If you’re planning a trip to Key West from Southwest Florida, you’ve probably wondered whether the Key West Express Ferry is worth the cost.
After taking the Key West Express multiple times, I can confidently say that for many travelers, it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to reach the Florida Keys, especially if you live in or are visiting Southwest Florida. We recently took the Key West Express with my family of 5 and without a doubt it was so much more enjoyable being able to walk around a boat with three kids than being stuck in a car!
Instead of spending hours driving through traffic on the Overseas Highway, you can sit back, relax, enjoy the views, and arrive in Key West refreshed and ready to explore.
That said, there are a few things I wish I had known before my first trip.
In this Key West Express review, I’ll share what the experience is really like, my best tips for getting the most out of your trip, and whether I think the ferry is worth it compared to driving.
Table of Contents
- What is the Key West Express?
- Our Experience Departing for Fort Myers Beach
- Best Seats on the Key West Express
- What to bring on the Key West Express
- Food & drinks
- Wildlife sightings
- How to decide if you should ride or drive
- Do you get sea sick on the Key West Express?
- Is the Key West Express worth it?
What Is the Key West Express?
The Key West Express Ferry is a passenger ferry that transports travelers from Southwest Florida to Key West. There are two SWFL terminal locations- Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island.
The trip takes approximately three and a half to four hours each way and offers a stress-free alternative to driving from Southwest Florida to the southernmost point of the United States.
For residents and visitors in Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, and the surrounding area, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience Key West without spending an entire day behind the wheel.
On board the jet powered catamarans of the Key West Express you’ll find comfortable seating, onboard food and beverage service, air-conditioned cabins, restrooms, and plenty of outdoor viewing areas.
Our Experience Departing from Fort Myers Beach
For our most recent trip, we decided to spend the night on Fort Myers Beach before departure.
I’m so glad we did because one of my biggest tips for anyone taking the Key West Express Ferry is to arrive early. Really early!
The boarding process is straightforward, but the best seats go quickly. If you want a comfortable table downstairs inside the air-conditioned cabin, you’ll want to be among the first passengers to board.
Trust me on this one.
During an earlier trip, I hadn’t read any reviews before boarding and didn’t realize how quickly the indoor seating would fill up. We ended up spending most of the journey on the second deck outdoors.
While the views were beautiful, we also spent hours in the Florida sun. By the time we arrived in Key West, we were sunburned, hot, and exhausted before our vacation had even begun.
Lesson learned. Now, I make it a priority to board early and secure a table inside.
The Best Seats on the Key West Express
If you’re traveling with family or friends, the tables in either cabin are absolutely worth seeking out. There are several different Key West Express boats- the main Key West Express and The Big Cat Express. Both are great, but the main boat is larger and used during the busier season. I have been on both and while one has a larger bar and bigger cabins, both provide the exact same experience.
The indoor seating is comfortable, air-conditioned, and provides a much more relaxing experience during the crossing.
Having a table also makes it easier to play card games, read books, enjoy snacks, or simply spread out during the trip.
While the outdoor seating areas offer fantastic views, I recommend treating them as places to visit rather than where you’ll spend the entire voyage.
The combination of sun, wind, and heat can be surprisingly tiring after several hours on the water.
What to Bring on the Ferry
One thing many first-time passengers don’t realize is that internet service can be spotty or unavailable for much of the trip.
If you’re planning to stream movies, scroll TikTok, or work online during the crossing, you may be disappointed.
Instead, think of the trip as an opportunity to unplug.
I recommend bringing:
- A good book
- Card games
- Crossword puzzles
- Downloaded movies or podcasts
- Chargers and portable batteries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A sweatshirt or blanket for the air-conditioned cabin
The ferry is actually one of the few places where I can truly disconnect for a few hours, and I’ve come to appreciate that.
Food, Drinks, and Cash Tips
The ferry has food and beverage service available onboard, including a full bar.
However, here’s an important tip many travelers don’t know: Bring cash.
The ferry accepts credit cards when internet service is available, but once you’re out in the Gulf, connectivity can become unreliable. Having cash ensures you can purchase drinks or snacks without any issues. It also allows you to tip the crew.
Passengers are also allowed to bring food onboard although that isn’t advertised on the website. If you are a rule follower and don’t bring food, you might be very jealous of all the other people who have brought their own food.
Pro Tip: Before you board the boat to get back to SWFL, get a Cuban sandwich from Cuban Coffee Queen- walking distance from the Key West Express port. You will thank me later when you are eating an authentic Key West themed dinner on the boat. You will feel like you are on your own fancy dinner cruise.
If you want to pack sandwiches, snacks, pastries, or your favorite coffee, go for it. However, there is plenty of food available to purchase on the boat. We were in a hurry and didn’t have time to pack food for the ride to Key West so we happily purchased a breakfast sandwich and a bloody mary.
However, coolers filled with drinks are not permitted.
For budget-conscious travelers, bringing your own food can significantly reduce onboard spending and make the trip even more affordable.
Wildlife Sightings Are Part of the Fun
While I don’t recommend sitting outside for the entire crossing, I do highly recommend heading outdoors during departure and arrival.
Some of our favorite moments happened on the outdoor decks.
We’ve seen dolphins playing alongside the ferry, manatees near the harbor, seabirds soaring overhead, and spectacular views of Southwest Florida disappearing into the distance.
These moments are a huge part of what makes the Key West Express feel like more than simple transportation.
The journey itself becomes part of the vacation.
Is the Ferry Better Than Driving?
For many travelers, absolutely.
Driving from Naples or Marco Island to Key West can easily take five to six hours depending on traffic.
While the Overseas Highway is undeniably beautiful, it can also be crowded and stressful, especially during high season.
When you take the Key West Express, you eliminate:
- Long stretches of driving
- Traffic congestion
- Parking concerns
- Driver fatigue
Instead, you can spend the trip reading, relaxing, enjoying a drink, or simply watching the Gulf waters pass by.
For couples planning a romantic getaway, families looking for an easy adventure, or visitors wanting a unique day trip, the ferry is a fantastic option.
Motion Sickness: What You Should Know
One of the most common questions I hear is whether passengers experience motion sickness or get seasick.
The answer depends on weather conditions and your individual sensitivity.
Most crossings I’ve experienced have been relatively smooth, but if you’re prone to seasickness or hungover, I would recommend taking precautions.
Consider:
- Motion sickness medication
- Motion sickness patches
- Ginger chews
- Sitting near the center of the vessel
If rough seas are forecast, it’s better to be prepared.
Is the Key West Express Worth It?
For my family, the answer is a definite yes. We will 100% do it again!
The Key West Express Ferry transforms what could be a long travel day into part of the vacation experience.
I love being able to leave the driving to someone else, enjoy the views, read a book, and arrive in Key West ready to explore.
Would I still drive the Overseas Highway someday? Absolutely. But I’ll save that for longer trips where we want to make the road trip part of the experience.
For quick getaways from Southwest Florida, family vacations, and even romantic weekends in the Florida Keys, the ferry remains one of my favorite ways to travel.
Pros of the Key West Express
- No long drive required
- Easy access from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island
- Comfortable indoor seating
- Full bar with food menu
- Beautiful wildlife viewing opportunities
- Great option for day trips and overnight stays
- Stress-free travel experience
Cons of the Key West Express
- Internet service is limited
- Outdoor seating can lead to sunburn if you’re not careful
- Weather can occasionally impact comfort
- Tickets can sell out during busy travel periods- book early
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to visit Key West from Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, or elsewhere in Southwest Florida, the Key West Express Ferry is absolutely worth considering.
Just remember my biggest piece of advice:
Arrive early, grab a table downstairs, and thank me later.
Related Posts
Heading to Key West? You will probably love reading this review of the Margaritaville Beach House Key West!
