St. Petersburg to Key West: 1,100 Miles of Florida—By Land and Sea

The journey from St. Petersburg (Gulf Coast) to Key West (southernmost Florida Keys) spans approximately 1,100 miles (1,770 km) by road—a marathon drive of 18–19 hours nonstop that traverses the entire Florida peninsula and the Overseas Highway.

The Route: I-275 → I-75 → Florida's Turnpike → US-1 (Overseas Highway)

1. St. Pete → Tampa → I-75 South (~25 mi): Cross Tampa Bay (Sunshine Skyway Bridge—5.5 mi, spectacular).
2. I-75 South → Florida's Turnpike South (~200 mi to Miami): "Alligator Alley" (Everglades) or Turnpike (east coast). Turnpike faster, tolled.
3. Miami → Key West via US-1 (~160 mi, 3.5–4 hrs): The Overseas Highway—113 miles of bridges (42 overseas bridges, including 7-mile bridge) connecting coral islands. One lane each direction; no passing; stop-and-go common.

Reality Check

Don't do this in one day. Fatigue + Overseas Highway monotony = danger. Break it:

• 2 days: St. Pete → Marathon (overnight) → Key West
• 3 days (recommended): St. Pete → Fort Myers/Naples → Key Largo/Islamorada → Key West

Alternatives

• Fly: St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) or Tampa (TPA) → Key West (EYW): 1 hr 15 min. Silver, American, Delta.
• Ferry: Key West Express (Fort Myers Beach → Key West): 3.5 hrs, seasonal.
• Keys Shuttle: Door-to-door van service from SW FL airports.

The Overseas Highway Experience

It's not just transport—it's the attraction. Turquoise water both sides, pelicans diving, tarpon rolling, sunset at Bahia Honda, sunrise at Long Key. Slow down. That's the point.