Drive from Miami to Key West?
 

How long will it take to drive to Miami from Key West? We need to make plane reservations at MIA and are not sure of how long to allow. Thank you.

I've driven it many times and it's almost always within 20 minutes of 4 hours. there's inevitably one or two traffic tie-ups and that 4 hours takes this into account but sh-- happens so I would give yourself at least 5 hours and try not to arrive in Miami during rush hour.

Thanks. Now I'm reading on other posts that we should leave the night before because of accidents, etc. We can leave very early Sat. AM and I was just wondering how late to book a flight out of Miami?

Unless it's a serious accident on one of the many bridges, in which case you could have a real problem no matter what time you leave, I think that a flight 8 hours after you leave should give you lots of leeway. I've gotten into a jam because of an accident and then the cops just routed us around a side road and we still made it in just over 4 hours. If the worst happens, keep a cell phone with you and call the airline as soon as you think you'll likely not make it.

Have you looked into flying home out of Key West? That's what we did last visit, and will again in November. We enjoy the drive from Miami to Key West, but don't like stressing over accidents and delays on the way back. Costs a bit more, but very easy to do. Delta even has jet service now, if you are reluctant to fly in prop planes.

Jean

That is a tough call...it can be sooo stressful if the traffic is not moving at all. It is not a holiday weekend is it? I'd leave plenty early & then any extra time can be spent at South Beach or Bayside in Miami...or even go up the night before flight and spend the night in the city.