Book a Car Rental
Transportation in the Keys
What you’ll need to get around the keys depends upon where you are and
what you’re planning to do. If you want to tour the length of the islands,
from Mile Marker 1 to Bogart’s Key Largo, you’ll definitely need
a car. If you’re staying in the historic district of Key West for a week,
no car is necessary.
Visitors who intend to stay primarily on Key West should either rent scooters,
mopeds, or bicycles, as driving on the southern end of the island is slow, and
parking can be expensive and occasionally impossible. If you’re driving
to Key West, make sure you inquire about your hotel or condo’s parking
arrangement—if they offer paid daily parking spaces, you’re much
better off reserving a spot than trying to find an empty space in an alley.
Since a residential parking law passed in 1998, cars without local tags or permit
stickers are towed from curbside spots to an impound on Stock Island—so
be careful not to park anywhere denoted with “RP” signage or white-painted
curbstones. There are special laws regarding parking for RV campers; call (305)
292-PARK for current information.
If you do choose to rent a car, most of the national rental companies and several
local agencies operate offices on Key West and scattered throughout the upper
Keys. Many rental agencies can pick you up upon your arrival by plane or boat,
if you arrange for the service, and most of the large chains operate counters
at the Key West International Airport. If you’re visiting the Keys during
a peak travel season (anytime during the winter, but especially during Fantasy
Fest in October), make sure to reserve your car well in advance.
Travelers only requiring a lift from the airport to their hotel will find the
Keys taxi services plentiful and dependable, and limousines are also available.
Many hotels offer shuttle services around Key West, so those staying on the
northern end of the island won’t need a car to reach Mallory Square for
the daily sunset celebration.
After walking along Duval Street all day, you can rest your feet and recline
in one of the unique “pedal cabs” that operate on the island. These
open-air two-seater bicycle carts are one of the best ways to navigate the historic
district, and many of the drivers will gladly take on the role of a tour guide
and narrate your trip.
Bicycle rentals are another great way to see the Keys, and rentals are widely
available and very inexpensive. Some companies include a helmet and backpack
with your rental, and may rent hourly, daily, overnight, or weekly. Bicycle
parking is usually easily found, but be sure to lock the bike securely, and
remember which one is yours.
Moped and scooter rental rates vary more widely, based primarily upon the term
of rental, which can range from an 8-hour day to a full 24-hour period. Eco-tourists
will appreciate the addition of tiny electric cars to the list of transportation
choices. These 2 or 4 seat egg-shaped vehicles have a max speed of 25 mph and
will cost between $100 and $200, but they’re much easier to navigate the
island in than a full-size car. Keep in mind that operators are subject to all
traffic laws, and are responsible for any property damage they may cause. Rental
agencies aren’t required to offer insurance to riders.
Another option for those spending time in Key West but staying on a northern
island is the Old Town Trolley Tour. This continuous tour begins at the Key
West Welcome Center, where riders can park for free all day. A ticket allows
you to ride all day, getting on and off the trolley at any stop you like, and
another trolley will be along every half-hour in case you’re ready to
re-board. Likewise, the Bone Island Shuttle service is a convenient way to get
from one end to the other, and $8 per day covers as many trips as you require.
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