Driving to Key West is one of America’s great road trips — 113 miles of the Overseas Highway across 42 bridges to Mile Marker 0. Whether you pick up in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or fly into Key West itself, comparing your rental on DiscoverCars helps you avoid overpaying. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car for the Florida Keys.
Key Takeaways
- Key West rentals average around $35–$45/day; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
- The Overseas Highway (US-1) runs 113 miles across 42 bridges to Mile Marker 0.
- Compare one-way (Miami/FLL pickup, Key West drop-off) vs round-trip on DiscoverCars.
- Old Town Key West is walkable — you may not need the car once you arrive.
- Watch reduced speed zones like Big Pine Key (35 mph at night to protect Key deer).
Do You Need a Car in the Florida Keys?
For the drive down, absolutely — there’s no practical public transit linking the Keys, so a rental is essential. But once you reach Key West, Old Town is compact and walkable, with bikes and scooters everywhere. Many visitors park the car at their hotel and explore on foot, using the rental mainly for the journey and day trips.
That means your biggest rental decision is really about the drive: where to pick up, whether to go one-way, and how to handle tolls along the way.
How Much Does a Key West Rental Cost?
Recent listings show economy cars around $40/day, compacts near $35/day, and intermediates around $45/day in Key West. Prices climb during peak season and special events, so booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead helps lock a better rate. As elsewhere in Florida, late spring and early fall are cheapest.
Renting at Key West International (EYW) is convenient but the small-airport fleet can sell out, so book early. Comparing on DiscoverCars shows the all-in price and lets you filter for free cancellation.
Where Should You Pick Up Your Car?
You have three main options, each with trade-offs:
- Miami (MIA) — biggest fleet and lowest base rates; about 3.5 hours to Key West.
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — often cheaper than Miami; about 180 miles (~4 hours) down.
- Key West (EYW) — skip the drive, but smaller fleet and higher rates; book early.
For a classic road trip, picking up in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and driving down is the move. If you’re flying straight into Key West for a beach break, renting at EYW saves the drive.
Should You Book a One-Way Rental?
If you want to fly into one city and out of another — say, into Miami and out of Key West — one-way rentals are widely available. Some companies offer free one-way rentals within Florida, while others charge a drop fee. Compare a one-way booking against a round trip on DiscoverCars; the all-in comparison reveals which is cheaper for your dates.
Ready to compare Key West rentals on DiscoverCars?
Driving the Overseas Highway: What to Know
US-1 through the Keys is mostly two lanes with unhurried traffic and stunning ocean views on both sides. Passing is rare, so settle in and enjoy the ride. Fuel up in Florida City before you start — it’s the last reliable gas and food stop before an isolated stretch into the Keys.
Mind the wildlife zones: in Big Pine Key, night speed limits drop to 35 mph to protect the endangered Key deer, and they’re strictly enforced. The famous Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon is a highlight, so plan a photo stop.
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How Do Tolls Work on the Way to Key West?
From Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the fastest routes use the Turnpike, which has electronic tolls. The Overseas Highway itself is toll-free, so your only tolls are near the mainland — usually just a few dollars. Buy your own SunPass (~$5) rather than the rental program (~$14/day) to keep costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
About 3 to 3.5 hours without stops — roughly 160 miles down US-1 and the Overseas Highway. With stops at Key Largo, Islamorada and the Seven Mile Bridge, plan for most of a day to enjoy it properly.
Do I need a car in Key West itself?
Not really for getting around town — Old Town is walkable and bike-friendly. A rental is essential for the drive down and for day trips, but many visitors park it at the hotel once they arrive in Key West.
Is it cheaper to rent in Key West or drive down?
Driving down from Miami or Fort Lauderdale is usually cheaper, since those airports have bigger fleets and lower rates. Key West’s small airport fleet costs more. Compare both on DiscoverCars, including one-way options.
The Bottom Line
The Keys are made for a road trip — just plan the rental smartly. Compare Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West pickups, weigh a one-way booking, handle tolls with your own SunPass, and mind the speed zones. Old Town is walkable once you arrive. When you’re ready, compare Florida rentals on DiscoverCars to find the best rate for your Keys trip.
Best Stops Along the Drive to Key West
The journey is half the fun. Key Largo is the first island you reach, home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and great snorkeling. Islamorada is perfect for a seafood lunch, while Marathon sits beside the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Big Pine Key is where you’ll spot the tiny Key deer — and where night speed limits drop to 35 mph.
Because you control the pace in your own car, you can linger at the spots you love and skip the rest — exactly why a self-drive beats any tour bus for the Keys.
One more practical tip: parking in Old Town Key West is limited and metered, so most hotels charge for a spot. If you’re staying a few nights, factor that in — another reason many visitors rely on walking and bikes once they arrive, using the rental mainly for the drive and day trips out to nearby beaches and state parks.
Disclosure: This is an independent guide. This article contains affiliate links to DiscoverCars; if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what you pay or what we recommend.