By the iRent Car Rental team · Miami car rental since 2015 · Updated October 3, 2026 · ★ Read our Google reviews
Most Keys trips start at Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport anyway. Pick up your car there and the drive itself becomes the trip — 113 miles of islands and 42 bridges. Here's how far each Key is, what to expect, and how renting with iRent works for the Keys.
Short answer: Rent in Miami and drive down US-1, the Overseas Highway: Key Largo is about 1 hour, Islamorada 1.5, Marathon 2.5, and Key West 3.5–4 hours (about 160 miles). iRent rentals start and end at an iRent branch in South Florida (Miami, Sunny Isles Beach or Fort Lauderdale) — drop-off in the Keys isn't available — with unlimited mileage within Florida for out-of-state renters, SunPass-ready cars from $10, and rates from $39.99/day.
Palm-lined sand and turquoise water – South Florida's beaches are an easy stop on any road trip.
Drive times from Miami to each Key
| Island | Mile marker | Distance from Miami | Drive time |
|---|
| Key Largo | MM 106 | about 60 mi | about 1 hr |
| Islamorada | MM 82 | about 80 mi | about 1.5 hrs |
| Marathon | MM 50 | about 115 mi | about 2.5 hrs |
| Big Pine Key | MM 30 | about 130 mi | about 2.75 hrs |
| Key West | MM 0 | about 160 mi | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Dry Tortugas | 70 mi west of Key West | ferry or seaplane only | + about 2 hrs by ferry |
Mile markers (MM) count down from the mainland to Key West, where MM 0 is. Drive times are without stops or traffic — weekends and holidays are slower. For the stop-by-stop version, see our Miami to Key West drive guide.
The Keys, island by island
Key Largo (MM 106) — the easy day trip
The first and largest Key, about an hour from Miami. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. Easily done as a day trip — you can be back in Miami for dinner.
Islamorada (MM 82) — fishing and lunch
The “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” with waterfront seafood spots and Robbie's tarpon feeding. A good lunch stop on the way to Key West, or a relaxed day trip of its own.
Marathon (MM 50) — the halfway point
Home to the Turtle Hospital and Sombrero Beach, and the start of the Seven Mile Bridge just past MM 47 — the showpiece of the drive. Marathon is a natural overnight stop if you don't want to drive the whole way in one go.
Big Pine Key (MM 30) — slow down
Big Pine is home to the endangered Key deer. US-1 has lower speed limits here, especially after dark, and they're strictly enforced — plan for it. Bahia Honda State Park, with some of the best beaches in the Keys, is just before it at MM 37.
Key West (MM 0) — park once, then walk
Duval Street, Mallory Square at sunset, the Southernmost Point. Old Town streets are narrow and parking is limited and paid, and many hotels charge for parking — most visitors park the car for the stay and get around on foot or by bike.
Dry Tortugas — leave the car in Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park (Fort Jefferson) is about 70 miles west of Key West and reachable only by ferry or seaplane. Park in Key West, book the ferry well ahead (it sells out), and pay the national park entrance fee.
Renting with iRent for a Keys trip
- Pick up in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Free 24/7 shuttle from MIA and FLL to our branches, or pick up in Sunny Isles Beach. After-hours pickup is available for late flights.
- Drive as far as you like. Out-of-state renters get unlimited mileage within Florida — Miami to Key West and back is about 320 miles. Florida residents: ask us about mileage terms when you book.
- Tolls are handled. The fastest route uses Florida's Turnpike, which is cashless. iRent cars are SunPass-ready from $10. The Overseas Highway itself is toll-free.
- Bring it back to South Florida. Return the car to an iRent branch — Miami, Sunny Isles Beach or Fort Lauderdale (a one-way fee may apply between branches). Drop-off in the Keys isn't available, so plan the drive back (3.5–4 hours from Key West).
Day trip or overnight? Key Largo and Islamorada work as day trips. For Key West, the round-trip drive alone is 7–8 hours, so most people stay at least one night — it's far more relaxing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive an iRent rental car to the Florida Keys?
Yes. You can drive your iRent car anywhere in the Florida Keys, all the way to Key West. Out-of-state renters get unlimited mileage within Florida, and cars are SunPass-ready for the Turnpike.
Can I pick up in Miami and return the car in Key West?
No. iRent cars must be returned to an iRent branch in South Florida — Miami, Sunny Isles Beach or Fort Lauderdale. Plan about 3.5 to 4 hours for the drive back from Key West.
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
About 160 miles and 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, down US-1 (the Overseas Highway). Key Largo is about 1 hour from Miami, Islamorada about 1.5 hours, and Marathon about 2.5 hours.
Is there a toll to drive to the Florida Keys?
The Overseas Highway (US-1) through the Keys is toll-free. The fastest route out of Miami uses Florida's Turnpike, which is cashless — iRent cars are SunPass-ready from $10.
Is Key West a good day trip from Miami?
It's possible but long: 7 to 8 hours of driving round trip before any stops. Key Largo and Islamorada are better day trips; for Key West, staying at least one night is more enjoyable.
Can I take the rental car to Dry Tortugas?
No. Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West and reachable only by ferry or seaplane. Park your car in Key West for the day.
Distances and mile markers follow US-1 (Overseas Highway) and match our Miami to Key West guide; Dry Tortugas access per the National Park Service. Checked October 2026.