nickc

Thinking of flying into Miami, then rentinga car and driving to Key West. How long does this take? are roads packed on weekends? I plan on going in late february.

Lee

The drive takes about 4-4 1/2 hours.
There is basically one two lane highway (rt 1) through the keys, so yes, the traffic can get busy during weekend high-travel times.
On the other hand, the drive on the overseas highway is one of the most beautiful in this country.

al

Driving down the first time is an experience you'll never forget. It starts out boring and keeps getting better and better. On a beautiful day you'll be surrounded by blue sky and water that varies from blue/green to almost white. Weather permitting, rent a convertible for the maximum experience, but bring sunscreen.

grglnswsh

It is about 150 mile drive that takes 4 hour, give or take. The weekends are always much busier. The end of Feb is also the start of Spring Break for some schools so the roads might be a little busier than normal. The drive is beautiful but it can also be a nightmare. A crash can close the highway down, in both directions, for hours.

Owen O'Neill

I did the drive recently from the Miami airport. It took about 4 - 4 1/2 hours going down and remarkably enough just over 3 hours coming back. We happened to hit it very lucky on the way back as regards traffic - it was mid-December and a very quiet weekend. As others may have pointed out, the drive between Miami and the upper Keys is drab but once you start seeing open water it's spectacular and truly enjoyable. We got a covertible for $37 per day thorugh Hotwire.com and the open top really added tpo the experience for me. I've made the trip several times before but this was the best one yet.

Ginny

Watch your speed, especially around Big Pine Key. They strictly enforce it there because of the Key Deer. When we drive down, we always stop in Islamaroda and have lunch, breaks the trip up a bit.

Ashleigh

We went down to Key West in Febuary of 2000. It took us about 4 1/2 hrs as well. Once you leave Miami, the first 2 hrs are kinda dull - not much to see, but the last few are scenic, if you hit a nice day. Just bring along some good CD's, and some food, and you'll be fine!

Carol

All I can say is Ditto to all of the above. We will be going in February also. Remember as you were told the middle of the month is Presidents week. We went on a Monday and came back on a Thursday. The was NO traffic.

Hey, thanks for the convertable suggestion. That is one luxury I have to recommend to my husband. I am sure he will bite on this one.

Adeel

It was about 3 1/2 to 4 for me going in. Definetly worth it. Took some of the most amazing pictures I've ever seen in my life. Going back I went all the way to Orlando, 7 hours total.

Celeste

Please tell me if you plan to do that drive again so I can stay off the road! I've lived in Orlando for 17 years and have only been able to make it to Key West in less than 7 hours - or from Key West to Miami in less than 4 hours - only one time out of perhaps 50, and that was in the middle of the night!

Ted

Not to be contrary, but my wife and I did the drive, and were very disappointed. We were really looking forward to it, and rented a Mustang convertible. But aside from the seven-mile bridge area and a few great spots, it was not what we expected at all. I guess you can't really blame Key Largo for having strip malls, but it doesn't make for a very scenic drive.

Adeel

I actually would've made it sooner than 7 hours had I not been pulled over near port. st. lucie by highway patrol. That was the only instance I was actually going ahead of the flow of traffic (1 other car) He was nice enough to let me off with a seatbelt fine though. Needless to say I relaxed on the speed a bit after that.

Tim

I agree with Ted, probably the most disapointing drive I have ever been on.

Stephanie P.

If your going in Feb. it is the major touring time. I'd say go down on a weekday, as locals go to the Keys on the weekend as well. I only went from Ft. L to Plantation Key but the ride was really enjoyable. It should be in the 80s by Feb.

dot

Did the Miami-Key West drive last Feb. Agree it got better the farther south you go. Read up a bit on the history of the Flagler Railroad, etc. Did run into Spring Breakers end of Feb and KW was very crowded with all ages all over town. Loved every minute, lots of history there.