Do You Need a Car in Key West?

No — you don't need a car in Key West. The island is barely two by four miles, walkable and bike-friendly, parking is scarce and expensive, and most visitors get around on foot, bike, or the Duval Loop bus.

Last updated August 2026

Short answer: no, skip the car in Key West. This is a small, flat, walkable island where a car is more burden than help. Here’s why.

Parking is the real problem

Old Town is dense and residential, street parking is permit-heavy, and paid lots and garages fill up and cost a premium. A rental you’re not using sits there racking up parking fees — the single biggest reason visitors regret bringing one.

Getting around without a car

Everything tourists come for — Duval Street, Mallory Square, the beaches, the Hemingway House — sits within a compact core. Rent a bike or scooter, walk, or hop the Duval Loop, a free bus that circles Old Town. Rideshare and pedicabs cover the rest.

Walkability is the whole point

At roughly two miles by four, Key West is one of the most walkable destinations in the country. Most trips from one end of Old Town to the other are a 20-minute stroll or a short bike ride.

When a car helps

The exception is the drive down. If you’re doing the Overseas Highway from Miami as a road trip — a genuine highlight — that’s a one-way rental worth planning. Just return it or park it once you’re on the island. Deciding on Miami first? See do you need a car in Miami, or browse all our verdicts.

FAQ

Is it hard to park in Key West?

Yes. Old Town streets are narrow, residential permits eat most spots, and hotel and public parking are limited and pricey. A car you're not driving just becomes a daily parking bill, which is why most visitors skip it.

Do you need a car to drive from Miami to Key West?

Only if you want the Overseas Highway drive itself, which is a bucket-list road trip. Otherwise, shuttle and bus services run the route, and once you arrive you won't need the car on the island.