How to Get to Orlando From Key West [2026 Guide]
To reach Orlando from Key West, travelers cover 393 miles via three primary transit modes: nonstop flights, private driving, or scheduled motorcoach routes. Direct air travel takes 1 hour and 18 minutes from Key West International Airport (EYW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), costing between $49 and $225 one-way.
Driving requires 6.5 to 7.5 hours north along US-1 and Florida’s Turnpike, averaging $55 to $80 for fuel and electronic tolls. Combined coach bus routes (FlixBus or Greyhound connecting to Miami and Orlando) take 9.5 to 12 hours, with one-way fares averaging $45 to $85.
| Leg / Mode | Transfer Time & Rates |
|---|---|
| Direct Flight (EYW to MCO) | 1 hr 18 min ($49 – $225 one-way) |
| Driving via US-1 & Florida’s Turnpike | 6.5 – 7.5 hours ($55 – $80 fuel & SunPass tolls) |
| Bus (Key West to Miami) + Brightline Train (Miami to MCO) | 8.5 – 10 hours ($95 – $175 combined) |
| Connecting Coach Bus (FlixBus / Greyhound) | 9.5 – 12 hours ($45 – $85 one-way) |
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By Air (Fastest)
Flying delivers the quickest transit between Key West International Airport (EYW) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Nonstop commercial flights span 270 nautical miles with an airborne duration of just 1 hour and 18 minutes. Breeze Airways operates direct nonstop service on select weekdays and weekends, with one-way base fares starting around $49 to $99 when reserved early, reaching $225 during peak seasons.
Major legacy carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines offer multiple daily connecting itineraries through hubs like Miami (MIA) or Atlanta (ATL), with total journey times lasting between 3.5 and 6 hours.
By Car (Most Flexible)
Driving offers maximum itinerary independence across the 393-mile route. The road journey begins by heading northeast along US-1 North over the Overseas Highway for roughly 110 miles across the Florida Keys into Florida City. From Florida City, drivers transition onto Florida’s Turnpike North (toll road), proceeding directly into Central Florida to join State Road 417 or Interstate 4 into downtown Orlando or the theme park corridor.
Total driving time ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 hours under free-flow conditions, extending to 8.5 hours during holiday weekends. Expect fuel costs between $40 and $55, alongside $15 to $25 in all-electronic SunPass or Toll-by-Plate assessments.
By Bus or Combined Bus/Train (Cheapest / No-Car Option)
For budget-conscious travelers without access to a vehicle, scheduled motorcoaches provide a reliable connection. Greyhound and FlixBus operate departures from the Key West Bus Station, running north across the Keys to the Miami Intermodal Center or Downtown Miami.
From Miami, travelers can either transfer to a connecting FlixBus/Greyhound or Megabus coach bound for Orlando (yielding a total travel window of 9.5 to 12 hours for $45 to $85), or transfer to the Brightline high-speed train running directly from MiamiCentral station to Orlando International Airport. The combined bus-and-Brightline route trims total ground time down to roughly 8.5 to 10 hours, with combined fares averaging $95 to $175.
Related Routes of Orlando:
How to Get to Orlando From Miami Airport
FAQs About How to Get to Orlando From Key West [2026 Guide]
What is the fastest way to get to Orlando from Key West?
Flying nonstop from Key West International Airport (EYW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the fastest option. Nonstop flight time is 1 hour and 18 minutes, taking under 3.5 hours total including airport check-in and luggage retrieval.
How far is the driving distance from Key West to Orlando?
The road distance is approximately 393 miles via US-1 North and Florida’s Turnpike. The drive takes between 6.5 and 7.5 hours without substantial traffic delays.
Is there a direct train from Key West to Orlando?
No direct passenger rail exists on the Florida Keys. To travel by train, you must take a scheduled bus or drive from Key West to Miami, where you can board the high-speed Brightline train or Amtrak service to Orlando.
How much are the tolls when driving from Key West to Orlando?
Driving the quickest route via Florida’s Turnpike North incurs approximately $15 to $25 in electronic tolls. All Florida Turnpike plazas use all-electronic toll collection via SunPass, interoperable transponders, or Toll-by-Plate license plate invoicing.