The Keys are divided roughly in to three areas - the Upper Keys stretch from the mainland to Islamorada and includes Key Largo, the Middle Keys continue to Little Duck Key, while the Lower Keys takes in the tip of the archipelago, including Key West. With jade-green waters and some of the best coral in the US, there’s plenty of interest throughout the islands.

Key Largo is a sleepy town and a great base for diving, while Key West is a very different story - a funky, laid-back town with a party atmosphere and a detached feel from the rest of the USA. After all, you’re nearer to Cuba than the US mainland by now!

Florida Keys including Key West

A 126-mile long string of tiny islands heading from the southern tip of Florida in to the Caribbean Sea, the Florida Keys have captured the imagination since the first railroad made them accessible in 1912. Today the railroad is gone, but its replacement highway brings visitors to a part of the USA that has its own distinct atmosphere.

Getting to the Florida Keys

Primary airport Miami
Flight time approx 9 hours
Time difference GMT -5

Driving times (approximate)

Key West to Miami

- 3 hours 45 mins / 170 miles

Key West to Fort Lauderdale

- 4 hours / 190 miles

Key West to Key Largo

- 2 hours / 100 miles

Key Largo to Miami

- 1 hour 30 mins / 70 miles

Suggested Itineraries

Suggested places to stay

Ocean Pointe Suites

Key Largo

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Eden House Key West

Key West

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Miami & the Florida Keys

Fly-Drive holiday

Miami, Florida Keys & Beaches Fly-Drive holiday

Hyatt Key West Resort

Key West

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