Day trip to Key West

Question

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone has done a day trip from Miami Beach to Key West. Read some reviews on Viator and saw complaints about the buses. I don't see any any ferries or other boat options from Miami Beach. Any suggestions/sharing experiences would be great! TIA!

Answer

Great question! Short answer: yes, people *do* take day-trips from Miami Beach to Key West, but most go by bus, not ferry. There are trade-offs — here’s what to know, plus advice and alternatives based on recent experiences.

How do day-trips from Miami Beach to Key West generally work?

- There is no regular ferry from Miami Beach (or downtown Miami) to Key West. Multiple sources confirm that direct ferry service doesn’t exist, likely because the Overseas Highway (road) is the main way to reach Key West.
- Most day-trip tours use air-conditioned buses or motorcoaches, traveling over the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), crossing many of the Keys and driving over the famous 7-Mile Bridge.
- Tours usually pick up in Miami Beach, downtown, or near the airport, then return in the evening.
- You’ll typically get about 6 hours of free time in Key West to walk around, eat, visit landmarks, or do light sightseeing.
- Onboard amenities: restrooms, Wi-Fi (depending on the operator), and sometimes double-decker buses for better views.

Common issues and complaints (especially about the buses)

Long ride time: The drive takes about 3-3.5 hours one way, depending on traffic.
Several people on Reddit say that means a lot of your day is spent just traveling: > “straight through the drive can be 4-5 hours depending on traffic so potentially 8-10 hours round trip.”
Others emphasize that 6 hours in Key West “sounds like a lot, but when you factor in getting off/on, walking, visiting — you may feel rushed.”
Comfort complaints: Some Viator reviews mention problems like poor air conditioning on the return bus.
In those cases, guests said the operator apologized but said switching buses mid-trip wasn’t feasible.
Questionable value for just a day: Several travelers say that for the long travel time vs. limited stay, it's better to spend a night in Key West if you're really serious about exploring.
One wrote: > “Unless you just want to check it off a list … really need to spend a couple nights here to have enough time to enjoy it.”

Alternative day-trip options (besides just the bus)

Bus + activities combo: Some tours include optional add-ons once you’re in Key West — things like glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling over coral reefs, dolphin-watching cruises, or a train tour (Conch Train) around the island.
These can make your 6 hours more meaningful.
Private tour or car rental: If you want more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive down yourself. The drive is scenic, but parking in Key West is limited and can be a hassle.
A private tour driver removes that stress — and you can stop along the Keys, take photos, and control your schedule.

Real-world perspectives / lessons from other travelers

Reddit users commonly say the bus option “works” but is tiring, and that it’s “a lot of walking” once in Key West — you may feel spent by the time you head back.
Some suggest skipping Key West as a day trip entirely: > “a day trip from Miami to KW is too much … you need at least 2 nights.”
Regarding ferry: Several on Reddit note there’s really no standard passenger ferry from Miami to Key West.

My take / recommendation for you

- Yes, a bus day trip is the most realistic option from Miami Beach to Key West for most travelers, assuming you don’t want to rent a car or stay overnight.
- If you go with a bus tour, pick one that has good reviews, especially around comfort (AC, restrooms) — some of the cheaper ones may be less reliable.
- Consider a “bus + activity” combo so you spend your 6 hours in Key West doing something memorable (snorkeling, train tour, etc.).
- If you hate the idea of being on a bus for 7+ hours round-trip, then a private tour or driving yourself might be better. Yes, driving gives you freedom, but parking in Key West can be a headache.
- Honestly, if you’re not totally pressed for time, consider staying overnight in Key West so you’re not rushed and don’t spend most of your day just traveling.

Day trip to Key West

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