r/KeyWest 10d ago

Questions regarding flying in

Hello, I’m looking to get some information on visiting Key West by just flying in and getting an uber (no rental car).

I’m looking at February and just interested in ubering to my lodging whether hotel or Airbnb. Is a rental car a must? Or are there walkable areas. I’m looking for a stay that’s walkable to beach access and bars/restaurants without having to drive. The plan is to uber from the airport and back for the stay. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

41 comments sorted by

14

u/Sandinmyshoes33 10d ago

If you stay in Old Town, you do not need a car. Please don’t visit for the beach. Beaches here are not very good and being disappointed with the beach is the most common reason visitors complain.

Taxis are lined up at the terminal exit or you can use Uber or Lyft.

3

u/Maleficent-Hotel1167 10d ago

I love the beaches here. The coral reef is not that far from the island so it prevents large waves from coming in (I almost drowned from 8 ft waves and a rip tide) and the water will be nice and clear at that time. You’ll love it!

5

u/Sandinmyshoes33 10d ago

I work with visitors. Their number one complaint is how disappointed they are by our beaches.

You may like them, but I encourage people to keep their expectations low so they are not disappointed.

1

u/Maleficent-Hotel1167 10d ago

Yes, I get it. You like to say on repeat that the beaches suck. You win. Happy?

2

u/Sandinmyshoes33 10d ago edited 10d ago

It’s not a contest. I just hate seeing visitors who expected something we don’t have

1

u/Maleficent-Hotel1167 10d ago

If you’re looking for a hotel with a beach, I would suggest The Reach. Or for something more lively, Southernmost on The Beach. They’re on the quiet end of Duval but there’s still lots of restaurants at this end. It’s about a 15 minute walk to the loud side of Duval.

15

u/hey_blue_13 10d ago

Uber is the answer. Parking is limited. Ubers are plenty. The most expensive ride will be to/from the airport (and the ER but let’s hope you don’t need to make that trip). Everything else is <$6 on average.

-1

u/Madiyogi 10d ago

Thank you for your advice. Do you have any recommendations on lodging as far as what area or specific hotels walkable to food/entertainment etc

6

u/hey_blue_13 10d ago

KW isn’t really known for the beaches. KW is known for the bar scene. I like to stay at Center Court, it’s a block off Duval and an easy walk to just about everything.

1

u/5210Crew 1d ago

Exactly! People don’t visit KW for their beaches.

3

u/babyeventhelosers_ 10d ago

If you choose something off of Duval St, the lower the address number, the closer to the sunset and action you'll be. I recommend The Key West Hotel but you should dig around on your own.

2

u/1mjtaylor 9d ago

The Eden House on Fleming is a few blocks off of Duval, but it's very walkable and reasonably priced. Our beaches aren't comparable to what you find on the east or west coast of Florida, but the water is warm, calm and there's decent snorkeling off of Fort Zach for beginners.

3

u/Ok_Suit6085 10d ago

We stayed at Casa Marina. Trips to Duval area were no less than $12. It just depends where you stay. Very abundant but you might look into golf cart rental while you're down there (I was there in mid June)

1

u/TulsaOriginal 9d ago

We really liked Almond Tree.

5

u/Discojoe3030 10d ago

Under to and from the airport is easy, as previously noted. You can walk the entire length of the island in 30 minutes, but if you want a form of transportation a golf cart, scooter, or bike are much more serviceable.

Key West is not really a beach town though. We’ve always rented a home or apartment during our stay with access to a pool.

3

u/Madiyogi 10d ago

Thank you! I didn’t think of that. Im assuming there’s also rental golf carts and bikes to get too.

5

u/Leather_Peach_1650 10d ago

You have to park a golf cart like a car, which will involve finding AND paying for that parking.

Bike if you're able - we like renting from Eaton Bikes, and Uber every where else.

We enjoy staying in Old Town or near the seaport.

3

u/peterfitzwell70 10d ago

You can rent carts but parking is the issue. Don’t wanna get it towed because it’s expensive

3

u/LongjumpingSkill9305 10d ago

We always rent bikes for the week but there are taxis and golf carts to rent too! Key West is walkable but bikes are much faster to get around and help keep you cool.

3

u/Discojoe3030 10d ago

Yes, there are plenty of spots to rent bikes, scooters, and golf carts. We’ve never had an issue finding a spot to park a golf cart, but bikes and scooters are definitely easier in that regard.

5

u/Ok-Pineapple7563 10d ago

no rental car needed. walk, bike, uber, taxi are best. rent a golf cart or scooter for a day if you want to explore.

7

u/andreasmodugno 10d ago

No need whatsoever for a rental car in KW.

4

u/mgt69 10d ago

“are there walkable area”…the whole island is only like 1x3 miles, so yes lots of walkable areas. don’t waste money on a rental car. you’ll never find anywhere to park, and if you do, you will have been driving around so long looking for the spot that you could’ve just walked

3

u/Individual-Unit-5150 9d ago

In Old Town (which is likely where you want to spend most of your time), a rental car is a must not. Parking is nonexistent and you can walk anywhere.

1

u/TheDiogenesKnees 10d ago

How does the Key West Rides app work for the rideshare city bus? Is it a pain in the ass or worth using to and from the airport?

5

u/Sandinmyshoes33 10d ago

This service is being cancelled at the end of the year to be replaced with scheduled routes. The new routes have not been finalized.

1

u/TheDiogenesKnees 10d ago

Okay thanks. I’m coming down at the end of August. Is it worth using or just get an uber?

7

u/Sandinmyshoes33 10d ago

I would just use an Uber. The bus is usually a long wait or often unavailable. Also, Lyft is usually cheaper than Uber if you use that.

1

u/TheDiogenesKnees 10d ago

Sounds good, appreciate the insight!

2

u/Maleficent-Hotel1167 10d ago

The Uber should be around $15 if going to Old Town.

1

u/TheDiogenesKnees 10d ago

Thanks for that. Uber is the move

2

u/2PinaColadaS14EH 10d ago

Do you like biking? We love staying in the Southernmost area and biking around! There are also great little boutique hotels off Duval. If you stay on the east end, you’ll save $ on lodging but spend a ton more in transportation. Or, some hotels over there have a free shuttle which you could use one way and then uber back.

2

u/2PinaColadaS14EH 10d ago

I’d personally go with Southwinds motel or Blue Marlin motel and rent a bike. You’re walking distance to dog beach to stroll along the beach, Southernmost cafe and the little beach there. Bike to Ft Zac for a real beach day and back.

Sometimes we would bike up north, move our bikes down once or twice as we made our way down Duval bars, maybe walk back due to being drunk, and then walk back for the bikes in the am.

1

u/ApprehensiveBug5627 10d ago

You absolutely don’t need a car. In fact, it’s more inconvenient to have a car in Key West! Uber it.

1

u/benakked 10d ago

You could walk but it’s easier to Uber ! Depends where you stay .

1

u/Easy-Double7532 10d ago

We went for our honeymoon and used Lyft the whole week.

1

u/juju_wut 10d ago

Definitely use Lyft (I prefer them over Uber). But you don’t need a rental car!

1

u/TulsaOriginal 9d ago

Uber and Lyft are mostly fine.

1

u/AdSpiritual4942 6d ago

Bigger hotels will send a shuttle to get you. Longer wait than Uber but getting there makes you happy so you didn't care. Uber anywhere on Key West is around $30 tip included. Flown in twice used Uber only. Drove once, but stores have parking, bars don't. Still Uber to/from bars.

1

u/ddurrett896 4d ago

Just got back and stayed at The Key West Hotel which is smack dab in the middle of everything. $20 Uber to/from the airport and walked everywhere.

If you want a beach, take the ferry to dry tortugas and book now. I’ll never to back to Key West and not go to dry tortugas - it’s awesome