Superb Key West Location

At the end of the rainbow, the island city of Key West sits at the very tip of US HWY 1. Joined tenuously to the mainland by a series of bridges, the city is as far south as you can get in the continental United States and is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. Far enough away from the constraints of the mainland, Key West has been able to maintain its unique Caribbean flair and Bohemian style that make the island so popular. Although quite a jaunt to get here, there are numerous ways to travel to Key West and, once you are here, you will see it is well worth the trip.

Driving Directions 

From Key West Airport to the Mermaid & The Alligator

  1. Exit the airport and turn left on North Roosevelt Blvd.
  2. Continue around the top of the island (now South Roosevelt Blvd).
  3. As you enter Old Town Key West the road narrows and the name changes to Truman Ave.
  4. The Inn is located at 729 Truman Ave. (At the corner of Windsor Lane)
  5. Turn right on Windsor Lane (at Traffic Light) and you will find our onsite parking immediately on your left.
  6. (If you miss Windsor and pass the Inn, simply make your next right on Elizabeth, right again on Olivia and right on Windsor. The parking will be on your right.)

From Miami Airport

  1. Go West on East-West Expressway (836) to Florida Turnpike - 7.5 miles.
  2. Go Southwest on Florida's Turnpike (Toll) to US 1 (end of Florida Turnpike) - 17.5 miles.
  3. Continue on US 1 to Key West - 131.6 miles.
  4. Once you reach Key West at the top of the island, stay to the right & continue on US 1.
    US1 turns into Truman Avenue (4 lanes to 2 lanes).
  5. Continue on Truman Avenue to Windsor Lane (traffic light). The Mermaid & The Alligator is on the corner of Truman & Windsor - 3 miles.
  6. Make a right on Windsor lane and the parking area is on your left.
    (If you see Simonton or Duval Street you've gone too far, just turn around and go back up US1 to Windsor Lane)
  7. Total distance: 167.9 miles, 3 1/2 hours

From Fort Lauderdale Airport

**Do not take I-95 south toward Miami! This is the main commute corridor between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami and can add significant time.

  1. Leaving the Ft Lauderdale airport follow signs to I-595. Drive west on I-595
  2. Take the exit on the left onto I-75 South toward Miami
  3. Take exit 5 for Florida's Turnpike South toward Key West Toll road
  4. Merge onto Florida 821 Toll South/Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
  5. Exit on the left onto US 1 S/NE 1st Ave toward Key West, continue on US 1 to Key West
  6. Once you reach Key West at the top of the island, stay to the right & continue on US 1.
    US1 turns into Truman Avenue (4 lanes to 2 lanes).
  7. Continue on Truman Avenue to Windsor Lane (traffic light). The Mermaid & The Alligator is on the corner of Truman & Windsor - 3 miles.
  8. Make a right on Windsor lane and the parking area is on your left.
    (If you see Simonton or Duval Street you've gone too far, just turn around and go back up US1 to Windsor Lane)
  9. Total distance: 178.25 miles, 4 hours

Car Rental

Often a more affordable choice, many of our guests fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale Airport, rent a car, and take a leisurely drive down scenic US Hwy 1. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from north of Key Largo to Key West, has been designated an All-American Road. The Keys highway is the only All-American Road in Florida. Only 30 other roadways in the nation have earned the prestigious title.

Rental Car Companies in Key West

By Air

Most major airlines fly into the Key West International Airport, although they do have to go through larger hub airports such as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Check with your favorite carrier for additional information. Some of the smaller airlines, such as Cape Air and private charters schedule direct flights from many cities in Florida and the Bahamas.

Airlines Flying into Key West

Partner Airlines Connecting with the Above Airlines

  • American Eagle - contact via American Airlines
  • Gulfstream

Smaller Charter Planes

By Boat

Key West Express Ferry

Taking the Ferry Boat from Ft. Meyers Beach and Marco Island into Key West is a great option for those on the west coast of Florida. The Ferry is outfitted with large televisions, and they have a snack bar and bar so you can sit back and just enjoy the ride. The trip is approximately 3.5 hours and they dock at the Key West Bight, only a 15-minute walk to The Mermaid & The Alligator.

Key West Express Ferry: 1-877-243-2378 *check schedule before booking room

Ground Transportation

Let someone else do the driving. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of tropical blue waters as you head to the last island at the end of the chain.