The Florida Keys stretch 125 miles southwest from the tip of the Florida mainland, connected by the famous Overseas Highway — a series of 42 bridges that make for one of the world's most dramatic and memorable drives. Key West, at the end of the chain, is one of America's most distinctive destinations. Here's how to get there from Tampa Bay.
The Journey from Tampa Bay to the Keys
There's no shortcut — the Florida Keys require driving the full length of US-1 (Overseas Highway) from the mainland. The journey from Tampa to Key West covers approximately 410 miles and takes 6-7 hours under normal conditions.
Route from Tampa to Key West
- I-75 South to Miami/Homestead area (~3.5 hours)
- Florida Turnpike South to FL-821 to US-1 (~30 min from Tampa junction to Homestead)
- US-1 (Overseas Highway) to Key West (~2-2.5 hours from Homestead)
Private Transfer: Tampa to Key West
- Distance: ~410 miles
- Drive time: 6-7 hours
- Rate: From $350 (sedan)
- Includes: Professional long-distance driver, scheduled rest stops, luggage handling
The Overseas Highway Experience
US-1 through the Florida Keys is unlike any drive in America:
- Seven Mile Bridge — The longest of 42 bridges, with views of the Atlantic on one side and Gulf of Mexico on the other
- Bahia Honda State Park — Beautiful beach accessible from the highway
- Key Largo — Northernmost key, John Pennekamp State Park (snorkeling)
- Islamorada — Sport fishing capital of the world
- Marathon — Midpoint with excellent dining and beaches
Key West Highlights
- Duval Street — The main entertainment strip, 1 mile long
- Mallory Square — Famous sunset celebration, every evening
- Ernest Hemingway Home — National Historic Landmark
- Fort Zachary Taylor — Best beach in Key West
- Southernmost Point — Iconic buoy marker, 90 miles from Cuba
- Snorkeling — John Pennekamp and Florida Reef
Alternative: Fly into Key West
Key West International Airport (EYW) receives direct flights from major cities, making it worth checking if flying into EYW is comparable in cost to flying into TPA and driving. For 3+ day stays, flying directly often makes more sense.