West Palm Beach to Key West

Regional driving route

4h 20m
Drive Time
239
Miles
$27
Gas Cost
1
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from West Palm Beach to Key West?

The drive from West Palm Beach to Key West takes approximately 4h 20m, covering 239 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $27 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 6–7+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
3h 41m
🔵 Typical
4h 20m
🔴 Heavy traffic
6h 17m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance239 miles
Drive Time4h 20min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$27
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$42-$77

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from West Palm Beach to Key West

The best time to drive from West Palm Beach to Key West is early morning (6-8 am). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
4h 20m
~$27 gas
✈️ Flying
2h 59m
~$80–$150 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~29 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
4h 20m
~$27
🚌 Bus
5h 19m
~$19–$43
🚂 Train
4h 21m
~$29–$72

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

Suggested Stops

Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:

📍 Everglades
📍 Homestead
📍 Florida City

FAQ

How long is the drive from West Palm Beach to Key West?
The drive takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes covering 239 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 7 gallons of gas, costing approximately $27 at $3.50/gallon.