North America > United States > Key West (EYW)
The Car or no Car advice for Key West can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Key West ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Key West ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Key West?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Key West without a car 🚶♂️🚲
Once you are actually in Key West, you really do not need a car. The island is compact, flat, and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, and most historic sights sit within a small area. Cycling is especially popular, and bike hire is widely available.
Local buses run frequently and are cheap, covering the full length of the island. Taxis and ride-hailing also work well for short hops. Parking, by contrast, is limited and expensive, which quickly becomes a frustration if you keep a car during your stay.
For accommodation in Old Town or near the waterfront, a no-car stay is often the most relaxed option.
Getting to Key West 🚗🌉
How you arrive makes a big difference. Driving the Overseas Highway from Miami is one of America’s great road trips, with bridges, ocean views, and photo stops along the way. In that sense, renting a car is part of the experience rather than just transport.
However, many visitors fly directly into Key West International Airport or take a coach from Miami. If you arrive this way, picking up a car just to keep it parked makes little sense.
When a car is useful 🚙
A car becomes useful if Key West is part of a wider Florida Keys itinerary. Exploring Marathon, Islamorada, or quieter beaches is far easier by car. That said, many people choose to drive down, then return or drop off the car before settling into Key West itself.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Key West?
For the island alone, no. Key West is best enjoyed on foot, by bike, or by bus. For the journey through the Florida Keys, yes. The ideal approach for many visitors is to drive the Keys, then go car-free once you arrive.
