Ferry Routes to Key West
Ferry routes to Key West cross the Gulf of Mexico from the mainland Florida ports of Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island. Key West Express is the largest operator here, transporting over 100,000 sun-seekers annually on their high-speed passenger catamarans. Look at the regional ferry map to see how this 3.5-hour sea sprint lets you bypass the heavy traffic, or quickly connect to Dry Tortugas. You must leave your car behind, but the island’s compact Old Town is perfectly suited for walking or renting a bicycle.
From Florida to Key West
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Pro-tips for the ferry to Key West
To avoid delays or logistics issues when taking the boat to Key West, keep these two regional requirements in mind:
“The crossing to Key West is a 3.5-hour open-ocean transit; if you’re prone to seasickness, choose a seat on the lower deck near the center of the vessel where the motion is minimized.”
- The most reliable ferry to Key West from the Gulf Coast departs from Fort Myers Beach rather than Tampa—if you are driving from the north, factor in the extra two hours of road travel to reach the terminal before the morning departure.
- Since there is no commercial car ferry to Key West, the most efficient way to get around the island after docking at Key West Bight is the free ‘Duval Loop’ bus, which connects the terminal to the historic district and the primary docks for the Dry Tortugas ferry.
