Siesta Key To Key West – Best Routes & Stops To Make!

Are you planning a trip from Siesta Key to Key West? If so, you’ve landed on the right post.

In this article, you’ll learn about all the available options so you can choose the travel method that works best for you.

You have plenty of choices including flying, driving, taking a bus, or even adding a portion of sea travel to your trip.

If you choose to make this into a road trip, we’ve included 7 epic and fun stops to break up the driving.

What Airlines Fly This From Siesta Key To Key West?

Flying from Siesta Key to Key West may be a good choice if you are strapped for time or don’t fancy long-ish drives.

It isn’t the most budget option, but the prices aren’t too bad if you can find a direct flight from Tampa.

It’s possible to fly from Tampa to Key West on various airlines, including United Airlines and Silver Airways.

Direct flights take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost between $184 and $250 roundtrip.

American Airlines also offers flights. When I searched they cost $900 and included a stop in Miami. The total flight time was 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Siesta Key To Key West Driving Distance And Time

If you’re planning to drive from Siesta Key to Key West, the fastest route (with toll roads) will take about 6.5 hours and covers a distance of 372 miles.

If you prefer to avoid tolls, you can take a shorter, but slower route. It will take approximately 7 hours and includes 347 miles of driving distance.

Route Or Routes To Take From Siesta Key To Key West

There are two main routes to take when driving between Siesta Key and Key West.

The quicker route includes two toll roads but is 30 minutes shorter than the non-toll road route.

Via I-75 S and US-1 S (Toll Roads)

The quickest route is via 1-75 South and US-1 South. It will take approximately 6.5 hours.

Head southeast on State Highway 758 toward County Road 789 Alt to start your journey.

Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto FL-72 E. After 5.76 miles merge onto I-75 South via the ramp to Naples.

Continue on I-75 South for 190 miles, then exit onto I-75. Use the left lane to take the exit toward Key West and Florida’s Turnpike.

Merge onto the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. Merge onto US-1 S/NE 1st Ave.

Continue driving until it becomes South Roosevelt Boulevard.

After the Marriott Key West Suites, turn right onto Flagler Avenue, or continue to your hotel of choice.

Via I-75 S and US-1 S (Avoiding Tolls)

If you prefer to avoid toll roads, expect your journey to take approximately 7 hours.

Start your trip in Siesta Key by heading southeast on State Highway 758.

Use the left two lanes to merge on FL-72 East. Then use the right lane to merge onto I-75 South via the ramp to Naples.

Use the right two lanes to take exit 101 toward FL-84 West/ Naples.

After a half mile, merge on Collier Boulevard. Drive another 7 miles, then use the three left lanes to turn on US Highway 41 South.

After about 82 miles, turn right onto FL-997 South. Continue straight until it turns into North Krome Avenue. 

After about 16 miles, turn onto US-1 South. Continue until it becomes South Roosevelt Blvd.

Pass by the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West at The Keys Collection (on the right), then turn right onto Flagler Avenue, or continue to your hotel of choice.

Is There A Shuttle That Takes People From Siesta Key To Key West?

There is no shuttle between Siesta Key and Key West, however, if you don’t have your own transportation it’s possible to go by bus.

Unfortunately, all of the bus routes involve at least one transfer (usually in Miami). This adds a lot of time to the trip.

Going on the bus costs between $90 and $110 at the lower end and takes anywhere from 13 to 21 hours.

Another option is to take the bus and then the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers. 

However, a roundtrip flight from Tampa costs about the same as a ferry ride from Fort Myers, so unless you’re specifically looking for that experience, it will be cheaper and faster to fly.

Are There Any Tolls From Siesta Key To Key West?

Depending on which route you take, you will encounter tolls on I-75 South and the Ronald Reagan Turnpike (Florida 821).

However, it is possible to avoid the tolls by following a different route.

7 Fun Stops To Make Along The Way

Crescent Beach

Kick off your journey with a stop at Crescent Beach on Siesta Key. This gorgeous beach features incredible emerald water, sugar-white sand, and amazing shells.

Enjoy chaise lounges and umbrellas (available for rent up until 4 pm), or take your picnic blanket and some bubbly and watch the sunset.

Naples Tin City

If you don’t mind going a bit out of the way, Tin City is a perfect spot to catch vintage Florida Charm.

Discover the tin-roofed buildings on the Gordon River and enjoy the waterfront restaurants, eccentric shops, and varied tours.

You can go on a shelling or dolphin tour, book a fishing charter, or simply meander, people-watch, and eat tasty seafood.

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Another excellent stop along your Siesta Key to Key West trip is the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

Hike through the habitat of the endangered Florida panther enjoying wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and more.

The panthers themselves are elusive and hard to spot, but you might get lucky.

Cannon Beach Key Largo

Once you hit the Florida Keys, it’s time for a pit stop at Key Largo’s favored Cannon Beach.

This Beach is an awesome spot to drop in the water with snorkel gear and check out everything from barracudas to crabs.

You might even see cannons on the seafloor, plus turtles, squids, and a large artificial reef.

For those who don’t want to get wet, a glass-bottom boat tour is the way to go.

Siesta Key To Key West FAQs

Which Is Better Siesta Keys Or Key West?

Are you wondering whether Siesta Key or Key West is better for you? It really depends on your preferences.

Siesta Key is the way to go if you like a party atmosphere with plenty of nightlife, fun daytime activities, and white-sand beaches.

If you prefer a laid-back atmosphere with incredible sunsets and fascinating history, Key West is a great choice.

Duval Street adds plenty of energy, the nightlife is fun, and there are many great watersports to enjoy.

How Long Is The Boat Ride From Siesta Key To Key West?

If you have your own boat and plan to go by water from Siesta Key to Key West, you’ll need to travel roughly 190 nautical miles if you go along the coast. 

The Key West Express Ferry from Fort Myers to Key West takes between 3.5 and 4 hours from port to port.

How Far Apart Are Key West And Siesta Key?

Key West and Siesta Key and approximately 166 nautical miles apart.

Why Is Siesta Key So Popular?

Siesta Key is popular because it offers incredibly soft quartz sand beaches, spectacular views of the Gulf Coast, amazing dining options, fun water activities, and a party atmosphere.

Wrap-Up: Siesta Key To Key West

Are you all set for your Siesta Key to Key West trip?

Flying is the quickest way to travel between these two destinations (though the direct flights technically leave from Tampa).

Traveling by car or bus and then by ferry is another option. Although it’s a comparable price to flying, it can be a fun experience.

Driving from Siesta Key to Key West offers plenty of interesting stops along the way such as Fort Myers River District, Cannon Beach, and the famous Southernmost Point of Key West.

No matter whether you take the quickest route via airplane, choose to travel by ferry for extra interest, or travel by land, you’re sure to have an incredible journey.