Travel to Key West

Travel to Key West

Located on the southernmost tip of the United States, Key West is surrounded by clear blue waters and is closer to Cuba than to Miami. Heavily linked with Hemingway and a favourite escape of President Truman, it attracts many visitors to its laidback ambience and multi-ethnic flair.

Transportation to Key West

Key West International Airport provides direct flights to many of Florida's destinations as well as Nassau on the Bahamas. Most international flights connect via Miami International Airport, from where travellers can also take a direct shuttle bus to Key West. Highway 1 leads down the Keys all the way to Key West. Other options include Greyhound buses, trains to Miami and direct ferries, also from Miami.

On the island itself, transportation choices are limited. A few public bus lines, hire cars and mopeds are the main options. There are also some useful tourist trains and shuttles around the island and downtown.

What to see

Key West is famous for its spectacular sunsets, and these are best caught at Mallory Square, where hordes flock every evening to witness the spectacle. Ernest Hemingway was a famous and popular resident of Key West during the 1930s and you can visit his former home. Bayview Park, in the New Town of Key West, is a memorial commemorating soldiers who fought in the Civil and Vietnam Wars, and Key West Aquarium is the worlds oldest aquarium, housing all kinds of exotic sea creatures.

Day trips

The Biscayne National Park is located just south of Miami, close to the town of Homestead, and a three-hour ride from Key West. Attracting far fewer visitors than the popular parks of the Everglades, Biscayne National Park is the start of the third longest coral reef tract in the world. The Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven stunning islands about 70 miles west of Key West. They can be easily reached with daily transport provided by the Yankee Freedom II ferry. Alternatively, the park and Fort Jefferson can be reached aboard the Sunny Days high-speed catamaran.

Activities and leisure

Surrounded by blue waters, Key West offers a plethora of water sports and outdoor activities. Land rats will be pleased to know that golf is gaining in popularity and there are some good cycle routes around the island. You can easily escape the hectic downtown scene and discover the islands picturesque side streets by riding away from Duval Street toward South Roosevelt Boulevard and the beachside enclaves along the way.

Safety issues

Holidaymakers can put themselves at risk when driving across long distances. Also, enjoying water sports can result in accidents. Be wary of carjackers and pickpockets in tourist areas. Medical care in the US is costly and you do not want to be without insurance cover if something were to happen. We strongly suggest you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Key West.