Getting around Key West, Transportation
Key West is not a
huge city and the Old Town area, where most visitors spend their
time, is a large part of it, so it is quite easy to get around.
Duval Street, often called the longest street in the world
(because it starts at the Atlantic Ocean and ends at the Gulf of
Mexico) is only about a mile long. A walking tour of Old Town is a
very pleasant and interesting thing to do, so people who like
walking will not be displeased.
Unless you plan
to stay in the newer areas of town, where the hotels and stores
have their own parking lots, keeping a car in Key West may be more
of a hindrance than a help. Many hotels and guesthouses in the Old
Town area do not have off street parking so, when you make your
reservations, ask about it.
Metered spaces are
available downtown for $1 an hour. At 300 Grinnell Street you will
find a Park and Ride garage. Parking is relatively inexpensive and
you can ride a regularly operating shuttle to your destination. In
addition, there are several privately owned parking lots all
around the area, and the cost varies.
Key West also
has several unmetered parking spaces outside the main commercial
area. But be aware that about half of the spaces are marked
“residential parking” and if your car doesn’t have Monroe County
plates or a residential sticker issued by the City, you will be
ticketed there.
Taxi service is
available citywide and Charter Limo service is also easy to
obtain.
About 15% of Key
West’s natives use bicycles to get around town. The island is
pretty small and doesn’t have any hills. Some guesthouses and
hotels provide bike rentals to their guests and rental shops are
plentiful. Bicycle paths are becoming more prevalent, and where
they are not available, you are permitted to use the sidewalk.
But, remember, pedestrians always have the right of way and riders
need to follow all traffic laws as if they were driving a car. You
will be ticketed for running a red light or stop sign, or for
riding at night without a light on your bike.
And, of course,
where there is an island, there are mopeds and scooters, and Key
West is no exception. Many times you will be able to rent them
from the same shops that rent bicycles. But, please be careful.
Ambulances respond to around 300 moped accidents each year and
tourists are involved in about three-quarters of them; many of
which are alcohol related. Most of the accidents are not serious,
but some involve concussions, skull fractures, and brain
hemorrhages. You must be at least eighteen years old and a
licensed driver with a credit card in order to rent a moped or
scooter. Helmets are available upon request.
Places To Stay in Key West
Key West Hotels,
Key West Motels,
Guesthouses,
Bed and Breakfasts,
Key West Resorts,
Vacation Properties,
Camping & RV Parks,
Gay Friendly Key West Accommodations,
Accommodation Booking Services,
Hotels in Key West Florida
Things to
Do & See -
Key West Attractions and Activities
Key
West Attractions & Activities,
Sightseeing,
Eco-Tours/Kayaking
,
Fishing in Key West,
Diving/Snorkeling Key West,
Watersports,
Theatre,
Art Galleries,
Shopping,
Parks,
Beaches,
Restaurants & Bars
Key
West Services - Everything you need to plan your vacation
Key
West Real Estate,
Key West Wedding Planning,
Places of Worship,
Associations,
Transportation to Key West,
Travel Services,
Cruise Ships that stop in Key West,
Key West Maps,
Florida Keys and Key West Webcams,
Key West Calendar of Events,
Local Key West Daily News
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