Overview
Key West is the laid-back island city at the tip of the Florida Keys, about 160 miles south-west of Miami and famously closer to Cuba than the US mainland. Expect pastel Conch houses, reef snorkelling, Hemingway history and some of Florida's finest sunsets. There are no direct flights from the UK, so your trip routes through a US hub, usually Miami. This guide covers the airlines, when to book and fly, and what to expect on arrival.
Best time to fly to Key West
Key West is warm year-round. The dry season from December to April brings sunshine, low humidity and highs around 24-27C - this is peak season, when demand and fares are highest. May and November are excellent-value shoulder months with fine weather. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November, with the greatest risk from August to October; travel is still fine, but watch forecasts and arrange insurance early. For the best balance of price and weather, aim for late April to June, or November. See the When to book chart above for current trends.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Key West. The usual route is a direct flight to Miami with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic or American Airlines from London Heathrow (British Airways also serves Gatwick), taking about 9 to 9.5 hours, then a short onward hop. American Airlines operates frequent flights from Miami to Key West of around 55 minutes; you can also connect via Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte or Atlanta with Delta or United. Alternatively, fly into Miami and drive the scenic Overseas Highway - roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
Things to do in Key West
Key West is compact and walkable, with most sights in Old Town.
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: the author's colonial house, lush gardens and famous six-toed cats.
- Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: nightly buskers and street performers as the sun drops into the Gulf.
- Southernmost Point Buoy: the candy-striped marker just 90 miles from Cuba - an essential photo.
- Duval Street: the mile-long run of shops, galleries, cafes and lively bars.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: a ferry or seaplane trip to Fort Jefferson for superb reef snorkelling.
At Key West International Airport (EYW)
Key West International sits about 2 miles east of Old Town, so transfers are quick. A taxi or ride-hailing car reaches most hotels in 10 to 15 minutes. Some hotels and guesthouses offer shuttles, and the low-cost Key West Transit bus serves the airport. Once settled, many visitors get around on foot, by bicycle or by scooter.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Key West
- Book your transatlantic legs roughly two to five months ahead; last-minute fares to Florida are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays, US spring break in March and the Christmas peak.
- Use flexible-date searches - shifting a day or two, or travelling in the shoulder months, can noticeably cut the total cost.
- Compare booking the UK-Miami and Miami-Key West legs together against booking them separately, and check the price charts on this page.
Travel essentials
British passport holders travelling for tourism do not need a visa but must hold an approved ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme; apply online well before departure and pay the fee in US dollars. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar and cards are widely accepted. No special vaccinations are required, but there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, so comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential.
