Owais Crawford
The Florida Keys can be accessed by flight, ferry, bus, or car. 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, although Miami International Airport is the largest close airport to the Keys. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is another option, although it is slightly further away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports in the Florida Keys | Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, Key West International Airport |
| Location of Florida Keys Marathon International Airport | Center of the Florida Keys |
| Location of Key West International Airport | Westernmost point of the Florida Keys |
| Distance from Miami International Airport to Key Largo | 60 miles, 1-2 hours |
| Distance from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Key Largo | 90 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Distance from Key West International Airport to Key Largo | 1 hour |
| Distance from Florida Keys Marathon International Airport to Key Largo | 1 hour |
| Distance from Florida Keys Marathon International Airport to Key West | 1 hour |
| Facilities at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport | Free parking, car rental, taxi, bus |
| Facilities at Key West International Airport | U.S. Customs, U.S. Customs and Immigration |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The two airports in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are accessible by flight, ferry, bus, or car. There are two airports in the Florida Keys: Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and Key West International Airport. The Marathon Airport was built by the U.S. Navy as an auxiliary airfield for the Naval Air Station Key West during World War II. It was later deactivated as a military facility and transferred to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners for use as a civilian airport. The airport has free parking and car rental, taxi, and bus services located in the terminal. Marathon Airport also played a crucial role during the Screwworm outbreak in 2016 and the response to Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Key West International Airport, on the other hand, is the westernmost point of the Florida Keys. It has recently undergone a runway reconstruction to accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 737s. The airport also offers U.S. Customs services for international travellers. Key West International is a convenient option for those staying in Key West, eliminating the need to drive in Miami's heavy traffic.
When deciding which airport to fly into, it is essential to consider your destination within the Florida Keys and your preferred mode of transportation. Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are also popular choices located near the Florida Keys. Miami International is the closest "mainland" airport, about a 2-hour drive from Key West, with Fort Lauderdale being a slightly further alternative. These larger airports offer more affordable fares but may require a longer drive to reach your final destination in the Florida Keys.
Understanding Airport Categories: What Does Category X Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport
The airport has a rich history, dating back to its construction during World War II. It was initially built by the U.S. Navy in the early 1940s as an auxiliary airfield for the Naval Air Station Key West. After the war, it was deactivated as a military facility and transferred to civilian control, becoming a general aviation facility under the management of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
Over the years, various commuter airlines have served the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Air Florida Commuter provided service to Marathon and Key West through a code-sharing agreement. Other airlines that have operated at the airport include Provincetown-Boston Airlines (PBA), Air Miami, North American Airlines, Airways International, and Cape Air, among others.
The airport offers convenient services for travellers, including free parking and on-site car rental, taxi, and bus companies located within the terminal. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection services are available at specific times, operating from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays, with appointments available outside of these hours.
Exploring Paradise: Airport Services for the Bahamas Getaway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.93
Key West International Airport
The history of aviation in Key West dates back to 1913 when Augustin Parla made a flight to Cuba. In 1928, Pan American Airways commenced scheduled flights to Key West. During World War II, the airport was used by the U.S. Army and Navy as an alternative to the Trumbo Point seaplane base. After the war, it became the Key West Municipal Airport. In 1953, the city transferred ownership of Meacham Field to Monroe County, enabling the development of the site into an international airport.
National Airlines began flights to Miami in 1944, initially using Lockheed Lodestar twin-prop aircraft. In 1968, National introduced the first jet flights to Key West, offering non-stop service to Miami with Boeing 727-100s. By 1969, National operated daily jet services to major airports on the East Coast. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, various commuter and regional airlines served Key West, primarily offering non-stop flights to Miami and other Florida destinations.
In the early 1990s, jet services to Key West were discontinued, and propeller aircraft dominated commercial services for the rest of the decade. Cape Air commenced operations in 1993, and other airlines serving Key West during this period included Airways International, Pan Am Express, and USAir Express. In 2009, mainline jet service returned to Key West with AirTran Airways, the airport's first low-cost carrier. Delta Air Lines also upgraded some of their Atlanta flights to mainline service during this period.
Today, Key West International Airport continues to serve as a gateway to the Florida Keys, offering daily flights to Miami and other destinations. It provides convenient access to the Florida Keys, with a free airport shuttle service and car rental options available.
Chennai Airport: Are Autos Permitted?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
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, located roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. It is the second busiest of the Miami metropolitan area's commercial airports, with over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport serves as a primary airport for the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton areas, and as a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport operates four terminals with 67 gates, with another terminal under construction as of 2024. Terminal 1, previously known as the Yellow Terminal, contains 24 gates across 3 concourses and is served by several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and United Airlines. Terminal 4 was renovated in the 2010s, with the addition of Concourse G and the subsequent demolition of Concourse H. The airport's new Terminal 5 (T5), which began construction in 2024, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. It will feature five new domestic gates, check-in and baggage areas, security screening, and a range of retail and food services.
The airport covers 1,380 acres (558 ha) and currently has two runways, following the closure and decommissioning of the former crosswind runway in 2013. As of December 2022, 100 aircraft were based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter types. The airport provides free wireless internet access in all terminals and is easily accessible, located off Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, and Florida State Roads A1A and 5. An elevated light rail service, known as PREMO Light Rail, is also proposed to link the airport with the Broward County Convention Center and Port Everglades, with the first phase anticipated to be completed by 2028.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is a convenient option for travellers visiting the Florida Keys, offering lower fares compared to other airports in the region. While Key West International Airport is the only airport in the Keys with commercial air service, Fort Lauderdale is preferred by many due to its smaller size and more convenient baggage and car rental facilities. The drive from Fort Lauderdale to the Florida Keys typically takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the Keys.
Kabul Airport: A Chaotic and Transformed Landscape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Miami International Airport
There are several transport options from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys. The Keys Shuttle provides a daily door-to-door shuttle service from Miami Airport to the Florida Keys. The shuttle service includes new, clean, and comfortable vans with a maximum capacity of twelve passengers.
Greyhound Lines also offers a scheduled bus service between Miami International Airport and the Keys, including Key Largo. Additionally, Florida Keys Express Shuttle, LLC provides a daily car service from Miami Airport to Key West, with the option to stop anywhere along the Keys. Vehicle choices include 11-passenger Mercedes Benz vans and SUV limousines.
For those who prefer to rent a car, the drive from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys offers a scenic route. From the airport, take Highway 836 and LeJeune Road to either I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Follow the Florida Turnpike south and keep an eye out for signs directing you to Homestead and Key West. The Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City; from there, continue on US 1 south into the Florida Keys.
Another option is to take I-75 Alligator Alley east from Miami International Airport to the Turnpike Extension, which will lead you to the Florida Keys. This route is useful when travelling from Florida's west coast.
While Miami International Airport is a convenient option for travellers, some may prefer Fort Lauderdale Airport as it is a smaller airport with more convenient baggage and car rental facilities.
Lisbon Airport: Are There Luggage Lockers Available?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The closest airport to the Florida Keys is Miami International Airport, which is about 60 miles and a 2-hour drive from Key West.
Yes, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is another option, although it is slightly further away and adds about 30-40 minutes to the route to Key Largo.
Yes, there are two airports in the Florida Keys: Florida Keys Marathon International Airport and Key West International Airport.
The best airport to fly into depends on your specific destination and preferences. Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports are larger and may offer lower fares, but they require a drive to reach the Florida Keys. Key West International Airport is a smaller airport located in the Florida Keys, but it may be more expensive and may require a connection.
