Drive time to Key West

4 hours from Boca to Key West is about right. And the traffic is never light.
Just don't drive during rush hours in the Miami area (Dade county).

 

Be sure to stop off at Alabama Jacks on the way down

 

It will take around 4 hrs or so. Take the turnpike.

 

Avoid Miami from 6:45 until 9.

 

It takes me four hours from Miami. I would avoid I-95, take the turnpike through. Once you get past Homestead it is only one lane for a few hours.

 

We did this as part of our honeymoon a few years ago. I highly recommend it! The scenery is simply beautiful, and the Keys have a great laid-back vibe. We reserved a "convertible" online from the rental car place (Alamo, I think) where they had a picture of a Mustang next to the convertible box you ticked. Yea, its a rental so it would be a V-6 automatic, but a convertible Mustang in the Keys has to be fun, right? Well, you can imagine my thrill when the Alamo dude pulls around not in a red Mustang, but in a snappy white Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible. Talk about a kick in the balls.

Anyway, we stopped overnight in Islamorada, but the total drive time from South Beach to Key West totaled right around 4 hours. DO NOT MISS the pizza at the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key. Totally worth the trip by itself. And you know what, maybe it was just the magic of the Keys but even the little PT ended up being a pretty fun little ride.

 

Yes. Anytime after 0900/0930. Definitely take the Turnpike. It merges with US1 in Homestead, turning into 1 lane. I suggest you take the sightseeing route via Card Sound Bridge (follow the signs). A much better and healthier alternative to US1 heading into Key Largo. Can't miss the conch fritters served at the fisherman's village, right before the toll bridge.

 

don't park under a coconut palm tree. it can be expensive

 

Ouch, what an insult! Next time you are going to be on a honeymoon drive in south Florida let me know. You can take the Ginetta instead, just hope for no rain!

BT

 

Don't plan on moving too fast in the keys. You'll be on island time. Plenty of places to stay for every taste and budget but check out the Pier House.