BY AIR

• Key West is served by the commuter affiliates of five major carriers, one regional airline and a charter airline. Charters might be more economical for groups of 4 or more. Otherwise the regular airlines will be a better option for individuals and couples. Since Miami is such a busy and congested airport, you may find airlines with connections in Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa or Orlando more hassle free. Delta is the only airline with direct jet service to Key West via Atlanta.

• Key West is served by the commuter affiliates of five major carriers, one regional airline and a charter airline. Charters might be more economical for groups of 4 or more. Otherwise the regular airlines will be a better option for individuals and couples. Since Miami is such a busy and congested airport, you may find airlines with connections in Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa or Orlando more hassle free. Delta is the only airline with direct jet service to Key West via Atlanta.
• Important Travel Tip - Checked luggage doesn't always make the trip to Key West as quickly as you do. Always pack a small carry on bag with bathing suit, shorts, T-shirts, toiletries and other essentials so you'll be able to start your vacation the moment you arrive even if your bags don't.

BY CAR

• Florida City is the Gateway to the Keys. Once you get there, you are about 2 1/2 hours from Big Ruby's. US1 is the only road from there to Key West. The road is predominantly two lanes wide with left and right turn lanes in most places. There are two four-lane passing areas in the 21-mile stretch between Florida City and Key largo. The road is four lanes between Key largo and Tavenier. There are also short four-lane stretches through Marathon and into Key West. All of the bridges are built to modern highway standards. The drive is not stressful, but it can be slow. Be patient and careful. It is a dangerous highway. Turn your headlights on for visibility even during the day.
• Warning - The speed limit through Big Pine Key (the signs say 45 mph DAY, 35 mph NIGHT, STRICTLY ENFORCED) is in fact strictly enforced. A two mile per hour violation can get you a $150 ticket. The Police are trying to protect the little Key Deer from being killed.
• Driving from Miami / Airport / South Beach - Driving time to Key West is about 3 1/2 hours. Take state route (SR) 836 West past Miami International Airport to the Florida Turnpike. Take the turnpike South until it ends at Florida City, then follow US1 to Key West.
• Driving from Ft. Lauderdale - Driving time to Key West is about 4 hours. Take I-595 West past the Ft. Lauderdale Airport to I-75 South. Take the Key West exit to the Turnpke. Take the turnpike until it ends at Florida City, then follow US1 to Key West.
• Driving from Orlando / West Palm and Areas North of Ft. Lauderdale - Driving time is about 7 hours from Orland and 5 hours from West Palm. Take the Turnpike South. At Deerfield Beach, take the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) South to I-75. Take I-75 south. Take the Key West exit to the Turnpike. Take the Turnpike South until it ends at Florida City, then follow US1 to Key West.
• Driving from Jacksonville - Driving time is about 8 hours. Take I-95 South. Switch over to the Turnpike at Stuart (exit 61c). Follow directions as outlined above (from Orlando / West Palm).
• Driving from Naples, Fort Meyers, Tampa and St. Pete - Driving time about 8 hours from St. Pete, 5 hours from Naples. Take I-75 South toward Miami. Take the Key West exit to the turnpike, take the turnpike to the end at Florida City,then US1 to Key West.
• Note - Coming south on I-75, the Key West exit to the Turnpike is 12 miles south of Ft. Lauderdale. The Key West sign hangs over the left lanes, but you will exit to the right.
• Once in Key West - Follow US1 to the "Historic District". Turn right on Duval Street and continue for 4 1/2 blocks until you see the old Strand Theater Marquee, now home to a Walgreen’s store on the right. Turn left into the lane directly across from Walgreen’s (Appelrouth Lane). Big Ruby's is 1/2 block down on the right side of the lane.