Yes, you can drive to the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway

The Florida Keys are connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile road that runs from Florida City (just south of Miami) to Key West. You drive the entire way on US Route 1, which becomes a series of bridges and causeways as it crosses the water. There is no ferry option and no alternate route—if you're driving, this is it. The drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours under normal conditions, though traffic and weather can add significant time.

The highway is a single road with two lanes in most sections, which means you cannot bypass congestion or accidents. This matters because the Keys have only one way in and one way out. During peak tourist seasons (December through March) and holiday weekends, traffic can back up for miles, and what should be a four-hour drive can stretch to six or seven hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Overseas Highway (US Route 1) is the only road to the Keys, running 113 miles from Florida City to Key West with no alternate routes.
  • Normal drive time is 3.5 to 4 hours, but holiday weekends and winter season traffic regularly add 2 to 3 hours to the trip.
  • The road crosses 42 bridges over open water, and weather closures (hurricanes, tropical storms) can shut it down completely with no warning.
  • Gas stations and food are available but spread out; fill up before leaving the mainland and carry water in case of delays.
  • Speed limits drop to 45 mph or lower through the Keys, and the road has a high accident rate due to narrow lanes and distracted driving.

What the Overseas Highway actually looks like

The road is not a continuous bridge. It alternates between short bridges (some only a few hundred feet long), causeways, and regular road sections on the islands themselves. The most famous bridge is the Seven Mile Bridge between Marathon and Bahia Honda, which is exactly what it sounds like—a long, straight bridge over open water with no shoulder and nowhere to pull over safely.

Speed limits vary. On the mainland approach and through some of the larger keys, you may see 55 mph. Through most of the Keys themselves, limits drop to 45 mph or lower. In Key West, you're down to 25 mph in residential areas. The road is narrow, and there are no passing lanes in most sections. Oncoming traffic is close, and the temptation to speed up on straightaways is high—which is why the accident rate is significantly higher than comparable highways.

Scenery is the main draw: you're driving over turquoise water with mangrove shorelines and small islands visible on both sides. On clear days, it's genuinely striking. On foggy or rainy days, visibility drops and the narrow road becomes more stressful. At night, there are long dark stretches with no streetlights.

Weather and road closures

The Overseas Highway closes during hurricanes and tropical storms. The Florida Department of Transportation monitors conditions and issues evacuation orders when necessary. If a storm is forecast to hit the Keys, you may be ordered to leave, and the road can be closed to incoming traffic. During hurricane season (June through November), this is a real possibility, not a theoretical one.

Heavy rain and wind can make the road hazardous even without an official closure. The bridges offer no protection from wind, and hydroplaning is a risk on wet pavement. If you're planning a trip during hurricane season, check the forecast before you leave and have a backup plan to turn around if conditions deteriorate.

In winter, the road itself is fine, but fog over the water can reduce visibility to a few hundred feet. This is most common in early morning hours. If you're driving before sunrise, use headlights and reduce speed.

Gas, food, and supplies along the way

Gas stations exist, but they are not frequent. There are stations in Florida City (before you start), in Homestead, and then scattered through the Keys at Key Largo, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West. Prices are higher than the mainland—expect to pay 20 to 40 cents more per gallon. Fill up in Florida City or Homestead before you start, and do not let your tank drop below half full.

Food options range from fast-food chains in the larger towns to local restaurants and small shops. Nothing is fancy, and options thin out the further south you go. Bring water and snacks, especially if you're traveling with children or pets. If you get stuck in traffic, you may be sitting for hours with limited access to bathrooms or food.

Cell service is generally available along the highway, though it can be spotty over the water. Do not rely on GPS alone—read offline maps before you leave, and know your route in advance.

Timing your drive and avoiding peak traffic

Winter weekends (December through March) are the worst times to drive the Overseas Highway. Tourists from the north flood the Keys, and traffic backs up regularly. Holiday weeks—Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and spring break—are particularly bad. If you must travel during these times, leave very early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) or late in the evening (after 7 p.m.).

Summer is quieter but hotter and more humid, and you're in hurricane season. Fall (September through November) is the slowest season and has the best traffic conditions, though the weather is unpredictable.

Weekdays are always better than weekends. If you have flexibility, a Tuesday or Wednesday drive will be significantly faster than a Saturday.

What to know about driving in the Keys themselves

Once you arrive in the Keys, the road rules are the same as anywhere in Florida, but the environment is different. There are no highways, no interstate-style roads. Everything is two-lane, and you're often driving through small towns. Speed limits are low, and enforcement is active. Speeding tickets are common.

Parking in Key West is limited and expensive. If you're driving all the way to the end, plan to park your car and leave it there for the duration of your stay. Parking lots and street parking fill up quickly, especially in winter. Many visitors park in Marathon (about 50 miles before Key West) and take the ferry or a shuttle service for the final leg.

Rental cars are available in the Keys, but they're pricey. If you're flying into Miami and renting a car just to drive to the Keys, consider whether you actually need one once you arrive. Many people rent for the drive down, then return the car in Key Largo or Marathon and use local transportation or shuttles for the rest of the trip.

Alternatives if you don't want to drive the whole way

If the drive sounds too long or stressful, you have options. Seaplane services operate from Miami to Key West and to other islands in the Keys. The flight takes about an hour and costs significantly more than driving, but it eliminates the road time. Seaplane tours also operate if you want to see the Keys from the air without committing to a full trip.

The ferry from Fort Myers to Key West runs once daily and takes about three hours. It's more expensive than driving but avoids the road entirely. You can also fly into Key West directly from Miami or other Florida airports, which takes 45 minutes.

If you're driving to the Keys but don't want to go all the way to Key West, consider stopping in the middle keys—Marathon or Big Pine Key are popular stopping points with beaches, restaurants, and accommodations. You get the Keys experience without the full 113-mile commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Overseas Highway safe to drive?

The road itself is maintained and safe under normal conditions, but it has a higher accident rate than comparable highways due to narrow lanes, distracted driving, and speed limit violations. Drive defensively, stay alert, and do not speed. Weather and traffic are the main hazards, not the road quality.

Can I drive to the Keys at night?

Yes, but it's less pleasant. Long dark stretches over water with no streetlights, and reduced visibility make night driving more stressful. If you must drive at night, use headlights, reduce speed, and take breaks if you feel tired. Early morning (before sunrise) is foggier but has less traffic.

What should I do if my car breaks down on the Overseas Highway?

Pull as far off the road as possible and call roadside information or 911. Do not attempt to walk for help on the bridges. Cell service is usually available. If you're on a bridge, stay in your car with hazard lights on. Tow trucks operate in the Keys, but response times can be longer than on the mainland, and towing costs are higher.

Do I need a special license or permit to drive to the Keys?

No. Your regular driver's license is sufficient. The road is open to the public, and there are no tolls or special fees to drive the Overseas Highway itself. Parking and attractions in the Keys may have separate costs.

What's the best time of year to drive to the Keys?

Fall (September through November) has the lightest traffic and lowest prices, though weather is less predictable. Winter (December through March) has the best weather but the worst traffic. If you want good weather and reasonable traffic, aim for late April through May or early September.