The Florida Keys are a 120-mile chain of islands, meaning the closest airport depends entirely on the specific destination. This unique geography requires travelers to choose between flying into a major mainland international hub and driving the Overseas Highway, or opting for a direct flight into one of the smaller island airports. The decision balances flight convenience, ticket cost, and the time commitment of the final leg of the journey by road.
The Closest Major Hubs
Most travelers heading to the Florida Keys use one of two major international airports located on the mainland: Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
MIA is generally the geographically nearest hub to the northernmost Keys, such as Key Largo. The drive from MIA to the start of the Overseas Highway is typically shorter than from FLL, making it the preferred option for travelers prioritizing minimal driving time to the Upper Keys.
FLL is located further north, resulting in a slightly longer drive. However, FLL often features a higher volume of budget and low-cost carrier flights compared to MIA. This can translate to lower airfare, appealing to cost-conscious travelers who accept the longer drive. Both hubs offer extensive domestic and international flight connectivity, making them practical entry points.
Flying Directly into the Keys
The Florida Keys feature airports that offer commercial service, providing the most direct route for travelers willing to accept trade-offs. Key West International Airport (EYW) is the primary airport within the island chain, offering scheduled commercial flights from multiple major airlines and cities across the United States. EYW is the closest point of entry for travelers heading to the Lower Keys and Key West itself.
EYW operates with limitations due to its shorter runway, which restricts the size of aircraft that can use the facility. Flights into EYW often require connections through a larger hub like MIA or Atlanta, and ticket prices are typically higher than flying into the mainland. The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH) does not currently offer regularly scheduled commercial airline service, focusing instead on general aviation and private charters.
Determining Your Best Airport
Selecting the optimal airport relies heavily on the final destination and the traveler’s tolerance for driving versus ticket cost.
Upper Keys (Key Largo, Islamorada)
For those traveling to the Upper Keys, flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) is often the most logical choice. The drive from MIA to Key Largo is approximately 60 to 90 minutes under ideal conditions, though heavy traffic during peak times can extend this significantly.
Middle Keys (Marathon, Key Vaca)
Travelers bound for the Middle Keys face a balanced decision between the convenience of a short drive and the lower cost of a mainland flight. The drive from MIA to Marathon is substantially longer than to Key Largo. While Marathon Airport (MTH) is the closest physical entry point, the lack of scheduled commercial service necessitates expensive private or charter arrangements.
Lower Keys (Key West)
For Key West and the Lower Keys, the calculation shifts toward the convenience of flying directly into Key West International Airport (EYW). The driving time from MIA to Key West is approximately three and a half to four hours, not factoring in traffic delays. Given the length of the drive and the possibility of slow traffic on the two-lane Overseas Highway, the higher airfare for a direct flight into EYW is often justified by the substantial time savings.