Last Updated on March 31, 2024
If you’re planning a trip from Naples to Key West, you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, we’ll cover all the options (and best deals) available for getting from points A to B including by car, by plane, and by ferry.
Air travel is the least practical and most expensive method, but going by ferry boat can speed up the trip time and make the experience more unique.
Road trip fanatics will love the section on the best stops to make between Naples and Key West from swamp tours and visits to scenic piers to mouth-watering seafood restaurants you won’t want to miss.
Ready to find out which travel method works best for you? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Airlines Fly From Naples To Key West?
Although you can’t fly directly from Naples, flights are available from Fort Myers.
It’s not ideal, since you’ll need to drive 1 hour from Naples to Fort Myers.
When I researched the option for this post, Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, Silver Airways, and JetBlue all offered flights to Key West.
Unfortunately, all of them involved at least one layover, and travel times ranged from 7 hours to over 24 hours.
The prices could have been better, with the cheapest coming in at $554. Most cost upwards of $756.
Considering the long travel times and not having cheap flights, it’s more practical to take the ferry. More on that below!
Naples To Key West Distance
Wondering how far apart Naples and Key West are?
Depending on which route you take, the travel distance will be either 270 miles on the toll road route or 237 miles on the non-toll-road route.
The toll road route takes 5 hours, while the non-toll route takes 5 hours and 15 minutes of travel time, depending on traffic and the day of the week that you travel.
Route Or Routes To Take From Naples To Key West
There are two main routes to consider when traveling from Naples to Key West. You can drive via I-75 South or go via US Highway 41 South.
Going via I-75 will save you a bit of time, but it is a toll road.
Via I-75 S and US-1 S
If you don’t mind paying tolls to save a bit of time, traveling via I-75 S and US-1 S could be the best choice.
This is the quickest route and will take about 5 hours from start to finish.
Head north on 9th Street (Tamiami Trail) toward 5th Avenue Parkway.
Turn right onto Central Avenue, then use the left two lanes to turn left onto Goodlette-Frank Road.
After 1.7 miles, use the right two lanes to turn right onto the Golden Gate Parkway.
Take a slight right to merge onto I-75 South toward Miami. Drive for approximately 89 miles, then exit onto I-75.
Take the left lane to exit toward Florida’s Turnpike/Key West.
Merge onto the Ronald Reagan Turnpike/Florida 821, then merge onto US-1 S. It will become South Roosevelt Boulevard.
Continue until you pass the Fairfield Inn & Suites, then turn right onto Flagler Avenue or continue to your hotel.
Via US Hwy 41 S and US-1 S
If you prefer to avoid tolls, you can also travel from Naples to Key West via US Highway 41 South.
This route takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes (not much longer than the toll road route).
To begin, head south on 9th Street/Tamiami Trail toward 5th Avenue South.
Use the left two lanes to turn left onto US Highway 41 South. Continue to follow this highway until you pass Culvers.
Next, turn right onto FL-997 South until it becomes North Krome Avenue.
Continue driving, then turn right onto US-1 South. Eventually, it will become South Roosevelt Boulevard.
Once you pass the Fairfield Inn & Suites, you can turn right onto Flagler Avenue or continue navigating to your hotel.
Are There Any Tolls From Naples To Key West?
There are tolls if you go via I-75 S and US-1 S. This route takes about 5 hours and involves driving 270 miles.
However, you can avoid tolls by taking an alternate route via US Highway 41 South.
Is There A Shuttle That Takes People From Naples To Key West?
There is no shuttle from Naples to Key West, however, you can take the Key West Express Ferry from Marco Island.
The ferry ride only takes about 3.5 hours, making it the quickest of all the options.
It’s also cheaper than the flights I found when researching for this post.
Board the jet-powered catamaran at Marco Island and head to Key West for a one-day or multi-day trip.
Be sure to book your tickets well in advance because they sell out quickly.
Fun Stops To Make Between Naples And Key West!
Naples Pier
Kick off your road trip to Key West with an obligatory stop at the historic Naples Pier.
This impressive pier/boardwalk offers gorgeous views of the Florida coastline and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Naples area.
Admire the pelicans floating through the air and seagulls flapping.
Catch the sunrise or sunset over the Gulf of Mexico or drop a line in and see which fish might be biting.
The beach near the pier is also a fun spot to make sand castles and swim.
Everglades Swamp Tours And Airboat Rides
Need a stretch break? Head down to Everglades City and zoom through Everglades National Park on an airboat for a dose of adrenaline and a fun learning experience.
Nothing beats flying down narrow corridors between mangrove trees, sighting wildlife, and learning about this unique ecosystem from your entertaining guide.
If an airboat isn’t your style, consider a buggy or kayak tour instead.
Move silently through the beauty, immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.
The national park is home to alligators, unique birds, and even bobcats.
Photo credit – iFLY Indoor Skydiving
I-fly Indoor Skydiving In Fort Lauderdale
If you don’t mind taking a little detour along your route, consider heading to the Ifly Indoor Skydiving Experience in Fort Lauderdale.
Don your flight gear and enter a vertical wind tunnel with wall-to-wall airflow.
The sensation is just what you would feel free falling from 11,000 feet in the air. What a rush!
Enjoy a quick training session followed by two one-minute flights in the air tunnel for an unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for all ages.
When you’re done, you can also make a quick trip to the Atlantic Ocean before getting back on your journey to Key West!
Photo credit – Buzzard’s Roost Restaurant
The Buzzard’s Roost Restaurant
At this point in your trip, your belly might be rumbling for seafood.
Now that you hit the Florida Keys, The Buzzards Roost in Key Largo is a prime eatery to check out.
This waterfront restaurant serves lunches, dinners, kid menus, and weekly specials.
Come for the live music on Friday and Saturday nights or a steel drum spectacle during brunch (complete with complimentary mimosas) on Sundays.
The mouthwatering menu includes fish dip, crab cakes, cracked conch, mahi fingers, and more.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Watersports, here we come! Hop into a canoe or kayak for a fun paddling adventure through the beauties of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
It’s also one of the best places to snorkel, scuba dive, or glimpse the undersea park from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat.
Fishing, walking trails, picnicking, swimming, and camping are additional fun activities to enjoy here.
Coco Plum Beach
Ready for a stop in the Florida city of Marathon? If so, grab your towel and luxuriate in the tranquil solace of Coco Plum Beach.
Sand is rare on the Keys, so Coco Plum Beach is one of the most popular destinations among travelers and locals.
Relax, swim, sun tan, enjoy the high temperatures, and keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles.
Duval Street
Congrats on making it to Key West! No visit is complete without exploring downtown Duval Street.
This is the pulsing heart of the city and a great place to find shops, restaurants, pubs, and Ghosts & Gravestones Tours.
Food and cocktails at the Hogs Breath Saloon and incredible ceviche at Turtle Kraals Key West Restaurant are two great places to visit during your forays.
Naples To Key West FAQs
How Long Is The Ferry From Naples To Key West?
The ferry ride closest to Naples leaves from Marco Island and reaches Key West in about 3.5 hours.
There is a galley and a full bar to help you pass the time.
Is There A Ferry Between Naples And Key West?
Although there is no ferry directly from Naples, the Key West Express leaves from nearby Marco Island every day.
What Is The Best Way To Travel From Key West To Naples?
The best way to travel from Key West to Naples is either via car (a 5-hour drive) or via the Key West Express Ferry to Marco Island.
Wrap-Up: Naples To Key West
Have you found your ideal travel method from Naples to Key West?
Traveling by car is a fun option (and a better value) since you’ll have the opportunity to turn the journey into a road trip making fun stops at points of interest along the way.
Taking the Key West Express Ferry from Marco Island is the fastest route to travel, cutting the journey from 5 hours to 3.5.
Although flying is an option, it’s not a good idea as the prices and long travel times (due to layers), make it the least attractive option.
Once you make it to Key West, you’ll have the best time exploring all of the historic sites and you’ll definitely want to make a return trip!
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