Mallory Square
Florida's most famous sunset happens here every day. Street artists, jugglers and musicians create a unique spectacle as the sun sets over the ocean. Arrive early to get a good spot.
~600 km
~6h
Orlando to Key West by Car
Florida's most epic road trip: 600 km along the legendary Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges over the ocean
Distance
~600 km (373 miles)
Travel time
~6h (2 days recommended)
Tolls
~$15-20 to Miami (SunPass included BIZ)
Recommended vehicle
Minivan or Executive SUV
Complete Itinerary
Essential stops from Orlando to Key West
-
1
Orlando → Miami
Florida's Turnpike heads straight south. Excellent road, well-signed with regular rest stops. Optional stop in Fort Lauderdale for lunch or a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard. BIZ's SunPass covers all tolls automatically.
-
2
Miami → Key Largo
Gateway to the legendary Overseas Highway (US-1). Exit through Florida City and the scenery begins to transform. In Key Largo, visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater park in the US, with snorkeling, diving and kayaking through coral reefs.
-
3
Key Largo → Islamorada
Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World", Islamorada is a must-stop. At Robbie's Marina, you can hand-feed giant tarpon fish — an unforgettable experience for the whole family, especially the kids.
-
4
Islamorada → Marathon
This stretch features the most photographed scene of the trip: the Seven Mile Bridge, an 11 km bridge suspended over the ocean — literally asphalt between sea and sky. In Marathon, take time to visit the Turtle Hospital, which rehabilitates injured sea turtles.
-
5
Marathon → Key West
Before Key West, stop at Bahia Honda State Park — voted one of Florida's best beaches, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand. Arrive in Key West in the late afternoon to catch the famous sunset at Mallory Square.
What to Do in Key West
Highlights you cannot miss
Duval Street
Key West's main street, packed with bars, restaurants, shops and live music at all hours. At the south end stands the Southernmost Point, the most photographed landmark in the city and the southernmost point of the continental US.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Key West's best beach sits inside this 19th-century historic park. Crystal-clear water, excellent snorkeling with corals and colorful fish right at the shoreline. Vehicle access available.
Ernest Hemingway Home
The writer's house-museum, where Hemingway lived in the 1930s and wrote some of his greatest novels. The famous six-toed cats — descendants of the writer's original — still roam freely throughout the property.
Dry Tortugas (optional)
For those who want to go further: Dry Tortugas National Park lies 110 km west of Key West, accessible only by ferry (2h30) or seaplane. Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century construction surrounded by the sea, offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the US. Book in advance.
Practical Tips
Make the most of your trip without surprises
Recommendation
Do it over 2 days: drive on day one, spend 1 night in Key West and return on day two. The road is beautiful but long — trying to do it all in 1 day is tiring and you'll miss the stops.
Tolls
Tolls only apply to Miami (Florida's Turnpike). The Overseas Highway (US-1) has no tolls. BIZ's SunPass is already included with your vehicle.
Fuel
Fill up in Florida City — it's the last gas station with normal prices before entering the Keys. Gas on the islands is significantly more expensive.
Key West Parking
Parking in the city is difficult and expensive ($4-5/hour). Use the Mallory Square garage or the Duval Street Parking Garage. Arrive early to find a spot.
Best Time to Visit
November to April: dry weather, low humidity, pleasant temperatures (~25°C/77°F). Avoid June to November — hurricane season and heavy rains.
Short Alternative
If time is short, drive to Marathon (Seven Mile Bridge) and back — it's already worth it. That's ~4h30 each way, with the most iconic scenery on the Overseas Highway.
Recommended Vehicle for this Route
Comfort and space to enjoy every kilometer
Recommended for this route
8-Seat Minivan
Kia Carnival or similar
From $64.90/day
Room for the whole family, all the luggage and beach gear. Comfortable seating for 6+ hours on the road, with CarPlay, Android Auto and efficient air conditioning.
- 8 passengers + luggage
- Unlimited mileage
- SunPass included
- Full insurance included
For more comfort: Executive SUV 7 from $94.90/day
Is it worth driving from Orlando to Key West?
Yes, it is one of the best road trips in the United States. The Overseas Highway (US Route 1) crosses 42 bridges over the ocean — a unique scenery in the world, with no parallel anywhere else. We recommend 2 days to enjoy the stops along the Keys: Key Largo, Islamorada, the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon and Bahia Honda. With BIZ Rent Car, you already go with SunPass included, unlimited mileage and full insurance. Just remember to fill up in Florida City and book parking in Key West in advance.
Plan Your Key West Road Trip
Choose the ideal vehicle, enjoy SunPass included and unlimited mileage. Our team will help you build the perfect itinerary.
Updated on