The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) is the main highway from Miami to Key West, covering 113 miles through the Florida Keys.
What is the highway called from Miami to Key West?
The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) is the official name of the road connecting Miami to Key West.
This route isn’t just any drive—it’s a 113-mile ocean-spanning adventure with 42 bridges across 34 islands. You’ll pass through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and more while soaking up turquoise views. Just watch for construction, especially May through October when turtle nesting slows traffic near bridges.
What highway takes you to Key West?
U.S. Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is the only road that leads directly to Key West from the mainland.
Built on the old Overseas Railroad route (1912–1935), this highway is the southernmost stretch of U.S. Route 1. It ends right at Whitehead and Fleming Streets in Key West. Pro tip: Fill up in Florida City—services get scarce after Homestead.
How long is the causeway to Key West?
The Seven Mile Bridge spans 6.765 miles (35,719.2 feet) on the Overseas Highway.
| Bridge | Total Length | Width | Longest Span | Clearance Below |
|---|
| Seven Mile Bridge | 6.765 miles (10.887 km) | 38 ft (12 m) | 135 ft (41 m) | 65 ft (20 m) |
This modern bridge replaced the old railroad span in 1982 and now handles two-way traffic. Stick to 45 mph, watch for wind gusts, and keep an eye on the water—salt spray can blind you faster than you’d think.
How long is the bridge from Miami to Key West?
The total driving distance from Miami to Key West is 113 miles, most of which is over water via bridges.
Don’t let the “Seven Mile Bridge” nickname fool you—it’s just one piece of the trip. The full route has 42 bridges covering over 100 miles of water. Budget 3–4 hours of pure driving time, plus stops. Apps like GasBuddy and ParkWhiz help plan fuel and rest breaks.
Is it worth driving to Key West from Miami?
Yes—it’s one of the most scenic road trips in the U.S.
Picture turquoise waters, mangrove islands, and fishing villages at every turn. Don’t miss the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, or the Hemingway House. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen—cell service fades fast past Key Largo.
Can you see Cuba from Key West?
Yes, on clear days you can see the northern coast of Cuba from the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
Key West sits just 90 miles from Cuba, making it the closest U.S. spot to the island. The Southernmost Point Buoy and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offer the best vantage points. Check visibility first—haze or weather can ruin the view.
How long does it take to drive across the 7 mile bridge?
It takes about 10–12 minutes to drive the Seven Mile Bridge itself at posted speed limits.
The full Overseas Highway run usually takes 4 hours nonstop, but plan 5–6 hours to enjoy the ride. Marathon and Bahia Honda are perfect mid-trip stops. Skip the sunset crossing unless you’ve got sunglasses—low-angle light off the water is brutal.
Why are street lights red in the Florida Keys?
Red street lights are used during sea turtle nesting season (May–October) to protect hatchlings.
White light confuses baby turtles, sending them inland instead of the ocean. Many Keys towns swap to red LED bulbs or shielded fixtures to follow Florida Fish and Wildlife rules. Respect these lights—don’t remove covers or use white flashlights on the beach at night.
Are Florida Keys man made?
The Florida Keys are natural limestone and coral formations, not man-made.
These islands formed from ancient coral reefs and sand bars during the Pleistocene Epoch. The Overseas Highway sits on top of the old Overseas Railroad, but the land itself is 100% natural. They’re part of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
What should you avoid in Key West?
Avoid driving in Key West’s historic downtown unless necessary—parking is scarce and expensive.
Take the airport shuttle or ride-share instead. Skip petting iguanas or feeding wildlife—it’s illegal and bad for them. Swimming? Stick to marked areas—rip currents and boat traffic are constant risks. And watch your step—Duvall Street’s roosters have attitude.
Is the 7 Mile bridge really 7 miles?
No—it’s actually 6.8 miles long due to alignment changes in the 1980s.
The original bridge was exactly seven miles, but the new highway version (finished 1982) is slightly shorter. The old bridge? Still 7.0 miles and now a fishing pier and pedestrian walkway. Both are open—walk the old one at sunset for unbeatable views.
Does Southwest fly to Key West?
Yes, Southwest Airlines offers nonstop flights from multiple U.S. cities to Key West International Airport (EYW) as of 2026.
Southwest links Key West to Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa. Check their site for seasonal routes and deals. The airport’s just 2 miles from downtown—grab a taxi, ride-share, or the Key West Shuttle.
How deep is the water under the Key West bridge?
The water near the Key West bridges averages 7 feet deep for the first 3 miles offshore.
Past that, depths drop off fast toward the Gulf Stream. Boaters: always check NOAA charts and tide tables before heading out. Channel markers aren’t suggestions—they’re your roadmap.
Is Key West safe for tourists?
Key West has a low crime rate, but petty theft and scams are common on Duval Street.
Lock your car, don’t flash cash, and keep an eye on your drink. Swim only in designated areas—rip currents are no joke year-round. Before booking lodging, check the Key West Police Department crime map.
How long is the bridge from Key Largo to Key West?
The Seven Mile Bridge is 6.79 miles long and sits between Marathon and Little Duck Key.
It’s the Overseas Highway’s longest bridge and a trip highlight. Marathon’s a great halfway stop for lunch or a beach break at Sombrero Beach. Don’t forget tolls—the Florida Turnpike Extension covers the final stretch into Key West.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
