Driving from West Palm Beach to Key West: Time, Distance & Tips

Distance: ~250 miles (400 km) via US-1 (Overseas Highway)
Time: 4–4.5 hours without stops; 5–6+ hours with traffic, photo ops, food

The Route: US-1 South (The Overseas Highway)

• West Palm Beach → Florida Turnpike South → US-1 South at Florida City
• 113 miles of overseas bridges & causeways (Key Largo to Key West)
• Iconic: Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon), Bahia Honda, Long Key

Must-Stop Spots (Add Time!)

• Key Largo: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (glass-bottom boat)
• Islamorada: Robbie's Marina (feed tarpon), Theater of the Sea
• Marathon: Turtle Hospital, Crane Point, Seven Mile Bridge walk
• Big Pine Key: Key Deer Refuge (tiny endangered deer)
• Key West: Mallory Square sunset, Duval St, Hemingway House, Southernmost Point

Practical Tips

• Fuel up before leaving mainland (prices jump in Keys)
• SunPass / Toll-by-Plate for Turnpike
• Drive daylight—bridges are narrow, no shoulders, spectacular views
• Book Key West parking/hotel early—limited, expensive
• Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): Check evacuation routes

Alternative

• Fly: PBI → EYW (35 min, Silver/United/JSX)
• Keys Shuttle: Door-to-door from Miami/Fort Lauderdale

The drive is the destination. Allow a full day.