Key West International Airport (EYW) sits directly on the island, just a short drive from Old Town. This small airport in the southernmost city of the contiguous United States provides nonstop service to over 20 destinations across Florida, the South, the Northeast, the Midwest and Texas, including cities like Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Newark. While navigating EYW may seem straightforward given its size, there are plenty of things to be aware of before flying in and out.
Getting to and from Key West International Airport
Here’s my advice: skip the rental car while in Key West unless you’re planning day trips to other Florida Keys. Most Old Town restaurants and points of interest are within walking distance, and hotels in New Town or nearby Stock Island typically offer free shuttles to Old Town.
When you do need a ride, both options are convenient. Taxi service is available at the curbside outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Area, while rideshare pickups for services like Uber are designated in-app and may vary, follow app directions and airport signage. A recent Lyft from EYW to my Old Town hotel cost less than my usual ride from my condo to a local restaurant, and both Lyfts and Ubers were readily available.
Rideshares throughout the region are usually reasonably priced outside of festival weekends. Going car-free means you won’t worry about street parking, which can be hard to find, or the exorbitant parking fees some hotels charge.
When I want to explore beyond Key West, I enjoy the island car-free for a few days first. Then, I’ll just Uber back to the airport to pick up a rental car when I’m ready to head north and see what the rest of the Keys have to offer.
If you choose to rent a car from the start (or later in your Florida Keys travels), you’ll find all rental car counters directly in the arrivals/baggage claim area near the luggage carousels. Pre-book to ensure availability, especially since on-site inventory is limited and cars sell out during festival weekends and peak season.
Major companies operate at EYW, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can enter the arrival area to pick up your rental car during operating hours (for example, Enterprise operates 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily), even when you aren’t arriving on a flight.
Airport amenities and facilities
Key West airport recently opened its new Concourse A, a nearly 49,000-square-foot expansion that significantly increases the airport footprint.
The upgrades include eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges (a major improvement over the previous outdoor ramps), additional concessions including a Chili’s bar/restaurant, Starbucks, and Farm2Air grab-and-go market, gift shops, more seating and workspaces with charging ports, and upgraded restrooms.
Island vibes
The first time I flew into EYW, I was struck by its tropical, laid-back style. It feels like an airport you’d find on a small Caribbean island. While the new concourse adds modern amenities, it maintains that functional, no-fuss approach that gets you into the heart of Key West quickly.
Weathering the storm
Thanks to the new Concourse A, passengers now use covered jet bridges for boarding and deplaning; eight air-conditioned glass bridges, to be exact. This is a significant improvement from the old uncovered ramps that zigzagged down to the tarmac, where rain could cause delays or leave you scrambling for cover. While you might still occasionally use outdoor boarding at other gates, the weather-dependent hassle has been largely eliminated.
Food, drinks, and lounges
The new concourse has transformed the dining scene at EYW with several options: Chili’s bar/restaurant, Starbucks, and Farm2Air grab-and-go market, plus additional bars and gift shops throughout the facility. The specific lineup has evolved from the previous Conch Flyer and beach bar concepts, though you can still find local flavors and Key West-themed merchandise.
For a final fix of Key West cuisine, look for fresh seafood options and regional draft beers. Cocktails featuring local spirits aren’t hard to find either, and you can grab Key West T-shirts and tchotchkes at the gift shops while you’re there.
Despite airlines like American, Delta, United, Allegiant, Breeze, JetBlue, and Silver Airways flying here daily, there are no airline lounges. And unfortunately, even with the new expansion, no dedicated airline or private lounges have been added. So if you’re the type who likes to show up early and relax in a lounge, you’ll have to adjust your pre-flight ritual here.
Arrivals and staying connected
Finding your way around after you land is simple. There are just two luggage carousels (with a little bar between them), with a wall of pamphlets for local attractions and the rental car counters located right in the arrivals/baggage claim area. The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the facility, including in the new concourse with added workspaces and charging ports. In my experience, the signal is surprisingly strong and reliable.
Security and timing at EYW
All departing passengers must pass through the sole security area at EYW, and so I still recommend arriving two hours before your flight. Multiple security lanes are available, including TSA PreCheck options.
I know it sounds strange to need PreCheck at such a small airport, but EYW recently saw over 454,000 passengers in a single quarter, with more than 161,000 in the peak month alone. Trust me, you’ll want those expedited lanes during peak hours when several flights depart at once. Many credit cards offer the application fee as a statement credit, but even paying out of pocket, the five-year membership is a wise, time-saving investment.
Once through security, the departure lounge offers seating areas with charging ports and workspaces, though these can fill up during busy hours, leaving some passengers camping on the floor. Instead of that, I suggest a final “treat yourself” moment with a drink and bite at one of the new dining options like Chili’s or grabbing a coffee from Starbucks.
Parking options
If you’re getting dropped off or picked up, there’s a small lot located west of the Main Terminal with an entrance on the right side of Faraldo Circle that offers free parking for the first hour. For longer trips, long-term parking is available at the airport.
Traveling with pets
EYW has dedicated pet relief areas in both the arrival and departure zones. The one for arrivals is outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claim area near the blue curbside passenger pick-up, and the post-security departures spot is located near the restrooms downstairs in the Departures Terminal. Both are equipped with waste bags and trash cans.
What to do during flight delays
If you find out your flight is delayed after you’ve dropped your bags, don’t go through security just yet. You’ve got a couple of great options right at the airport doorstep. The Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens, a Civil War-era fort, is right in front of the airport and offers a fascinating look at Key West’s history.
Even better, the ocean is literally across the street. You can see it from the departure terminal doors. Go for one last walk along the shoreline before you have to head home. It’s a great way to kill time and soak up the last bit of that island sun.
Alternative airport options
The closest major airport to Key West is Miami International Airport (MIA). If you’re planning a road trip through all the Florida Keys, flying into MIA might make more sense. From Miami airport, it’s only one hour to reach Key Largo in the Upper Keys by car and you can make a quick detour to Everglades National Park along the way.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
