From Miami: Key West Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus

From Miami: Key West Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus
Location: Florida, United States
Country: United States
Rating: 4.2/5 (2,483 reviews)
Price: $62 per person
Duration: 13 hours

Traveling from Miami to Key West by bus offers a chance to experience the Florida Keys’ relaxed island vibe without the hassle of driving yourself. At around $62, this full-day excursion provides a comfortable journey covered in approximately 13 hours, including a scenic drive over 43 bridges and across 31 islands. Once in Key West, you’ll have several hours to explore at your own pace—visiting Ernest Hemingway’s house, the southernmost point, museums, or just relaxing in a café.

What we particularly like about this tour is the comprehensive experience: the stunning bridge crossings that make the drive memorable, and the flexibility to choose your own adventure in Key West. Plus, the tour includes free time, so you can tailor your day, whether you want to explore museums, shop, or relax by the sea.

A possible drawback is the long travel time—around four hours each way—which can make the day feel rushed, especially if you’re eager to pack in water activities or sightseeing. Also, the limited time in Key West (generally less than six hours) means you need to plan carefully. Still, for travelers seeking a cost-effective way to see this iconic island, it’s a solid choice.

This tour suits those who want to enjoy a taste of Key West without the stress of driving, especially if you’re happy with a self-guided exploration on the island. It’s ideal for first-timers, day-trippers, or anyone wanting to experience the Caribbean atmosphere that makes the Keys so special.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: The bus ride is generally well-reviewed, with many noting the smooth and pleasant journey.
• Flexible free time: You get to choose your own pace to visit landmarks or just relax.
• Diverse attractions: Options include Hemingway’s house, museums, or water activities like snorkeling or glass-bottom boat rides.
• Scenic drive: The crossing of 43 bridges and multiple islands is a highlight, offering great photo opportunities.
• Tour guide experience: Guides are appreciated for their knowledge and helpfulness, adding value to the trip.
• Long day, but worth it: Despite the length, many reviews say the trip is totally worth it for the chance to see Key West in a day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Key West Day Trip

The Journey Begins: From Miami to the Florida Keys

The adventure kicks off at Bayside Marketplace, a lively spot perfect for soaking in some Miami atmosphere before departure. The bus leaves generally around 7:40 AM, giving you a full day ahead. The drive itself is about four hours, during which you’ll traverse the impressive bridges connecting the islands—a part of the trip many reviewers mention as a favorite. The scenery shifts from Miami’s urban energy to the lush, tropical feel of the Keys, with water views on both sides of the bus.

A common theme in reviews is the comfortable ride, with some noting the bus’s age and the need for modernization. Still, the guides often compensate with engaging commentary about the sights passing by. One reviewer commented, “The bus was comfortable and as expected,” though another mentioned that the A/C could be better, especially on hot days.

Exploring Key West on Your Terms

Once on the island, you’re free to wander, shop, dine, or visit specific attractions. The itinerary offers notable highlights like the Hemingway House, a must-see for literature buffs, and the southernmost point, which makes a great photo stop. Several museum options are available—such as the Mel Fisher Museum, the Light House Museum, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not—though tickets are not included, so you should budget accordingly.

Many travelers appreciate the self-guided aspect of the tour. As one review states, “You have enough time to go on one of the big tours and then visit the typical photo spots, making it flexible for individual interests.” For those who enjoy a laid-back, unhurried exploration, this arrangement works well.

Water Activities and Optional Add-Ons

Water lovers can opt to add popular activities like snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, or a hop-on-hop-off trolley. These extras aren’t included in the base price but are highly recommended, especially since many reviews mention enjoying such experiences. For instance, “The snorkeling trip was fun,” and “The guide does try to sell additional excursions,” which adds to the day’s variety. These options can significantly enhance your visit if booked ahead or on the day.

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The Return Journey and Timing

The bus departs Key West at around 5:30 PM, giving you a solid 6 hours of free time—enough to see the major sights but perhaps not enough for deep relaxation or extensive water activities if you’re pressed for time. Travelers note that the return trip can be affected by traffic, which is typical for such long-distance travel. One reviewer pointed out, “Going is not too bad, but returning can be longer due to traffic,” so plan accordingly if you have evening plans.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating of 4.2 stars reflects a strong consensus that the trip offers good value. Multiple reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, with comments like “Orlando was our guide and he was awesome,” and mention that the scenic drive and views are unforgettable.

Some reviews highlight minor inconveniences, such as uncomfortable bus seats or the lack of modern amenities. “The bus seat was very uncomfortable,” one person remarked, and others noted the bus was full, which can make the journey less relaxing.

The long day is a common theme—most agree it’s a full, tiring experience but worth it for the chance to see Key West in just one day. Many recommend booking water activities or a trolley for even more fun, though some felt they had to rush to see everything in limited time.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the scenery.
• Arrive early at the meeting point, as the bus departs promptly.
• Consider hotel pickup for an extra $10 (payable in cash), especially if staying in Miami Beach or Sunny Isles.
• As food and drinks are not included, pack snacks or plan to buy food in Key West.
• Be prepared for a long day—the journey, though scenic, is tiring. Rest when possible and stay hydrated.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to visit Key West but prefer not to drive or deal with the logistics, this tour offers a cost-effective, straightforward option. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, those traveling solo or in small groups, or anyone who wants a guided overview of the island’s main sights.

However, if you’re a water sports enthusiast or prefer more time in the water or exploring at your own pace, you might find the limited free time a bit restrictive. The long drive is best suited for travelers who appreciate the scenic journey and are comfortable with a long day on a bus.

The Sum Up

This Key West day tour from Miami delivers a well-organized, affordable way to experience this iconic island. While the long travel time can be tiring, it’s balanced by the stunning drive, flexible free time, and the chance to see key sights like Hemingway’s house and the southernmost point. The guides’ local knowledge and options for water activities add value for those wanting variety.

For travelers looking for a convenient, budget-friendly day trip that covers the essentials of Key West, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s best suited for first-timers, casual explorers, or those wanting a taste of the Caribbean without overcommitting to multiple days. If you’re okay with a long day and want to enjoy scenic views and iconic sights, this trip will serve you well.

FAQ

How long is the bus ride from Miami to Key West?
The drive takes about four hours each way, crossing 43 bridges and 31 islands—an experience in itself.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departure is typically around 7:40 AM from Bayside Marketplace, with the bus returning around 5:30 PM.

Is hotel pickup included?
Not automatically, but for $10 per person paid in cash, you can arrange pickup from hotels in Sunny Isles and Miami Beach.

Can I do water activities during the tour?
Yes. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and other water options are available for an extra fee and can be booked on the day.

How much free time do I get in Key West?
Generally, about 6 hours, which is enough to visit major sights but might feel rushed if you want to relax longer.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s best to bring snacks or plan to eat in Key West.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not ideal for wheelchair users and may be challenging for those with difficulty walking or standing for long periods. For others, it’s a fun way to see the island’s highlights.

In all, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience Key West from Miami—balancing scenic travel, self-guided exploration, and affordability. Whether you want to see Hemingway’s home, snap photos at the southernmost point, or just soak up the island atmosphere, it’s a trip worth considering for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: