The two major cities in South Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, are close together geographically, but how close are they to Key West? Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and lies at the end of the Florida Keys. While both Miami and Fort Lauderdale are popular spots for travelers, which is closer to Key West?
The answer is Miami. Miami is closer to Key West than Fort Lauderdale, at about 164 miles away. Fort Lauderdale is approximately 257 miles from Key West, making it almost 100 miles farther away. The drive from Miami to Key West takes about three and a half hours, while the drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West takes about five hours.
In addition to distance, there are several other factors to consider when deciding between Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a visit to Key West. Miami is the larger of the two cities and offers more attractions, including a bustling nightlife and interesting cultural attractions. In contrast, Fort Lauderdale is a smaller, more relaxed city with quieter beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Both cities offer access to the Florida Keys, but Miami is closer and offers more to do.
For those looking to visit Key West, Miami is the obvious choice. Not only is it closer, but it also offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for a great night out or a tranquil beach getaway, Miami has something for everyone. And with only three and a half hours of driving time to Key West, it’s the perfect place to start your Florida Keys adventure.
Exploring The Distance Between Miami And Fort Lauderdale To Key West
Key West is the southernmost island in the Florida Keys and is located about 128 miles southwest of Miami and 111 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale. Key West is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique and memorable experience in the Sunshine State. The distance from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Key West varies depending on the transportation method.
The most common way to get to Key West from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale is by car. The drive from Miami to Key West is about 3.5 hours and the drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is about 3 hours when driving along the Overseas Highway. The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile stretch of road that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. The highway is a popular route for those traveling to Key West due to its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.
Those looking to get to Key West faster can also take a flight. The quickest way to get to Key West from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale is to take a one-hour flight on a regional airline, such as Silver Airways or Miami Air. The cost of these flights vary depending on the airline and dates selected, but generally range from $100 to $200.
Finally, those looking for a unique way to get to Key West can take a ferry from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The Key West Express operates high-speed ferry services from Fort Lauderdale and Marco Island to Key West, with the trip taking about three hours. Meanwhile, the Island Queen Ferry operates daily ferry services from Miami to Key West, with the trip taking about 4.5 hours. Prices for these services vary depending on the time of year and range from $30 to $175.
To help you decide which option is best for you, here is a table comparing the costs and duration of traveling from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Key West.
| Transportation Method | Miami | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 3.5 Hours/ Free | 3 Hours/ Free |
| Flight | 1 Hour/ $100-$200 | 1 Hour/ $100-$200 |
| Ferry | 4.5 Hours/$30-$175 | 3 Hours/$30-$175 |
As you can see, the distance from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Key West varies depending on the transportation method. Driving is the cheapest and longest option, while taking a flight or ferry is more expensive but much faster. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great time in Key West.
Calculating The Closest Distance Between Miami, Fort Lauderdale And Key West
Have you ever wondered which city is closer to Key West – Miami or Fort Lauderdale? If you have, then this post is for you. It’s not uncommon for people to want to calculate the closest distance between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West. This post will help you determine which city is closer to Key West.First, let’s look at the distance between Miami and Key West. The closest distance between them is about 162 miles. The drive between the two cities takes a little over 3 hours.Next, let’s look at the distance between Fort Lauderdale and Key West. The closest distance between them is about 140 miles. The drive between the two cities takes approximately 2 ½ hours.So, which city is closer to Key West – Miami or Fort Lauderdale? The answer is Fort Lauderdale. It is about 22 miles closer than Miami, and the drive takes about an hour less.Below is a table with the closest distance between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
| City | Closest Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 162 | 3 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 140 | 2 ½ |
No matter which city you’re visiting first, you’ll be able to enjoy a scenic drive to Key West. So, don’t forget to bring your camera!
The closest city to Key West is Marathon, Florida.
Key West is closer to Miami, approximately 156 miles away.
Key West is approximately 173 miles from Fort Lauderdale.
Miami is approximately 156 miles from Key West.
Miami is closer to Key West.
Fort Lauderdale and Key West are 173 miles apart.
The distance between Miami and Key West is 156 miles.
The closest city to Key West is Marathon, Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is approximately 173 miles from Key West.
No, Fort Lauderdale is farther away from Key West than Miami.