Flying To Key West? Here Are Some Alternative Options To Save Big Bucks On Your Florida Trip

Mention Key West and a vibe unlike any other in the United States comes to mind. A laid-back, diverse, accepting, and bohemian culture and deep, complex history permeate throughout the island and its neighboring Florida Keys. Adding to its charm is its isolation from the rest of the U.S. — it's closer to Cuba than Miami, and this unfortunately also factors into the price of plane tickets and tourist amenities. Even though the city is regarded as an expensive tourist destination, it is still possible to visit Key West on a budget. And, you can also potentially save hundreds getting there by using alternative forms of transportation to the island (swimming not included!)

Key West has a regional airport (EYW) with limited flights. This generally means that tickets will be expensive, especially during peak season in winter. However, as many major and regional airports in Florida are well-served by low-cost carriers, it is possible to save large amounts of money by flying into the Sunshine State and making your way to Key West by road or by boat, though it will add to your total travel time. By road, Miami is at least three hours from Key West, and a fast ferry ride from Fort Myers is about three and a half to four from port to port. Despite the added time to your destination, traveling across the Sunshine State by car or boat opens the door to incredible travel experiences such as a thrilling road trip down Alligator Alley.

Four budget-friendly airports in Florida include Orlando's Sanford International (SFB), St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). However, when comparing prices, you should always check major international airports such as Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), and Miami (MIA) as well.

Depending on where you are starting your trip, it may be cheaper to drive to Key West than to fly. If you start your Florida trip in Orlando or Tampa and plan to drive to Key West, expect at least seven hours of driving from both cities. Apps such as GasBuddy or Upside can help you factor in fuel costs and save money at the pump. As it is quite a long drive, be careful to take breaks along the way and not put others and yourself at risk.

If you're flying into Florida for the first stage of your journey, it may be cheaper to rent a car. Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, making competition fierce and keeping prices generally low. However do your homework before you rent, especially if it is your first time renting a car. Check reviews from previous renters as well as read all of the terms and conditions, including mileage limits and restrictions on where you can drive. Further, learn how to avoid any of the additional fees rental car companies are notorious for when returning a car so you don't get burned at the end of your trip.

If you decide to hit the road toward Key West from the peninsula, consider stopping at Florida's magical Everglades National Park, just a stone's throw away from Highway 1. The National Park has two paid drive-in camping sites, but if you're really trying to stretch your budget, find a safe place like a truck stop or a Walmart where you can pull off and sleep in your car for free. Note that it is illegal to car camp in Key West.

If you're not comfortable driving on one of America's most dangerous roads or are ready to begin vacation mode the moment that you land, leave the driving to someone else. You've got plenty of cost-effective ways to get an inexpensive ride to Key West, consider taking the bus. Both Greyhound and Flixbus operate routes from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Key West, with tickets on both bus lines coming in about $30 each way. Buses depart very late at night or early in the morning, though.

If you're leaving from Orlando, buses to Key West are about $60 and depart about midnight, allowing you to save by not paying for a hotel room. The journey will take nearly 11 hours in total. If you'd rather not take a bus, you also have the option of taking Brightline, the high-speed train from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and can catch a bus or shared van from there. Many train tickets start at less than $40, with the journey to South Florida taking under three hours.

If you're not willing to take the bus, Viator offers a day trip from Miami to Key West for $49, including pickup. This price only includes transportation to the Conch Republic, however it gives you five hours to explore Duvall Street and Mallory Square, two of the best free attractions in Key West. And from Fort Myers, you can hop on the Key West Express ferry, running year-round. The ferry has amenities including comfortable seating, a bar and dining area, and a sundeck. You'll have about four hours of fun in the sun port to port to get the party started. Tickets start at $155 round trip for adults.