How long is the drive from Miami to Key West ? Time-wise and distance-wise ?
Thanks.

Around 4 hours depending on traffic. Most of the trip is on a two-lane road, so traffic can be a problem. I am not sure the distance.

4 hours give or take a little and about 150 miles but it depends from where in Miami you are talking about.

According to mapquest.com, it's 160 miles from Miami to Key West. My husband and I have driven from the airport in Miami to Key West and it always takes us about 4 hours. Beware, though, that an accident on a two-lane highway can tie up traffic for a long time.

Hi Rose,

Please be aware the the highway is well-patroled by Florida troopers. Speed limits vary from 55 mph to about 35 mph. You will probably see many cars pulled over. Before you reach Key Largo they have a big sign informing you of the number of fatalities on the road the current year.

Also, don't be expecting spectacular scenery. Key Largo to Islamorada has a lot of strip malls - but many fine restaurants. When you get to Marathon the scenery improves. The 7-mile bridge offers a great view.

Key West is a great place. I was there in December and able to get a great price ($55.00 a night at the Key West Sheraton Suites Resort through priceline.com. You can drive into the old town area or use their free shuttle bus that runs every hour on the hour.)

geo

Watch your speed around Big Pine Key, the Key Deer are protected and they watch speeders...

We are debating whether to fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale before driving to Marathon. Does anyone know what the time difference will be? Also is Marathon much farther north (driving time wise) than Key West?

Hi Wendy, Marathon is about halfway down the Keys. There really isn't much in Marathon as far as accomodations. You might want to stay in Islamaroda, more laid back and much nicer than Marathon. Recommendations for accomodations are: Moorings, Cheeca Lodge and the Hampton Inn and Suites. Do a text search and you will find tons of info on restaurants etc.

As to which airport, we always fly into Ft. Lauderdale. It is a much nicer airport and we get better fares flying in there than Miami.

Ginny we are also looking at much better fares from Ft. L but I just wasn't sure how long the drive would be. Thanks for the suggestion! How long do you think it will take us? We are staying at a friends condo in Marathon- Key Lime Resort.

Wendy-It will probably take you 2-2 1/2 hours depending on traffic. It's around 130 miles or so from Fort Lauderdale.

this is to GEo-How were the Sheratton Suites when you were in Key West? Was it that much of a hassle to get into Old Town on the shuttle or use your car? The reason that I am asking is that most of hotels are booked for the period that I am going and I have a reservation at the Sheraton.Its still around $200 a night but everything in town(if I could have gotten in was at least $229 and above-closer to $300 even at the Holiday Inn La Concha).So what do you think for a family of fur at the Sheraton? Thanks-and any tips for the Sheraton?

With a family of four, I am sure you will all have different plans on what each would want to see and do. Why don't you try finding something in town where it would be so much more enjoyable. The Sheraton is nice but not near anything except a beach. All of the historical sites and such are 2-3 miles into town.