Everglades vs Key West — Which Day Trip from Miami Is Right for You?
Both are the classic Miami escapes, but they're opposites: the Everglades is a half-day wildlife airboat ride 45 minutes west, Key West is a full-day island run 160 miles south. Here's the side-by-side.
Available
12 options
Avg. rating
4.6 - 9,179 reviews
From
$50 USD
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Everglades vs Key West: what to know before booking
Both are the classic Miami escapes, but they're opposites: the Everglades is a half-day wildlife airboat ride 45 minutes west, Key West is a full-day island run 160 miles south. Here's the side-by-side.
- Availability
- 12 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $50 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 9,179 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Everglades docks west of Miami (US-41); Key West, 160 miles south via the Overseas Highway (US-1)
- Best time
- Everglades in the cool morning for active alligators; Key West on the earliest departure for the most island time
- Ticket note
- Both are date- and time-stamped; the Key West coach leaves strictly on schedule
Everglades vs Key West in Miami
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Side-by-side: Everglades vs Key West
If you only have a half day or want guaranteed wildlife, choose the Everglades — an airboat ride is quick, cheap, and uniquely Floridian, and it pairs neatly with a Biscayne Bay cruise the same day. Choose Key West if you can spare a full day and want the famous Overseas Highway drive, Old Town's bars and beaches, and reef snorkeling. With three days in Miami you can do both on separate days — the Everglades on a city day and Key West as its own dedicated trip.
Everything you should know before you book
These are Miami's two classic day trips, and travellers routinely choose between them. The Everglades sits just 45 minutes west: an airboat skims the sawgrass, you'll almost certainly see alligators, and most rides include a wildlife show at the dock — a half-day out that leaves your afternoon free. Key West is a different commitment entirely, roughly 3.5 hours south down the Overseas Highway, with the Seven Mile Bridge and 42 spans of turquoise water making the drive half the fun.
Time is the deciding factor. The Everglades fits a morning and pairs with a bay cruise or city tour; Key West eats a whole day but rewards it with Old Town, Duval Street, Mallory Square, and optional reef snorkeling. The table below breaks down distance, cost, what you see, and who each suits so you can choose fast — or plan both across a longer stay.
Frequently asked questions
Everglades or Key West — which day trip from Miami is better?
The Everglades for guaranteed wildlife and a half-day plan; Key West for the iconic Overseas Highway drive and a full day in Old Town. The Everglades is the easier pick if your time is tight.
Can I do both the Everglades and Key West from Miami?
Yes, but on separate days. The Everglades is a half-day airboat trip; Key West is a full-day round trip of about 7 hours of driving plus island time. With three days you can fit both.
How long is the drive to each?
The Everglades is about 45 minutes west of downtown Miami. Key West is roughly 3.5 hours each way, 160 miles south down the Overseas Highway over the Seven Mile Bridge.