To reach Key West from Jacksonville (505 miles south), driving via Interstate 95 South, Florida’s Turnpike, and US-1 along the Overseas Highway is the most popular route, taking 8.5 to 10 hours and costing $70–$110 in fuel and tolls. Flying from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) to Key West International Airport (EYW) via a short layover in Miami or Atlanta provides the fastest option, requiring 3.5 to 5.5 hours total travel time for $150–$380 one-way.

Public trains and buses require multiple overnight transfers spanning 14 to 17 hours ($80–$160), making them impractical.

🚗 Driving From Jacksonville to Key West (For Flexibility & Scenic Stops)

Driving offers unrivaled flexibility, transforming a long journey into an iconic Florida road trip. Head south out of Jacksonville along Interstate 95 through Daytona Beach and the Space Coast toward Fort Pierce. Merge onto Florida’s Turnpike (toll road) or continue along I-95 down to Florida City, the southern mainland terminus. From there, join US-1 South onto the 113-mile Overseas Highway, traversing 42 overseas bridges—including the famous Seven Mile Bridge—across Key Largo, Marathon, and the Lower Keys into Key West.

The 505-mile drive takes between 8.5 and 10 hours under normal traffic conditions. Expect approximately $50–$75 in fuel plus $15–$25 in electronic SunPass or Toll-by-Plate charges.

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✈️ Flight + Ground Transport (Fastest and Most Convenient Option)

For visitors with limited vacation time, flying is the quickest way to reach the island. While scheduled nonstop commercial flights from JAX to Key West International Airport (EYW) are rare, major airlines like American Airlines and Delta operate frequent daily connecting flights through Miami (MIA) or Atlanta (ATL). Total travel time—including a short 50-minute connection—generally ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 hours.

Standard one-way fares average $150 to $380 depending on the season. Key West Airport sits directly on the island, just 3 miles from Old Town, where local taxis, hotel shuttles, and rideshares get you to your accommodations in under 10 minutes for $15–$25.

🚉 Train and Bus Options (Not Practical)

Public ground transportation between North Florida and the Florida Keys is complicated and time-consuming. Amtrak operates the Silver Service lines (Silver Meteor and Silver Star) south from Jacksonville’s Amtrak Station, but service terminates in Miami or Hollywood without continuing into the Keys.

Travelers must transfer to regional commuter links or switch to motorcoaches like Greyhound or FlixBus at Miami Airport Station to reach Key West. Multi-leg bus transfers routinely take between 14 and 17 hours. With combined ticket prices ranging from $80 to $160 per person, taking the bus or train is rarely worth the extended travel day.

Related Routes from Jacksonville:
How to Get to Cumberland Island From Jacksonville

Travel Cost and Travel Time Summary

FAQs About How to Get to Key West From Jacksonville [2026-2027 Guide]

How far is Key West from Jacksonville by car?

The road distance between Jacksonville and Key West is approximately 505 miles. Under standard highway driving conditions, the journey takes about 8.5 to 10 hours without factoring in extended sightseeing stops or heavy weekend traffic along the single-lane segments of the Overseas Highway.

Can you fly directly from Jacksonville to Key West?

Direct nonstop commercial airline flights from Jacksonville (JAX) to Key West (EYW) are generally unavailable on standard scheduled airline networks. Passengers fly with a single quick layover—typically via Miami (MIA) on American Airlines or Atlanta (ATL) on Delta—which keeps overall transit under 4 to 5.5 hours.

What are the best places to stop on a drive to Key West?

Popular stopping points along the corridor include St. Augustine or the Kennedy Space Center in North/Central Florida, followed by an overnight rest or lunch stop in Fort Lauderdale or Delray Beach. Once you reach the Florida Keys, worthwhile stops include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada to hand-feed wild tarpon, and Bahia Honda State Park for views of the historic railroad bridge.