KEY WEST is a place where "getting there really is half the fun." Take a ferry boat from Naples/Ft. Myers or hop a flight from the mainland and enjoy breathtaking views of the "Ten Thousand Islands" that are the Florida Keys. All the major airlines fly into Key West with their commuter divisions and a number of regional and seasonal carriers also serve the city.
DRIVE TO SEA on the world famous Overseas
Highway. (HINT: Gas up BEFORE you get to
Florida City - Gas is REALLY expensive there.) When you
pass Florida City and see the signs pointing to Key West you will
realize you have embarked upon strange, even forbidding, territory.
Miles of desolate road bordered by swamp and mangrove islands
announce you are leaving the Florida tourist traps behind.
US 1 is the only road between Florida City and Key West - so you won't get lost - that's for sure. The road is mostly two lanes with some four lane passing lanes between Florida City and Key Largo. You will find some 4 lanes between Key Largo and Tavernier with only turning lanes until you get to Marathon. Then it is two lane again until you get to Key West.
The keys are very flat. The views come mainly on the embankments
and the many bridges. And the 
longer
you drive, the more frequent the bridges. You will find that this
is where the "gawkers" slow down to see the sights.
It can be slow and you must be patient and careful because in
most places you "just can't pass". The Overseas Highway
is built on the roadbed of the old Overseas Railroad, which was
destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. You have to remind yourself
that the thin thread of elevated highway you are speeding along
sits astride a four to eight mile reef which is all that divides
the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico.
Marathon Key makes a good pit stop with its reassuring string of Burger King, Wendy's, gas stations and car dealerships. You can stop for a sandwich and a cold drink and gass up if you need it. Key West is about 50 miles away now.
When you set out again, without warning, another interminable bridge stretches to the horizon. This one is nearly seven miles long. You feel you are in the middle of the sea, at the mercy of the elements. It is also the highest point in the keys.
When you get to Big Pine Key you will find what seems to be a ridiculous speed limit (45 Day and 35 Night). This is strictly enforced because of the Key Deer living in that area. One is apt to run out across the roadway at anytime and many are killed each year. Watch out for the deer and the cops, speeding will cost you a pretty penny.
And FINALLY you are here. But where? You come in on a Gulf-side boulevard filled with the same chains of motels, department stores, and fast-food places you left back on the mainland, is this the exotic outpost you have driven so long to see? Surely not!
Now it is time for you to check out our MAP OF THE ISLAND. Click on it and find North Roosevelt Boulevard. Follow it to where it turns into Truman Avenue. You are now in "Old Town". Follow it to Duval Street and you are in the heart of "Old Town". You are at the end of Highway 1 and the end of the line.
GET HERE IN A HURRY - FLY!
Key West International Airport is located practically in the middle of our island. Taxis meet all arrivals. Since most places are less than 15 minutes away it costs $6 per person for 2 our more passengers to a maximum of $20. Don't be shocked by the "Pink" cabs - hey, you ARE in Key West! HINT: Check with your Guesthouse or hotel, many have free airport pickup!
Key West is served by the commuter affiliates of most major carriers. Best tip is to call your local travel agent to book you flight. HINT: If you can not get a flight to Key West on the day you want, especially during peak season, check out flying into the Marathon Airport. It is about 50 miles north and slightly more that a hour's drive. You can rent a car there and drive down the rest of the way. Also-- you might want to consider driving one way and flying out the other.
If you are a seasoned traveler, we probably don't have to tell you, but a friendly reminder -- your checked luggage doesn't always make it here when YOU do. Carry a small bag with your bathing suit and other essentials so you can start having fun as soon as you arrive in paradise.
YOU CAN'T GET HERE BY RAIL - But you can take Amtrak (five different trains serve Florida) to Ft Lauderdale and Miami. We suggest you get off in Ft Lauderdale - it is much safer than the Miami station. From there you can drive (see above) or you can connect with other carriers.
RENTAL CARS - If you fly into Miami International or take the train, you will most likely want to rent a car to drive down. One way rentals are frequently available without drop charges. Key West is served by Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Value car rentals. The best thing to do with your car when you get here is park it and rent a bike, moped or even just walk around town.
LEAVE THE DRIVING TO THEM - Greyhound runs three busses daily and the bus station is located at KW International Airport. Call for schedules and fares 800-231-2222 or locally at 305 296-9072.
A really fun way to get here and enjoy the ocean view is on a high speed catamaran from Ft Myers Beach, Naples and Marco Island. Information 941-263-3900.
IF YOU PLAN TO CAMP (RV CAMPING - THAT IS) Fresh air. Warm breezes. And two oceans to choose from. Swimming, fishing, diving and cookouts in the evening. You will find campgrounds all along the keys. If you want to stay close to Key West, I always recommend Sugarloaf Key Resort KOA, located at MM 20 it is just minutes from Key West. A beautifully landscaped tropical resort offering just about everything you could ask for including free shuttle bus to Key West daily. 800-562-7731. It's expensive, but well worth it.