Key West City Guide
Miami to Key West Drive: Overseas Highway Mile-by-Mile
Driving from Miami to Key West along the US-1 Overseas Highway is one of the world's premier ocean road trips. Spanning 159 miles from Downtown Miami (or 125 miles from the Keys gateway in Key Largo), the route crosses 42 bridges linking dozens of coral islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Rather than rushing straight down the highway in 3.5 hours, savvy road trippers take a full day to stop at coral reefs, historic state parks, and roadside seafood shacks. The wider island directory and travel planner starts on the Key West City Guide homepage.
Quick answer Drive duration, best departure timing, and must-see bridge stops
Read on 10 September 2026: The drive from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Key West is 159 miles and takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours under light traffic. Avoid southbound Friday afternoons and northbound Sunday afternoons when single-lane sections congest heavily. The essential stops are John Pennekamp State Park (MM 102.5) for living coral, Robbie's of Islamorada (MM 77.5) to hand-feed wild tarpon, and the Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47) for breathtaking open-water panoramas.
Key takeaways
- Departure timing: Leave Miami before 8:00 AM on weekdays to beat morning commute traffic and reach the Upper Keys by mid-morning.
- Florida Turnpike vs US-1: Take Florida's Turnpike south to Florida City (Exit 1) to bypass congested suburban surface streets.
- Mile Marker system: Everything in the Keys is navigated by Mile Markers (MM) on US-1, running from MM 126 in Florida City down to MM 0 in Key West.
- Speed limits: Strictly enforced at 45-55 mph on open highway and 35 mph through residential towns; Big Pine Key enforces a 35 mph daytime / 45 mph night limit for Key deer protection.
Plan your stops along the Overseas Highway with these top natural, culinary, and historic landmarks:
| Stop Name | Mile Marker | Island | Highlights | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Pennekamp Coral Reef | MM 102.5 | Key Largo | Glass-bottom boats, kayak rentals & snorkel gear | 2 - 3 hours |
| Rain Barrel Village | MM 86.7 | Islamorada | Artisan crafts & photo with Betsy the giant lobster | 30 minutes |
| Robbie's Marina | MM 77.5 | Islamorada | Hand-feed hungry 100-pound tarpon from the dock | 45 - 60 minutes |
| Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters | MM 53.0 | Marathon | Stingray touch tanks & reef predator feedings | 1.5 hours |
| Seven Mile Bridge | MM 47.0 | Marathon to Pigeon Key | Spectacular engineering & historic walking span | 45 minutes |
| Bahia Honda State Park | MM 37.0 | Bahia Honda Key | Finest natural beach in Keys & historic trestle bridge | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| National Key Deer Refuge | MM 30.5 | Big Pine Key | Spot endangered miniature Key deer at Blue Hole | 45 minutes |
Complement your highway road trip with guided reef snorkeling and boat excursions along the Keys.
from $73.00
Key West: Double Dip 2-Stop Coral Reef Snorkeling Trip
Two distinct reef locations in one 3-hour outing. Visits the outer Florida Keys barrier reef where underwater visibility and coral formations far surpass any near-shore beach snorkeling.
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from $64.00
Key West: Glass Bottom Boat Coral Reef Eco-Tour
The premier option for non-swimmers, families with toddlers, or visitors wanting to see the barrier reef without donning a mask and snorkel. Marine biologists explain brain corals, sea fans, and fish species.
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from $120.00
Key West: Full-Day Eco-Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Danger Charters' legendary backcountry sail. Rated among the highest quality excursions in the Keys for its small-group ethos, pristine shallow-water sandbar access, and premium wine selection.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own, checked in Q3 2026; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Understanding the Mile Marker (MM) navigation system
Navigating the Florida Keys is simple because the entire archipelago relies on small green Mile Marker signs posted every mile along the Overseas Highway:
- MM 126 to MM 112: Florida City mainland stretch down through the '18-Mile Stretch' (US-1 connector).
- MM 106 to MM 90: The Upper Keys, encompassing Key Largo and Tavernier.
- MM 90 to MM 63: Islamorada, known as the 'Sportfishing Capital of the World'.
- MM 63 to MM 40: The Middle Keys, centered on the city of Marathon and Duck Key.
- MM 40 to MM 0: The Lower Keys, featuring Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Stock Island, and ending at Key West.
Tolls, fuel, and rental car tips
The Overseas Highway itself has zero tolls. However, driving south from Miami International Airport via Florida's Turnpike requires electronic toll payment (Toll-by-Plate or SunPass). Most rental car agencies offer toll transponder packages, but you can also use your own portable SunPass transponder.
Fuel is readily available throughout Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West, but gas prices in the Upper and Lower Keys are typically $0.30 to $0.60 per gallon higher than mainland Florida City. Top off your gas tank in Florida City before hitting the 18-Mile Stretch for maximum savings.
Safety and weather considerations on US-1
US-1 contains extended two-lane stretches with alternating passing zones. Passing requires clear visibility; never attempt to overtake on blind curves or narrow bridges. During tropical rain squalls, reduce your speed immediately and maintain headlights—hydroplaning on flat highway asphalt is a genuine hazard.
Watch closely for Key deer in the Lower Keys (MM 33 to MM 27). These endangered, dog-sized deer have no natural predators and frequently wander onto the roadway, particularly at dawn and dusk. Fines for speeding through the Big Pine Key deer protection zone exceed $250.
Frequently asked questions about driving from Miami to Key West
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
Without traffic or stops, the 159-mile drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. If you add stops for lunch, state parks, and tarpon feeding, plan for 6 to 8 hours.
What is the prettiest part of the Miami to Key West drive?
The crossing over the Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47) and the views from Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37) offer the most spectacular panoramic vistas of turquoise open water.
Are there tolls on the drive to Key West?
There are no tolls on US-1 through the Keys. The only tolls are on Florida's Turnpike between Miami and Florida City, which cost roughly $4 to $6 using SunPass or Toll-by-Plate.
Is it worth driving to Key West instead of flying?
Yes, driving at least one way along the Overseas Highway is a bucket-list American road trip experience. Many travelers fly into Miami, drive down, and fly home directly from Key West Airport (EYW).
Where should you stop to eat on the drive to Key West?
Popular roadside culinary stops include Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in Key Largo (fish tacos and Key lime pie), Chef Michael's in Islamorada (hogfish), and Burdines Waterfront in Marathon.
Key West on video: Miami to Key West Drive
Verified video walkthroughs and footage of Miami to Key West Drive, providing visual perspective before your visit.
Miami to Key West Road Trip: 17 Stops Along the Florida Keys Scenic Highway
Walkthrough of Miami to Key West Drive by Through My Lens.
Video: through my lensThe breathtaking road from Miami to Key West | Fox Nation
Walkthrough of Miami to Key West Drive by Fox Nation.
Video: fox nationMiami to Key West Complete Road Trip | Overseas Highway Florida in 4K
Walkthrough of Miami to Key West Drive by World of Drives and World of Drives Europe.
Video: world of drives and world of drives europeReviewed Q3 2026 (July–September 2026); next review Q4 2026. Prices, hours and terms are set by the venue or operator and confirmed at checkout.
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