One of the best things about visiting Key West is that you do not need a car to enjoy much of the island. Old Town is compact, many major attractions are close together, and visitors can choose from walking, bicycles, public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, trolleys, golf carts, and other options.
For travelers arriving aboard Key West Express, the ferry terminal is near the Key West Historic Seaport and within easy reach of Old Town restaurants, shops, tours, and waterfront attractions.
Walking Around Old Town Key West
Walking is often the easiest way to explore Old Town. Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Historic Seaport, Whitehead Street, Truman Annex, museums, restaurants, and many popular attractions are located within a relatively compact area.
Walking gives you the freedom to stop for photos, browse shops, visit galleries, enjoy a drink, or change your plans whenever something catches your attention.
Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and a lightweight rain poncho or jacket during warmer or wetter months.
Photo Credit: Tinsley Advertising/Monroe County TDC
Use Key West Rides On-Demand
Key West offers Key West Rides On-Demand, a shared public transportation service operating within Key West and Stock Island. Riders use the Key West Rides app to request transportation between designated stops within the service area.
The service replaced the former North and South bus lines and currently operates daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
This can be useful when your destination is farther from the most walkable parts of Old Town.
Rent a Bicycle
Bicycles are one of the most flexible ways to explore Key West. The island is relatively flat, and bikes make it easier to reach beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions that may be farther from the Historic Seaport.
Bike rentals are available throughout the island, and some hotels and guesthouses provide bicycles for guests.
Always lock your bicycle in an approved public area and avoid attaching it to private fences, gates, or buildings.
Take a Taxi or Rideshare
Traditional taxis, Uber, and Lyft operate throughout Key West. They are useful for reaching places such as:
- Smathers Beach
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
- Higgs Beach
- Southernmost Point
- Hotels outside Old Town
Taxis and rideshare services can also be a practical choice during hot weather, rain, or when traveling with luggage.
Explore by Trolley or Tour Train
For first-time visitors, sightseeing transportation can help you learn the layout of the island while hearing stories about Key West history and landmarks.
The Old Town Trolley offers hop-on, hop-off sightseeing, allowing passengers to leave the trolley at designated stops and reboard later.
The Conch Tour Train provides a narrated tour through Old Town and is a good option for visitors who want an entertaining introduction to Key West before exploring on their own.
These are primarily sightseeing experiences rather than everyday public transportation, so review the current ticket options and tour format before booking.
Rent a Golf Cart or Electric Vehicle
Golf carts and small electric vehicles are popular with visitors who want more independence than walking or biking provides.
Before renting one, consider:
- Parking availability
- Traffic and narrow streets
- Rental insurance requirements
- Vehicle operating instructions
- Local parking rules
A golf cart can be useful for reaching beaches and attractions outside the Historic Seaport area, but it may be less convenient in the busiest parts of Old Town.
Photo Credit: Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau
Be Careful with Mopeds and Scooters
Mopeds and scooters are widely available, but they require extra caution. Key West traffic includes cars, bicycles, pedestrians, delivery vehicles, golf carts, and tour vehicles sharing relatively narrow streets.
Only rent a moped or scooter if you are comfortable operating one, understand the rental requirements, and are prepared to ride defensively.
Check for Hotel Shuttles
Some Key West hotels and resorts provide transportation to beaches, Old Town or other popular areas.
Ask your hotel whether it offers:
- Scheduled island shuttles
- Beach transportation
- Golf cart service
- Bicycle rentals
A hotel shuttle can reduce the need for additional transportation during an overnight stay.
Do You Need a Car in Key West?
Many visitors do not need a car, especially when staying in or near Old Town. Walking, bicycles, taxis, rideshare, public transportation, and sightseeing trolleys can cover most common visitor needs.
Skipping the car also means avoiding the time and expense of finding parking in busy areas.
A rental car may make more sense if you plan to explore Stock Island, the Lower Keys, or destinations well outside central Key West.
Getting Around After Arriving on Key West Express
Key West Express arrives at the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street, near the Key West Bight Historic Waterfront.
From the terminal, visitors can easily reach:
- Key West Historic Seaport
- Harbor Walk
- Old Town restaurants
- Duval Street
- Mallory Square
- Waterfront tours and excursions
For destinations farther away, use a taxi, rideshare service, bicycle, Duval Loop, Key West Rides On-Demand, trolley, or rental vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the old Key West city bus routes?
Key West Rides On-Demand replaced the former North and South Lines. It provides shared transportation within Key West and Stock Island through an app-based booking system.
Is Key West easy to explore without a car?
Yes. Many major attractions, restaurants, shops, and bars are located in walkable Old Town. Bicycles, taxis, rideshare services, public transit, and sightseeing trolleys provide additional options.
What is the easiest way to get around Old Town?
Walking is usually the easiest option for central Old Town. Bicycles, taxis, rideshare, and sightseeing trolleys are useful when you want to cover more ground.
Can I rent a bicycle in Key West?
Yes. Bicycle rentals are widely available throughout Key West, and some hotels and guesthouses provide bicycles for guests.
Where does Key West Express arrive?
Key West Express arrives at the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street, near the Historic Seaport and walkable Old Town attractions.
Should I rent a golf cart in Key West?
A golf cart can be helpful for visiting beaches and attractions outside central Old Town. Consider parking, traffic, rental rules, and insurance before renting one.
Arrive Ready to Explore with Key West Express
Key West Express brings you close to the Historic Seaport and Old Town, where many of the island’s best experiences are within walking distance or a short ride away.
Leave the long drive behind, arrive near the heart of Key West, and choose the transportation option that best fits your plans—whether that means walking Duval Street, riding a bike to the beach, taking the Duval Loop, or hopping in a taxi for your next island adventure.
Hero Image Photo Credit: Piqsels
