When you think of an island destination in the United States, Hawaii is usually the first one that springs to mind. But Key West is an idyllic little island just off the coast of Florida connected to the mainland with the marvelous Florida Overseas Highway.

Take a day trip to Key West from Fort Lauderdale and reach the southernmost point of the continental USA. A bona fide paradise, Key West is only about 6.5 kilometers long and 2.4 kilometers wide, but it is chock full of stunning locations and thrilling adventures.

Here's all you need to know about Key West, one of the most exciting day trips from Fort Lauderdale.

How to get to Key West from Fort Lauderdale?

Key West is the westernmost of the Florida Keys archipelago. The Florida Overseas Highway connects all the islands to the mainland, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country.

From Fort Lauderdale to Key West by car

The drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West takes around 5 hours, covering 300 kilometers. Take the Florida Turnpike out of Fort Lauderdale and veer onto the Ronal Reagan Turnpike. This leads you to Route 1 which continues to Key West across the Atlantic Ocean.

Guided tour to Key West from Fort Lauderdale

The easiest way to do a day trip to Key West is by joining a guided tour. Avoid the hassle of driving for almost 10 hours and rather opt for comfortable transportation to and from the island with a slew of activities at your fingertips once you arrive.

What is the typical itinerary?

A basic day tour to Key west starts as early as 5 AM with hotel pickup in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy the scenic drive to Key West across the Ocean Highway and rest up before your day of adventure begins.

You will usually have around 6 hours to enjoy Key West's thrills on your own. You can pre-book activities like a glass-bottom boat tour or a snorkeling experience or see what tickles your fancy once you arrive on the island. Most tours stop close to the harbor to give you easy access to beaches and other attractions.

After a full day of activities, you will meet your tour operator back at the drop-off point around 5:30 PM and return to Fort Lauderdale. Hotel drop-off at the end of the day is around 10 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Fort Lauderdale?

There are a few convenient options to get you to Key West in comfort, without having to worry about a multi-hour drive.

Guided tours to Key West from Fort Lauderdale

The most cost-effective way to do a day trip to Key west is with a guided group tour. These tours allow you to pre-book activities when you book your tour, helping you to plan your time on the island effectively.

These tours are limited to about 55 passengers and offer hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in Fort Lauderdale.

Some tours include a glass-bottom boat ride, one of the popular boat tours in Fort Lauderdale.

You can also embark a conch train trip or a Fort Lauderdale snorkeling tour if you enjoy having your whole day planned for extra convenience.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Key West from Fort Lauderdale

If you want to spend the night in Key West, or even several nights, opt for a shuttle service from Fort Lauderdale. This service will take you to the island, allowing you to enjoy the stunning tropical scenery along the way.

Stay in Key West as long as you want and simply hop back on a returning shuttle when you are ready to leave.

How much does a day trip to Key West from Fort Lauderdale cost?

A basic key west day tour costs US$100 per person. This is only for the transfer and you will pay extra for each activity you choose to add on.

Tours with pre-booked activities are also available and it will cost US$150 per person for a tour that includes a glass-bottom boat ride. A day trip to Key West with a trolley or conch train tour costs US$160 per person.

A key west excursion that includes a snorkeling experience costs US$170 per person.

What will you see and do?

Key West is a treasure trove of outdoor activities and the superb scenery along the Ocean Highway is only the tip of the iceberg. Some of the most popular activities are all water-based and a snorkeling cruise in Key West or parasailing tops the list.

If you prefer to keep your feet dry you can opt for a glass bottom boat tour to still see what is happening down below. Vintage trolley tours or conch train tours are the perfect activities for folks looking to see the charming town of Key West with its gingerbread houses and historic streets.

If you would rather spend the day relaxing by the seashore, head to one of the charming Key West Beaches like Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach and lather on the sunscreen.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

Winter is the best time for a day trip to Key West thanks to lovely, dry weather. Spring is also great with fewer crowds and hurricane season is still a few weeks away.

What are the other day trips from Fort Lauderdale?

Travel tips

Tours have a maximum and minimum capacity so book ahead online to ensure your spot is secured.
Bring an underwater camera to capture all the pristine scenes of Key West’s Ocean life.
Bring your swimsuit, towel, hat and sunscreen to make the most of the beaches and outdoor activities of Key West.

Key West: Day Trips and Tours from Fort Lauderdale