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How to get from Havana to Key West
There is no scheduled ferry and, at the time of writing, no regular scheduled direct flight between Havana and Key West. The practical route is a flight from Havana to Miami (about 1 h), then a drive of about 3 h 30–4 h down the Overseas Highway or a short connecting flight to Key West. US rules on travel to and from Cuba apply.
Best option: Flight. Flying to Miami and continuing by road or air is the only regular way to make this trip.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Flight from Havana José Martí to Miami International (American Airlines and others), then a connecting flight to Key West | about 1 h to Miami plus about 1 h onward, with connection time | several Havana–Miami flights a day | about $150–400 in total | Check current US regulations and airline requirements for travel from Cuba. |
| car After flying to Miami, drive US-1 (Overseas Highway) to Key West | about 3 h 30–4 h from Miami | fuel plus possible Florida turnpike tolls near Miami | Traffic is heavy on weekends and holidays. | |
| bus After flying to Miami, coaches run from Miami to Key West | about 4 h 30 | a few a day | about $30–50 | Cheaper than renting a car for solo travellers. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check US entry rules and travel categories for Cuba before booking.
- There is no ferry service despite occasional announcements; do not rely on reports of one.
- Seven Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway is worth timing for daylight.
- Book rental cars at Miami airport in advance in winter high season.
Common questions
Is there a ferry from Havana to Key West?
No. Despite repeated proposals, there is no scheduled passenger ferry between Havana and Key West. Private boats require special permits from both governments. Most travellers fly from Havana to Miami and continue from there. Reports of a new ferry service appear from time to time, so check current information, but do not plan around one until tickets are actually on sale.
Is there a direct flight?
Not on a regular scheduled basis at the time of writing. Flights from Havana go to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and other US airports. From Miami, you can take a short connecting flight to Key West or drive down the Overseas Highway.
Do I need special permission?
Travellers going from Cuba to the US must meet US entry requirements and, for US citizens and residents, the rules on authorised travel categories. Requirements change, so check the official US government sites and your airline before booking.
How long does the whole trip take?
Usually most of a day. Allow about 1 hour for the flight to Miami, time for immigration and customs, then about 3 h 30–4 h by car or a short connecting flight to Key West. With waiting time, total travel can be 6–8 hours.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.