Not everyone knows, but there is a ferry that runs between Key West and three South Florida places– Ft. Meyers, Marco Island and now Miami. If you don’t like the hassle of driving down to the Keys (especially if you live on the Gulf Coast), why not try the easy way?

Now the term ferry in this case means “ferry people” and not “also ferry cars”. These aren’t terribly large boats, from 130 to 170 feet long, but they are large enough to be comfortable, and include amenities like flat screen TVs, a galley/bar and seating either indoors or out.

The Ft. Meyers to Key West ferry is about a 4 hour trip each way. Currently, the schedule is to leave Ft. Meyers at 8:30 AM and turn around midnight.

The Marco Island ferry also takes in the vicinity of 4 hours for the trip, but you have a slightly shorter stay as you leave Marco Island at 8:30 AM and return at 8:30 PM.

The Key West ferry to and from Miami is only available during the “season” (roughly Thanksgiving to Easter), but they may be extending it to year around — have to wait and see on that one.

A round-trip ticket is in the vicinity of $110 to $150, depending on your port city (Ft. Meyers being the most expensive). But honestly, with all that Key West has to offer, you might want to spend at least one night there in a cozy bed & breakfast, so that you have time to really enjoy the island.

So the next time you’re thinking about a trip to Key West, but dread the traffic, why not consider taking the Key West ferry and enjoy the trip in comfort?