Orlando → Key West road trip (Overseas Highway)
Facts checked November 1, 2026
From Orlando it’s about 388 miles to Key West: Florida’s Turnpike down the peninsula, then US-1 across the Keys. You can do it in one long day, but splitting it at Key Largo means you drive the Overseas Highway rested and in daylight, which is the point of the trip.
The route at a glance
| Day | Leg | Distance | Drive time* | Main roads (map) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Orlando International Airport (MCO) → Key Largo | about 289 mi | about 5 h 40 min | Florida’s Turnpike, then US-1 (route) |
| Day 2 | Key Largo → Key West (Mallory Square area) | about 99 mi | about 2 h 40 min | US-1 (Overseas Highway) (route) |
| Day 4 (optional) | Key West (Mallory Square area) → Orlando International Airport (MCO) | about 388 mi | about 8 h 15 min | US-1 and Florida’s Turnpike · back to Orlando in one go (route) |
*Distances and times from OpenStreetMap directions (OSRM car routing), checked Nov 1, 2026: the router’s estimate with no traffic and no stops. Real drives usually take longer; check a live map on the day.
The Overseas Highway: Visit Florida Keys describes it as 113 miles of roadway with 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West, including the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon (actually 6.79 miles). Addresses go by green mile markers, from 113 at the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line down to 0 in Key West.
Tolls: Florida’s Turnpike uses cashless electronic tolls (SunPass, compatible transponders or Toll-By-Plate), so ask the rental company how it bills tolls (Visit Florida Keys).
Suggested itinerary
- Day 1: Orlando → Key Largo. Pick up at MCO and head south on the Turnpike. Overnight Key Largo.
- Day 2: Key Largo → Key West. About 2 h 40 min of driving on US-1 without stops, so take the day: Islamorada, Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda. Arrive for sunset at Mallory Square (our sunset guide). Overnight Key West.
- Day 3: Key West. Dry Tortugas by ferry, or a museum morning and the trolley (our one-day Key West plan). In Old Town a car is more hassle than help, so park it. Overnight Key West.
- Day 4: home. Drop the car in Key West (EYW) and fly out, or drive back to Orlando in one long day.
What to see on the way
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): the country’s first undersea park, with glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling and diving; $8 per vehicle plus 50 cents per person. Florida State Parks.
- Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon): the 6.79-mile span at Marathon, opened in 1982. Visit Florida Keys.
- Bahia Honda State Park (Lower Keys): beaches, snorkel and kayak rentals; $8 per vehicle. It can close when full, so arrive early on weekends. Florida State Parks.
Where to stay at each stop
Key Largo (1 night)
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Details
Key West (2 nights)
More options in our Key West where-to-stay guide.
Rental car
Pick up at Orlando International (MCO). For a one-way trip, set Key West (EYW) or Miami (MIA) as the drop-off in the search; otherwise return to MCO.
One-way drop fees vary. Dropping the car in a different city from where you picked it up often adds a one-way fee, and it differs by company, location and date. Set your drop-off location in the search and check the total (fees, tolls policy, extra drivers, mileage) at booking before you pay.
Tours worth booking on this route
Dry Tortugas National Park day trip by catamaran
- Price Check current price on the listing
- Good to know The operator’s day trip includes the park entrance fee, breakfast snack, box lunch, snorkel gear and a guided fort tour (from our Dry Tortugas guide). Book early for winter dates.
Key West sunset sail
- Price Check current price on the listing
- Alternative Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is free
Conch Tour Train
- Price Check current price on the listing
- Why A seated overview of Old Town on day 3, with the car parked
Our city guides on this route
- Orlando (Citrus Compass): parks, day trips, where to stay
- Key West (Conch Compass): Dry Tortugas, sunset sails, museums, where to stay
FAQ
How long is the drive from Orlando to Key West?
About 388 miles and about 8 h 15 min with no traffic or stops (OpenStreetMap routing, checked Nov 1, 2026). Splitting it at Key Largo makes day 1 about 289 miles and day 2 about 99 miles.
How long is the Overseas Highway?
Visit Florida Keys puts it at 113 miles with 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West, including the 6.79-mile Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Do I need the car in Key West?
Not in Old Town. The Florida Keys tourism council calls Key West one of the easiest places in the Keys to explore without a car. Many people drop the car at EYW (check the one-way fee) or park it for the stay.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap directions (OSRM car): Orlando International Airport (MCO) → Key Largo (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- OpenStreetMap directions (OSRM car): Key Largo → Key West (Mallory Square area) (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- OpenStreetMap directions (OSRM car): Key West (Mallory Square area) → Orlando International Airport (MCO) (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- Visit Florida Keys: the Highway That Goes to Sea (113 miles, 42 bridges, mile markers)
- Visit Florida Keys: Seven Mile Bridge
- Visit Florida Keys: how to get here (tolls)
- Florida State Parks: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Florida State Parks: Bahia Honda State Park
- Yankee Freedom: Dry Tortugas day trip (inclusions)
- Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square (official)