NegativeNelly

I am planning on visiting friends in Naples and then going to Key West for two nights. I have only done a brief search and ferry's cost $130 roundtrip. Can anyone advise if their are cheaper and or alternative solutions?
Any tips on lodging would br greatly appreciated. I am looking for nice convenient lodging but not the honeymoon suite.

Thanks

NeoPatrick

Just one of you or two? For $260 to take the ferry (for two) and spending just as much time getting there, I'd rent a car and drive before taking the ferry. Maybe that's just me.

But by the way, if you do take the boat, usually on the Key West Express site, you can get a $105 rate from FT. Myers Beach with an 8 day advance purchase. Still, a car and gas would be cheaper for two in about the same amount of time.

SusanCS

I'd drive, too. The ferry isn't totally reliable as it cancels at the drop of a hat if weather isn't ideal. Worse still, you could get stuck on the ferry when conditions WEREN'T ideal

Accommodations in Key West vary a lot. For something relatively inexpensive but in a good area, try the Best Western Hibiscus or Southernmost Hotel. Both are on the Atlantic side of the island - which is quieter and about 20 minutes from the Bay.

For something closer to the "action" - sunset celebrations, restaurants and other tourist activities - try Island City House or Ambrosia.

There are lots of hotels, too.

SAnParis2

The ferry is very hit or miss + for 2 nights, if your aren't flying, almost half your time will be getting there (& back). I'd save it for another time, or try & add (at least) another day.

NeoPatrick

Leave, driving, at 7 AM. Arrive in Key West by noon. Have lunch, enjoy all afternoon, dinner, all evening. Spend the night. The next day you have all day and all night. The third day you get up, have breakfast, maybe do a few things before leaving to drive back. Sounds pretty good to me.

TC

Fly. Otherwise, you'll spend all your time driving.

NeoPatrick

TC, do you have any idea what it costs to fly charter from Naples to Key West these days?

If you're talking about driving to Miami to fly or driving to Ft. Myers and then doing a stopover flight, plus allowing time you have to be at the airport, I'm not sure how either of those options would save any time.

NeoPatrick

Oh, I did forget that Cape Air (Continental) does have some non stops now from Ft. Myers to Key West, so depending on where you are in Naples, add up to an hour to get to Ft. Myers airport, add the hour and a half they require before boarding, and the hour for the flight -- you can save a good hour each way compared to driving -- For about $229 per person. Then take a taxi from the Key West airport to downtown Key West.

NeoPatrick

Sorry --editing out double post.

kelliebellie

If you do decide to drive, here are great rate codes for Florida. Some of them include an additional driver for free:

http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html


Click on the various companies on the right to find the codes.

Fra_Diavolo

You can find convenient and not too expensive lodging at La Concha, http://www.laconchakeywest.com, right on Duval. It's not fancy, but is more than adequate, and right in the middle of things.

Keith

We have driven that route and enjoyed the drive greatly.

We will probably try the ferry some time (I understand it is quite a party), but need to do it when there is enough of a time cushion that weather cancelations will not cause big problems.

Keith

NeoPatrick

NegativeNelly, since you registered here just to post this single question, I'm curious if you've been back to look at the responses. Any interest in any of the options?

phinz

Drive. Everybody who visits the Keys must drive at least once from above the Keys. From Naples take 41. Avoid Alligator Alley, because on 41 you get to see what old Florida really looks like. When you get to Krome Ave., take it to Florida City/Homestead. Jump on Card Sound Road, stop at Alabama Jacks for lunch and then head south.

aleah475

I routinely make the trip from Ft. Myers to Key West since it is my favorite destination. The only way I make the trip is through gokeywestexpress.com. Its the easiest and fastest way to get there, and with the way gas prices are now it saves me more money than I could ever imagine! I hope that you have fun on your trip!

NeoPatrick

Oh, for the days when PBA (Provincetown-Boston Airlines) flew several times a day from Naples Airport to Key West for around $29. Sigh!

aliciaf1

Hi all
I see a post that says leave Naples at 7a and arrive in KW by noon?
Can you let me know the directions for the way you take? It took me 5.5 hours from Ft Lauderdale so i was certain it was going to take longer from Naples...I am making that trip in May.

On another note (in response)
In addition to it being a nice drive and airline prices high, i also wanted to mention the commuter flights to KW are quite "turbulent" so just wanted everyone to weigh that option. Drive if you have a weak stomach!

NeoPatrick

Yellow Air Taxi is now doing regular flights from Naples to Key West -- takes just 45 minutes and is an easy check in with free parking at Naples Airport. Prices start at $99 per person. Their website doesn't give a lot of information, but if you're interested call 1-888-935-5694.

Alicia, the best way from Naples to Key West is shown on Mapquest which says it's 239 miles and takes 4 hours and 46 minutes -- which seems about right to me, if you don't get stuck in heavy traffic down in the Keys.
You go east on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) to Krome Avenue which is west of Miami, then south to pick up US 1.

Mapquest also shows 3 hours 42 minutes for Ft. Lauderdale to Key West (189 miles). That may be on a good day, but I'm not sure why it took you 5 and a half hours. That sounds VERY slow.

aliciaf1

yeah i am not sure why it took me so long either! Maybe we missed a turn or something?

Anyways, thanks for all the info. I appreciate the directions and that mapquest has it right--i don't always trust them!

Cindy333

Heading to Key West tomorrow..flying out of Naples airport on Gulfcoast Airways. It's $135 each, one way. They fly out at 9 AM and return at 11 AM. (I did talk the guy at the desk into returning at 4 PM on Sunday instead!) If you only have 3 days or so, you hate to lose half day flying out at 11 AM. It is a 41 minute flight to Key West airport. To drive (from Naples) it's about 5 and half hours on a good day--no accidents holding up traffic. Considered Key West Express ferry...but fearful of it being cancelled for bad weather then having to rent a car and drive back. Also, it returns to Ft. Myers beach at 10 PM and my vehicle would be at the airport! Hope this helps