, you can rent a car and drive to the Keys. From MIA, you can take LeJeune Road south to 836 West, then follow the Florida Turnpike south towards Key West. The Turnpike will connect you to Route US 1 in Florida City, which you can take through the Keys to Key West. This drive is approximately 130 miles, and you'll get to experience the scenic route with 42 bridges and beautiful blue water and islands along the way. However, keep in mind that at peak travel times, traffic can be congested, so it's recommended to travel during off-peak hours.
Another option is to take a shuttle bus from MIA to the Florida Keys. The Greyhound Keys Shuttle offers three daily departures to all areas in the Keys. FlixBus is another option, offering comfortable rides with amenities like free Wi-Fi and extra legroom. They operate six days a week and can take you to Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West.
If you prefer a more private option, you can book a charter bus from companies like National Charter Bus Miami or Miami Charter Bus Company. These companies provide rentals with various passenger capacities and amenities like free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment systems.
Finally, if you don't mind a longer travel time, you can take a bus or a combination of a train and a shuttle bus. The Greyhound Lines bus service makes scheduled stops between MIA and the Florida Keys. Additionally, you can take an Amtrak train to Fort Lauderdale and then transfer to the Keys Shuttle bus.
While flying into MIA is a convenient option, keep in mind that the Florida Keys also have their own airports. Key West International Airport (EYW) and Florida Keys Marathon Airport offer commercial and charter flights, respectively, and can be more convenient options if you're staying in those areas.
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Flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major public airport located in Broward County, Florida. It is roughly 3 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. The airport is conveniently located off Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road A1A, and Florida State Road 5. It is bounded by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport operates four terminals with 66 gates, with another terminal under construction as of 2024. The airport has over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations and has become an intercontinental gateway since the late 1990s. It serves as a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale area and a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton.
The airport has a variety of amenities and services for passengers. All terminals offer free wireless internet access. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of the FLL Airport App, which provides real-time flight and parking information, an airport guide, and more. International travellers can also use the Mobile Passport app to submit their passport and customs declaration information electronically.
The airport features artwork, including a piece by internationally known artist and sculptor Duane Hanson. His installation, titled "Vendor with Walkman", can be found at the Departure Level of Terminal 3. The artwork depicts a seated middle-aged man wearing a casual outfit and listening to a walkman, with accessories that add to the narrative.
When considering flying into Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, it's important to keep in mind the distance to your final destination in the Florida Keys. While the airport is convenient for those staying in Key West, it may add some travel time for those visiting Key Largo or other areas in the Keys. However, many people prefer Fort Lauderdale as it is a smaller airport with more convenient baggage and car rental options compared to Miami International Airport.
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Flying into Florida Keys Marathon International Airport
The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (IATA: MTH, ICAO: KMTH, FAA LID: MTH) is located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The airport covers 197 acres of land and has one 8000-foot runway. It was built by the U.S. Navy as an auxiliary airfield for the Naval Air Station in Key West during World War II and was completed in the spring of 1943. For most of its existence, the airport has served as a general aviation facility, although it did have scheduled passenger airline services for over 25 years.
The airport is located along the Overseas Highway (US1) in Marathon, providing easy access to the Florida Keys. If you plan on visiting the Keys, this airport could be a convenient option for your travel needs.
Several airlines have served the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport over the years, including Air Florida Commuter, Provincetown-Boston Airlines (PBA), Air Miami, North American Airlines, Airways International, and Cape Air, among others. In 2006, there were concerns about a shortage of personnel for security screening at the airport, but local lobbying efforts ensured that screeners would be provided by February 2007. As a result, ASA began daily nonstop flights between Atlanta and Marathon on behalf of Delta, marking the first time the airport had scheduled jet service.
When arriving at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, you can conveniently find car rental, taxi, and bus services located right in the terminal. Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Key Hopper Taxi Service are some of the options available for your transportation needs. Additionally, the airport offers free parking, making it a convenient choice if you plan on driving during your stay in the Florida Keys.
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Driving to the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a string of islands that stretch about 113 miles from Key Largo in the northeast to Key West in the southwest. Driving from Key Largo to Key West takes about 2.5 hours, but you'll want to give yourself more time to make stops along the way.
The Florida Keys are accessible by car via the Overseas Highway, which begins in Florida City, just south of Homestead, and ends in Key West. The highway features a series of bridges connecting the islands, including the Seven Mile Bridge, which is the longest. The route is lined with kitschy attractions, including a giant spiny lobster and lipsticked manatees clutching mailboxes.
If you're driving from Miami, you can take Card Sound Road, which will lead you to Key Largo. Along the way, you'll find Alabama Jack's, a waterside seafood shack that's been a popular spot for travellers since 1947. From there, you can cross the Card Sound Bridge into Key Largo, where you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This park is home to a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral barrier reef in North America.
As you continue down the Overseas Highway, you'll pass through Islamorada, a string of tiny islands that offer plenty of attractions. These include Harry Harris Park in Tavernier, Robbie's Marina, and Anne's Beach. Islamorada is also a great place to charter a seaplane for a bird's-eye view of the islands and the ocean.
Further along the route, you can take a detour to Bahia Honda State Park, a 524-acre nature preserve between the Atlantic and the Gulf, featuring Sandspur Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in the Keys.
Finally, you'll reach Key West, a charming island with a rich history and a unique culture. Key West International Airport (EYW) is the only airport in the Keys with commercial air service, so if you're flying directly to the Keys, this is likely where you'll arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two airports in the Florida Keys: Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and Key West International Airport.
The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is located in the very centre point of the Florida Keys.
Miami International Airport is the largest airport close to the Florida Keys. It is about 60 miles and an hour's drive from Key Largo, which is at the top of the Florida Keys.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is another large airport close to the Florida Keys. It is slightly less crowded than Miami International Airport but adds an extra 30 miles and about 40 minutes to the route to Key Largo.
Yes, the Key West Golf Club is located just minutes from the Key West International Airport.
