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Did you know there is a ferry that you can take from Ft. Meyers or Marco Island to Key West? If you want to travel to Key West but don’t want to take your car, this might be a great option to explore.
There are some things to keep in mind before you decide to go with this option though. Also, a few tips and tricks will make this trip much easier. So, if you’re on Florida’s Gulf Coast and want to visit Key West, here’s everything you need to know.
How To Buy Your Ft Meyers or Marco Island To Key West Ferry Ticket
The ferry is called the Key West Express and it’s super easy to buy your tickets. You just go on the website and immediately you will see the big pink button saying “book now”. Then you select your outbound date and return date and how many people are going on the trip.
Round Trip
The pricing is broken down into different categories depending on who you’re booking for. Regular round trip ticket prices for adults are $185 (ages 13-61), seniors are $175 (ages 62+), juniors are $135 (ages 5-12), and children are $85 (4 and younger).
Round Trip – Discounted 8 Day Advance Purchase Fare
They also have a discounted 8 day advance purchase fare where for adults and seniors, Monday through Thursday travel the fare is $155 and for Friday through Sunday travel it is $165.
There is another way to get discounted tickets and that is to check the website for sales. Often they will do holiday sales (for example a Memorial Day Weekend Getaway sale) where they sell tickets for a lower price but often you have to depart and return on certain days for the weekend. It’s perfect for people who are looking to get away for that time frame and are flexible with the days.
It is important to not that discounted fares are non-refundable so if you think you might need to cancel, the value can be applied towards future travel for a period of two years from the original travel date or it is best to purchase full fare tickets to be able to receive a refund.
One Way
There is also an option to purchase one way tickets if you are going to leave the island another way. For adults and seniors the purchase price is $130, for juniors $120 and children $60.
Round trip and one way full price tickets are refundable but there can be some cancellation/change fees that can apply. Guest fee for cancellation 3 or more calendar days prior to departure is $25 per person, 2 days $40 per person and no show or same day is $50 per person.
Parking
One of the options you have while purchasing any kind of tickets is to get a parking permit as well if you are leaving a vehicle on site. For just 1-2 days it is $18 per vehicle per day, for 3 days it is $15 and for 4+ days it is $10 per day. The parking is available on site at the Fort Myers Beach location at the current day rate. At the Marco Island location parking is complimentary across the street from the Rose Marina.
When Does The Ferry Travel?
There are set boarding and departure times to be aware of when taking the ferry.
Ft. Myers Beach to Key West: Boarding begins at 7am and is required no later than 7:30am for an 8am departure.
Marco Island to Key West: Boarding begins at 7am and is required no later than 7:30am for an 8am departure.
Key West to Ft. Myers Beach: Boarding begins at 5pm and is required no later than 5:30pm for a 6pm departure.
Key West to Marco Island: Boarding begins at 4pm and is required no later than 4:30pm for a 5pm departure.
Remember that the boat leaves Ft. Myers or Marco Island early in the mornings and it leaves Key West in the evenings to go back to the mainland.
The Marco Island location only offers seasonal travel while the Fort Myers Beach location offers year round travel but with a reduced sailing schedule during the off season. You can see the calendar here.
How Long Is The Journey And What Do I Need To Know?
The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours between ports depending on the weather. If it is more windy and creates more waves, then it might take longer for the boat to maneuver the waters.
For people who get seasick easily, it is a good idea to take medicine for nausea before the trip or have some with you just in case. Even on days when its not so windy, the ride can get bumpy so it is best to be prepared.
However, for the most part, the ride is smooth and very enjoyable. You get beautiful views of the clear blue water and get to enjoy the salty air of the seas. The ferry has air-conditioned interior seating as well as exterior sun decks.
For the journey, you have a full-service bar and flat screen TVs to help pass the time, but you might want to bring another personal form of entertainment like a book.
Another thing to make sure to bring with you is a valid photo identification for all passengers. You may bring two carry on size pieces of luggage per person and make sure to not bring any prohibited items. If you need to bring more than two carry-ons, then it will cost $40 per piece round trip. The carry-ons should not exceed the dimensions of 22″x14″x9″ since space is limited.
Overall, our experience with taking the ferry was very smooth and it makes a great option when you don’t want to drive all the way to Key West. If you are looking for more guides on what to do in Key West, be sure to check out our guides on the best Key West experiences, best water activities and best beaches to visit.