Many visitors to Miami like to take a few days for a visit to the Florida Keys, particularly Key West. There is a saying that “getting there is half the fun,” but some travel methods are more fun than others. If you are going to drive to the Keys, there is only one road to take – US 1. This busy road is often clogged with traffic, especially on some single-lane stretches. Thankfully, there is a new way to travel from Miami to Key West - and back - without having to fight traffic on US 1.
The Key West Express departs from the Miami Seaquarium every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on other days during busy travel times. The four-hour trip is much more pleasant than spending four or more hours driving, and eliminates the need to find parking once you arrive in Key West. You can then take the return trip back to Miami later that afternoon, or on another day.
The vessel used is the M/V Big Cat, a 155-foot jet-propelled catamaran with 3 decks. It has plenty of comfortable seating indoors and out, a full-service bar and galley, and flat-screen TVs with satellite.
Departure Information for Key West Express
- Departs from Miami and Key West every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (and other days during busy travel times)
- Departs Miami at 8:30 am, arriving in Key West at 12:30 pm.
- Departs Key West at 5:30 pm, arriving in Miami at 9:30 pm.
Ticket Pricing for Key West Express
- Adult Round-trip: $102
- Senior Round-trip (age 62 and up): $83
- Junior Round-trip (under age 12): $70
- College Student Round-trip (With I.D.): $83
- One-Way: $51
- Print their coupon for $3 off an Adult Round-trip ticket.
- Free parking is available at the boarding dock.
- Group rates available for parties of 15 or more.
Key West Express Contact Information
- Phone: 1-866-KW-FERRY
- Click here to visit the Key West Express Web Site.
