Planning a trip to the enchanting Key West? The first step is figuring out how to get there. While the island paradise boasts its own airport, Key West International Airport (EYW), understanding your flight options and proximity to other airports is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the airports serving Key West and choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
Key West International Airport (EYW): Your Island Gateway
Key West International Airport (EYW) is the most convenient option, offering direct flights from several major cities. Its location right on the island minimizes travel time and hassle. However, due to its size, EYW may not always have the most extensive flight options or the cheapest fares. Larger airlines often don't fly directly into EYW, meaning you might find better deals or more connections through other airports.
What airlines fly into Key West International Airport (EYW)?
Several airlines operate at EYW, but the selection is more limited compared to larger hubs. Airlines servicing EYW regularly vary, so checking directly with airlines or using flight comparison websites is crucial for up-to-date information. Common airlines that often serve EYW include, but are not limited to, smaller regional carriers and charter services.
What are the typical flight costs to EYW?
Flight costs to EYW are heavily influenced by the time of year, origin city, and how far in advance you book. Peak seasons (winter holidays and spring break) tend to have higher prices. Booking in advance usually secures better fares. Using flight comparison websites allows you to compare prices across various airlines and find the best deals available.
Miami International Airport (MIA): A Larger Hub with More Options
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a significantly larger airport, about 150 miles from Key West. This distance necessitates a longer journey to reach the island, typically involving a rental car, shuttle service, or a bus trip. However, MIA boasts a much wider variety of airlines and flight options, often leading to cheaper airfares and more frequent departures. This trade-off between travel time and potentially lower costs is something to consider.
How to get from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Key West?
Several options exist to get from MIA to Key West:
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Rental Car: Offers flexibility but adds driving time (approximately 3-4 hours) and the expense of renting a vehicle.
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Shuttle Services: These provide a more comfortable journey but are usually more expensive than renting a car.
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Bus: A more economical choice, but expect a considerably longer travel time (4-5 hours or more, depending on traffic and stops).
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Another Convenient Option
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is another viable choice, located roughly 120 miles from Key West. Like MIA, it's a substantial airport with many flight options and competitive prices, although usually slightly more expensive than MIA. The travel time to Key West from FLL is also similar to MIA, usually requiring a rental car, shuttle, or bus ride.
Getting from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Key West
The transportation options from FLL to Key West mirror those from MIA: rental car, shuttle, or bus. Factor in a similar travel time (approximately 3-4 hours by car) when considering FLL as your arrival point.
Which airport is best for me?
The best airport depends on your priorities:
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Cost: MIA and FLL often offer cheaper flights, but you must factor in transportation costs to Key West.
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Convenience: EYW is the most convenient, but flights might be more expensive and less frequent.
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Travel time: EYW minimizes travel time; MIA and FLL require extra travel time to reach Key West.
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Flight options: MIA and FLL offer far more flight options and airlines.
Weighing these factors allows you to choose the most suitable airport for your Key West adventure. Remember to factor in potential delays and traffic conditions, especially during peak seasons. Happy travels!
