FAQ - You have questions? We have answers. Experience Key West

Before You Go

How to get to Key West? Your island adventure awaits! Here are a few things you need to know that will make your travel experience more enjoyable.

All passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have valid photo identification in the form of a drivers license or passport to travel.

Passengers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Cruising Dates

Our Marco Island location offers seasonal travel, while our Fort Myers Beach location offers year round travel. Off season, Fort Myers Beach offers a reduced sailing schedule. Please review the calendars by reviewing our sailing calendar.

Packing

Let's get you packed! You may bring aboard 2 carry on size pieces of luggage.

It is prohibited to bring aboard coolers, alcohol or anything contained in glass. Additionally, you cannot bring any weapons, anything flammable or illicit drugs.

Key West is primarily a pedestrian island and epitomizes laid back island life. Pack lightly and be certain to have comfortable shoes and casual clothing.

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How much is the Key West Express?

Tickets purchased in advance and during the week are less expensive than same-day purchases and weekend travel. For more information on all of our fares, please consult our official Fare Pricing page.

Can I go to Key West one day and come back another?

Yes…we invite you to enjoy as many days on Island as you would like. Simply select your preferred date of departure and date of return when you book your travel dates.

How long does it take for the Key West Express?

While weather can play a significant role in the actual travel time, we recommend that each passenger plan on a 3.5-4 hour journey from port to port. Fortunately, passengers can enjoy freedom on our ferry that are not available on a plane or in a car, including a full bar and galley.

What may I bring onboard?

You may bring aboard two small carry-ons, free of charge. Carry-on size is not to exceed 22”x14”x9”. Any oversized piece up to 27”x21”x14” or additional carry-ons will incur a fee of $40.00 per piece round trip. Dimensions are of the utmost importance as space is limited. Security prohibits any unattended belongings of any kind be left aboard a vessel or any terminal area. Unattended belongings may be disposed of. Items of any kind are prohibited from occupying passenger seating. Additionally, you cannot bring coolers, weapons, anything flammable, illicit drugs or alcohol.

Is there storage available aboard the vessel or at the terminals?

Due to security regulations, we are not permitted to store personal items or carry-ons. We suggest you contact Paradise Porters in Key West for luggage storage or inquire at your hotel.

Are pets allowed, on the boat?

Household pets (dogs, cats, birds) are welcomed aboard for a fee, based on availability. All pets must be contained in a passenger provided carrier however, pet strollers are prohibited. Pets are PROHIBITED from occupying passenger seating, atop tables or within aisles. Failure to remove pets from any of the aforementioned may result in passenger being denied travel without liability thereto Key West Express. Larger pets that do not fit under tables or beneath passenger seats are accommodated within their passenger provided carrier on the rear exterior deck, also reserved for smoking. The fee per pet is $60.00 roundtrip. Reservations required as space is limited.

May I bring my bike onboard?

Standard size, non-motorized bicycles may be brought aboard for a fee of $90.00 per bike round trip. Bicycles are strictly limited to single seat, standard size and cannot have any attachments. Non-standard size bicycles such as recumbent or tandem style are prohibited. E-bikes or any battery operated recreational device of any kind are also prohibited. All bicycles are stored outside on the rear deck and exposed to any outside elements of marine travel. Reservations required as space is limited.

Is the ship accessible to passengers with disabilities?

Vessels are accessible by ramps to the main deck, where all amenities are located. There are no elevators to the upper seating areas so, access to these areas is limited if you are not mobile. You may operate a standard size, single person mobility device aboard.

Is the ferry faster than driving to Key West?

Under great driving conditions, Google says that it will take 5 hours 15 minutes to get from Fort Myers to Key West. That is roughly 2 hours longer of travel time than taking a Key West Express ferry. Marco Island drive time is also 4 hours 50 minutes, roughly 1.5 hours longer than a ferry. Furthermore, parking in Key West is very difficult to find and is also expensive. See our driving to Key West page for more info.

What is the Key West Express ferry schedule?

Please refer to our online booking portal, for exact dates.

Locations & Boarding

Key West Express Terminal Locations

Needed For Boarding

Valid Government issued Photo Id (drivers license or passport)
Key West Express booking confirmation number or printed boarding passes

Boarding Times

Ft. Myers Beach to Key West: Boarding begins at 7:00AM. Boarding required no later than 7:30AM
Marco Island to Key West: Boarding begins at 7:00AM. Boarding required no later than 7:30AM
Key West to Ft. Myers Beach: Boarding begins at 5:00PM. Boarding required no later than 5:30PM.
Key West to Marco Island: Boarding begins at 4:00PM. Boarding required no later than 4:30PM

Boarding and departure times are subject to change. Travel time and actual time on Island varies depending on weather & sea conditions however, plan on approximately 3.5 hours between ports.

During Your Trip

Key West Express second deck looking towards the bow

Traveling via the Key West Express is truly the best way to get to Key West. You’ll enjoy air-conditioned interiors, exterior sun decks, plus couches, tables, and reclining airline-style seating. There’s a full-service galley, full-service bar, and flat screen TVs with satellite television to watch during the duration of the ride. Stay entertained even more, as playing cards and magnetic travel games are also available for purchase.

Speaking of Air Conditioning… It would be quite the achievement if we were able to select the perfect temperature to satisfy all guests. Try as we might, the cabins do tend to be on the cool side, so a light sweater or jacket is always advisable.

Please be courteous to your fellow travelers. Your personal belongings ARE NOT allowed in passenger seats.

This is not just a ferry to Key West, it’s the Key West Express. We make getting to Key West half the fun!

Are food and drinks available onboard?

Vessels have a galley that offers light fare such as burgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers, breakfast sandwiches along with an assortment of snacks. We also offer a full bar service including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Passengers are PROHIBITED from bringing aboard coolers, alcohol or anything contained in glass. It is recommended that you bring cash for onboard purchases.

May I bring my own food onboard?

Passengers with food restrictions are allowed to bring aboard food items that may fit within a small soft sided personal container.

What is there to do onboard?

During your travel, you are unplugged. We hope that you will enjoy the sunshine and salt air of the Gulf of Mexico. You may also be entertained with a book or by purchasing a deck of cards or magnetic travel game if you select to not view any of the flat-screen TV’s throughout.

Is there Wi-Fi on the Key West Express?

Passengers are encouraged to unplug and enjoy the journey to Key West from Fort Myers Beach and/or Marco Island. While we have multiple flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, we do not supply WiFi on-board. Additionally, you are welcomed to bring games, cards or something to read, during your trip.