Best way of getting to Key West? About This Page:

[mickeyfans]

We're thinking at some point that we would like to travel to Key West, flying from Newark, NJ. What is the best way of getting there? Are the flights direct? Do you have to switch to a smaller plane in FLA? If so, is it comfortable? Can you take a ferry from Miami, Fort Myers, etc.?

[Bert & Sully]

You can fly down to Miami, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale and then from there to Key West. The first flight would be jet service the second flight would probably be on Beechcraft which seats 19 or 20.

At one point someone was talking about providing jet service down there but we can't remember who it was.

You could also fly to Miami, rent a car and drive down. Although the actual number of miles is low the speed limit on A1A is aprox 45 mph or thereabouts so it'll take about three hours.

In March we drove down from Orlando and it took about five hours or so.

Should you opt to drive down be sure whatever agency you rent from has an available drop-off down in Key West as parking is at a premium and on a par with parking rates in Manhattan.

We read in the local paper a few months back that they are starting a ferryboat service from Miami to Key West. Haven't been able to find the article on line to post here but if found will post it.

Hope this helps some.

Elaine

[mickeyfans]

Thanks!!! Is the Beechcraft more or less comfortable than a regular jet, or about the same? I recall catching a connecting flight a few years ago from West Palm Beach to Tampa on a very small plane and it felt cramped--not sure if it was a Beechcraft or not.

How is the drive from Miami--I would imagine spectacular, surrounded by water, but is it unnerving, too?

Thanks again.

[elbug10]

I've flown from Naples to Key West. The plane was a Cesna; it was the four of us and the pilot. No arm rests to hang on to; just grab the bottom of the seat. They asked us our weight before boarding so they could load the correct amount of fuel. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

When I was in Baples in March, I read in the local paper, (www.naplesnews.com) that there is a boat (not a ferry) from Ft. Myers now. You don't really need a car in Key West as everything is fairly close together, or you can take the trolley/"conch train".

I'm sure if you contacted Key West Chamber of Commerce, they could tell you about flights and other ways to get there. Good Luck and have fun in Margaritaville! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[Bert & Sully]

mickeyfans, in all liklihood you flew a beechcraft. Do you remember whether or not there was a bathroom in it?

I drove both ways and really enjoyed it. It is a beautiful drive. There's so much to see! My sister and BIL like flying into Miami from Newark and driving down as well.

[Bert & Sully]

Hey mickeyfan couldn't find the exact article but here is an outfit that just started the service on Thursday.

[Bert & Sully]

[img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] Me again! Finally found the article on the ferry service for those interested.

[Bert & Sully]

Mickeyfan if you are looking for things to do feel free to PM. Key West is a favorite destination of ours.

[mickeyfans]

Thanks for the links and the info!!!!

[Bert & Sully]

Sure, please PM me if you need any recommendations. - There are some wonderful restaurants down there.