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GETTING HERE
Let's face it, if you want to see it, do it and experience it all in Key West, you have to get here first! Once again, you have choices:
Personally I prefer a ride in a Jeep with the top off, seated beside a hunky bare-chested man who wears his jean cutoffs just a little too tight and short... but that's just me!
DRIVE IT! At least ONCE! The drive through the keys is one of awesome beauty. However, it is a slow and sometimes tedious trip. If you plan on driving, allow yourself enough time so that you will not feel rushed should you get in a traffic slow down or delay. GET A CONVERTIBLE AND HAVE A TOP-DOWN GOOD TIME!
DRIVE IT ONE WAY! Many people drive down from one of the mainland airports … Miami or Fort Lauderdale and even Orlando, and wisely decide to DROP THE CAR at the local car rental office and fly back.
NOTE: if you are going to be here more than 2 or 3 days… ditch the car. PARKING is at a premium and it is more fun to scooter, bike or walk around old town. in the State of Florida, you may do a one-way car rentals without a penalty. You can save the expense of having a car parked for several days by turning it in upon arrival and getting another vehicle for the return trip. Check with your rental agency to see if this will save you some money. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Florida City is the Gateway to the Keys. Once you get there, you are about 2 1/2 hours from KEY WEST. US1 is the only road from there to Key West. The road is predominantly two lanes wide with several two four-lane passing areas. The drive is not stressful, but it can be slow. Be patient and careful. It is a dangerous highway. Turn your headlights on so that you can be seen by oncoming traffic even during the day. Warning - As much as I like to push the speed limit, the drive through the keys is not the place. There are several places that are routinely monitored by radar and our nice cops really don't mind giving any of us a ticket for speeding. Driving from Miami / Airport / South Beach - Driving time to Key West is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Take state route (SR) 836 West past Miami International Airport to the Florida Turnpike. Take the turnpike South until it ends at Florida City, then follow US1 to Key West. Driving from Ft. Lauderdale - Driving time to Key West is about 4 hours. Take I-595 West from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport to the Florida Turnpike. Take the turnpike until it ends at Florida City, and then follow US1 to Key West. Driving from Orlando, West Palm and Areas North of Ft. Lauderdale - Driving time is about 7-8 hours from Orlando and 5 hours from West Palm. Take the Turnpike South until it ends at Florida City, then follow US1 to Key West.
FLY IT! Key West International Airport is served by several large carriers, including USAirways, Delta, Continental, American Airlines, Cape Air and Gulfstream. There are direct flights from Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Naples. Since a car is typically not needed while in Key West, flying is a great option. Key West International Airport is located on our island, just four miles from OLD TOWN. Taxis meet all arrivals. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs about $15 for 2 or more passengers to a maximum of $20. For an individual, the meter rate applies and runs around $12. We recommend the PINK TAXIS (of course) for best service. LOCAL NUMBER 296-6666. Important Travel Tip - Checked luggage doesn't always make the trip to Key West as quickly as you do. Always pack a small carry on bag with bathing suit, shorts, T-shirts, toiletries and other essentials so you'll be able to start your vacation the moment you arrive, even if your bags don't.
HIGH SPEED FAIRIES (opps… FERRIES) … Ferry Service is now fairly reliable from the East and West Coast of Florida, mainly from the Marco Island/Ft. Myers area and now Miami. Typically they make one trip in each direction daily. When the weather is rough between here and there, they do not operate and you may be stuck in one location for a day or more unless you rent a car to get away... but if stuck in Key West, how bad can it be?
BUS SERVICE Greyhound operates daily bus service to and from Key West with many stops along the way. Unless you are on very tight budget and have a good bit of travel time available, this will probably be your last choice.
BY BOAT Since Key West is surrounded by water, access by boat is pretty easy. Where to dock that boat once you get here will be your biggest concern - but there are places that can accommodate you on a reservation basis.
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