Car Hire Key West

Guide

Key West, a North American island in the straits of Florida, and the capital of the Conch Republic, has held a fascination for visitors since the original Spanish landings in the early 16th century. More than five million visitors per year travel to Key West from the mainland, across the islands and bridges of the Overseas Highway past perfect beaches and great scuba diving opportunities. The most convenient and simple way to get around is by hiring a car, so book car hire in Key West before travelling and secure a car at a fantastically low price.

Explore Key West

Key West has a well-earned reputation as a tropical paradise, complete with the gorgeous sunsets and sultry nightlife. The reputation as a romantic, untouched, steamy paradise is somewhat overstated but if you take the time to unearth what you're after, finding the romantic, quirky and even sultry side of the Keys is very possible. Wandering among the delightfully laidback, typically tropical suburbs with their wooden, broad-balconied, houses, you’ll understand why it’s been an artists and writers hideaway for decades. The little town is also very gay friendly.

For nature lovers, there is some great diving and snorkeling off the southern shores coral reef, which is considered one of the most diverse and beautiful in the world. There is also the option to just sit and relax along the shoreline and see the Key deer, an endangered species.

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is one of Key West's biggest attractions; the world famous Key lime pie is wonderful; and nowhere else in the world can you wake up in an abandoned Civil War fortress.

Mallory Square, at the far northwestern tip, is the site of nightly sunset celebrations - juggling and acrobatic displays from local entertainers to commemorate the day’s end, finishing off the evening with a magnificent margherita.

By night it’s lively and there are several festivals throughout the year.

Transport

By air
The majority of visitors to the island arrive at Key West International Airport. Marathon Airport offers a limited more expensive service so receives a lower number of passengers annually. Key West is also the place to catch flights to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Long haul arrivals will however have to land at Miami and get a connection or shuttle (2-3 hours by car).

Car rental companies with desks in the arrivals hall of Key West Airport include all of the popular international suppliers Avis, Budget, Dollar, Alamo, Hertz, National, Enterprise, and Thrifty. If you book car hire in Key West online with us before travelling here, you will not only save money, but you will also be securing a vehicle for your holiday.

By bus
From Miami's Bayside Station Greyhound buses depart for the 5hour journey to Key West's Airport station several times a day.

By car
From Key West, take the dual lane US Highway 1 and follow it to mainland Miami. There are keenly enforced speed limits at various places along the route so be aware.

By boat
Commercial ferry services to Key West aren’t very practical, but it’s a popular place for private yachts and day cruises which can be booked if you plan on enjoying the scenery from the water. If you have a yacht masters certificate, you can charter a small yacht also.