Key West: Day Trips and Tours from Miami

Book your day trip from Miami to Key West, the most Caribbean-like destination in Florida. Lying only 150 kilometers north of Cuba, Key West is the USA’s southern-most city.

With its famous pastel-colored conch-style houses, cruise-ship port and coral reefs and marine life, Key West is the perfect place for a day trip from Miami.

You will find below all you need to know about Key West, one of the best destinations for day trips from Miami.

How to get to Key West from Miami?

The City of Key West is located 265 kilometers south of Miami. The island of Key West is the southernmost point on the eastern seaboard of the United Sates.

From Miami to Key West by car

You can drive from Miami to Key West along US1 Overseas Highway. This scenic route crosses multiple bridges and islands on the way to Key West. A road trip by car takes around 3.5 hours one way.

From Miami to Key West by bus

You can get to Key West from Miami by bus. Daily departures include pickups or drop offs at Miami International Airport. You can expect a 5 hour trip each way.

Guided tour to Key West from Miami

Guided tours to Key West are an ideal way to experience a different side of Florida during your stay in Miami. Departures are early, at around 6AM and most tours last around 15 hours. Pickups are from Miami hotels and other central meeting points.

Key West from Miami by plane

If you want as much time in Key West as possible, you can consider a short flight to Key West from Miami. The flight is under an hour long, but security checks and pre-flight preparation can take some time, especially during the busy months.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Key West from Miami?

You can expect an early departure for your day tour from Miami to Key West.

Road tours travel along the breath-taking US1 Overseas Highway.

Depending on your tour and the time available, you may stop at one or more of the places of interest along the way like the Dolphin Research Centre and Turtle Hospital.

If your tour includes a water activity, you will travel to the marina to begin your boat, jet skiing, parasailing or snorkeling tour. You will also have time in Key West to explore and eat at a local restaurant.

If your tour is land based only, you can expect your guide to drive you to several places of interest and give you time to enjoy lunch and do some shopping before you return to Miami.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Key West?

There are scheduled coach tours and private tours available to go from Miami to Key West. Some tours offer extra activities that can be booked in advance.

Guided coach tour to Key West from Miami

On a guided coach tour to Key West you will enjoy a scenic round trip from your hotel on a luxury coach with a driver and guide. In Key West, you will have up to 5 hours to explore the area at your leisure or participate in some of the many land and water based activities.

You can upgrade this tour to include a glass-bottomed boat, trolley, conch train, parasailing or snorkeling excursion.

Key West day trip from Miami including a South Beach bike rental

This value for money excursion offers a full-day guided coach tour to Key West. Spend your day enjoying the unique atmosphere of the city. You can also opt for a water based activity or jump aboard the Hop-On Hop-Off trolley.

At the end of the tour, collect a bike to use for a 3-hour tour of South Beach, Miami at your leisure.

Day trip to Key West including glass-bottomed boat tour from Miami

For a tour that includes a land and water based excursion, consider a Key West tour including a glass-bottomed boat tour from Miami. Your tour includes return transfers to Key West, 4 hours of leisure time and a 90-minute glass-bottom boat tour.

Small-group guided private Key West tour from Miami

Your expert guide will collect you from your Miami hotel for a full private day tour to Key West. You will learn about the history of the Keys and after a tour of the city, you will have some free time to explore and get something to eat and drink at a local restaurant.

Day tour to Key West including a parasailing adventure from Miami

If are looking for a bit of adventure on your trip to Key West, book a tour that includes a solo or tandem parasailing adventure. With a guided return trip from Miami you can enjoy all that Key West has to offer and get a unique view of this beautiful area from your vantage point up high.

How much does a tour to Key West from Miami cost?

If you join a guided coach tour to Key West from Miami expect to pay from US$50 per person. Many tours offer additional activities that can be booked and paid for separately.

A Key West day trip from Miami with bike rental costs US$80 for adults and US$70 for children ages 2-10. This includes bike hire and your coach transfer on a return basis.

A day trip to Key West including glass-bottomed boat tour from Miami costs US$120 per person. Your round trip transport and 90-minute boat tour are included in this price.

Day tours to Key West including a parasailing adventure from Miami cost around US$130 including your parasailing adventure but excluding any meals, drinks or tips.

Small-group guided private Key West tours from Miami cost around US$900 per person for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 participants. This includes transport and the services of an expert guide.

What will you see and do on a Key West day trip from Miami?

On your tour to Key West from Miami you will enjoy the spectacular scenery from this unique area. Your journey along the US1 Overseas Highway is a highlight in itself as you travel across multiple over-sea bridges that connect the Key West City islands to one another. Seven Mile Bridge is one of the world’s longest bridges and runs alongside the original rail bridge dating from 1912.

In Key West you can either participate in one of the many water based activities or explore the city. Duval Street stretches 2 kilometers from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker on the Atlantic shore. Mallory Square is a lively area well-known for its nightly sunset celebration.

Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum is another popular attraction and is furnished with many of its original pieces. You may even spot one of the descendants of Hemingway’s original pet cats.

If you’d like to snorkel from the shore, you can go to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or you can visit the Island Dolphin Care, a centre that focuses on Dolphin rescue and rehabilitation.

Another must-see attraction is the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters which has been restored to look as it would have in the early 1900’s. It is a steep climb to the building, but worth the effort for the view of Key West and the ocean surrounding it.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

It is best to visit Key West in the spring. From March to May, the crowds taper off, and the temperatures remain similar to those of winter, between 20° and 26° Celsius.

Are there any tours to Key West from other cities in the US?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in US:

• Day Trips to Key West from Fort Lauderdale

Travel tips

• Prepare for a long day.
• Take a spare change of clothing if you are participating in water activities.
• Remember your swimwear and sunscreen.
• Make sure your camera batteries and mobile phone are fully charged.
• Book any excursions in Key West in advance.