How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?

The scenic drive from Miami to Key West typically takes between 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, covering approximately 165 miles. However, traffic on the Overseas Highway can be heavy during weekends and holidays, so it is wise to plan for at least 5 hours to allow for stops and slower speeds in town centers.

Are there tolls on the bridges to Key West?

No, there are no tolls on the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) or any of its 42 bridges once you leave the Florida mainland. The only tolls you will encounter are on the Florida Turnpike or SR 836 before you reach the entrance to the Keys at Florida City.

Is it scary to drive across the Seven Mile Bridge?

Driving across the Seven Mile Bridge is generally safe and exhilarating, but it can be intimidating for drivers with gephyrophobia (fear of bridges) due to the open water on both sides. While the lanes are standard width, the lack of emergency shoulders on most of the bridge can make some drivers feel exposed, so keeping a steady pace and focusing on the horizon helps.

Can you walk or bike on the Seven Mile Bridge?

Pedestrians and cyclists are strictly prohibited on the new Seven Mile Bridge due to high-speed traffic and safety concerns. Instead, you can use the renovated 2.2-mile section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which is open exclusively for walking, jogging, cycling, and fishing, accessible from the Marathon side.

Where is the famous broken bridge in the Florida Keys?

The iconic broken bridge is the Old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, located at Mile Marker 37 within Bahia Honda State Park. A section of the steel truss structure was deliberately removed to allow taller boat traffic to pass through the channel, creating its distinct, disconnected silhouette.

Is it legal to stop on the bridges to take photos?

It is illegal and extremely dangerous to stop your vehicle on the travel lanes of any bridge along the Overseas Highway to take photographs. For safe photography, you must pull over at designated parking areas located at the ends of the major bridges, such as the parking lot at the north end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

What should I do if my car breaks down on a bridge?

If your vehicle breaks down on a bridge with no shoulder, stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened and call *FHP (*347) or 911 immediately. Exiting your vehicle on these narrow bridges puts you at extreme risk from passing traffic, so waiting for professional assistance inside the vehicle is the safest protocol.

How many bridges are there on the road to Key West?

There are exactly 42 bridges connecting the Florida Keys along the Overseas Highway. The longest is the Seven Mile Bridge at nearly 7 miles, while the shortest is the Harris Gap Bridge, which spans only 37 feet.

Florida Keys Bridges Guide: Seven Mile Bridge & Scenic Stops

Driving from Miami to Key West isn't just a commute; it is one of the most spectacular road trips in the United States. The Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) stretches 113 miles across a coral archipelago, connected by 42 bridges that make you feel like you are floating over the ocean.

While the destination is the vibrant city of Key West, the journey over these bridges,, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, is the real adventure.

Whether you are looking for the historic Seven Mile Bridge, the best fishing spots, or simply the most photogenic stops along the route, this guide covers the engineering marvels you will encounter on your way to the southernmost point.

Total Bridges: 42
Longest Bridge: Seven Mile Bridge (6.79 miles)
Scenic Drive Time: Approx. 3.5 - 4 hours (Miami to Key West)
Tolls: None on the Overseas Highway (Mainland tolls apply)
Best Time to Drive: Early morning or just before sunset for the best light.

A Feat of Engineering: From Railroad to Highway

Before these concrete bridges existed, reaching Key West by land was considered impossible. The story begins with Henry Flagler, a visionary who extended the Florida East Coast Railway to Key West in 1912. It was known as the Railroad That Went to Sea.

Tragically, the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 destroyed much of the railway infrastructure. Instead of rebuilding the tracks, the state of Florida used the surviving foundations to build the original Overseas Highway, which opened in 1938.

Today, when you drive south, you will often see two bridges running parallel to each other: the modern, wider highway you are driving on, and the historic, narrower bridges (Old Keys Bridges) that now serve as fishing piers, walking paths, or historic ruins.

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The Crown Jewel: Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge is the most iconic structure in the Florida Keys. Connecting Knight’s Key (part of Marathon) to Little Duck Key, it is an absolute masterpiece of modern engineering.

The New Seven Mile Bridge

Completed in 1982, this is the bridge you will drive across. It rises 65 feet above the water at its highest point, allowing boats to pass underneath. Driving here is surreal; for nearly seven miles, you are surrounded entirely by turquoise water.

Florida keys bridges overseas highway historical

Location: Mile Marker (MM) 47 to MM 40. Tip: There are no emergency shoulders on most of the bridge, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition before crossing.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge & Pigeon Key

Running parallel to the new bridge is the historic structure. While it is closed to car traffic, a 2.2-mile section starting from Marathon has recently been renovated for pedestrians, cyclists, and joggers.

Activity: Park at the lot near MM 47 (Marathon side) and walk or bike to Pigeon Key, a tiny historic island nestled beneath the old bridge. Why Visit: It offers the best sunset views in the Middle Keys and allows you to spot sea turtles, rays, and sharks in the clear water below. Access to the bridge itself is free, while tours of Pigeon Key typically cost around $15 as of 2025.

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Bahia Honda Bridge: The Most Photogenic Stop

Located at MM 37, the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge is perhaps the most visually striking structure on the route. Unlike the flat concrete of the other bridges, this one features an industrial steel truss design from the original Flagler era.

The bridge is now part of Bahia Honda State Park, which is widely considered to have the best beaches in the Keys. You will notice a gap in the old bridge. This section was removed to allow tall boat traffic, creating a unique silhouette against the sky.

You can hike up to a safe section of the old bridge for a panoramic view of the island and the water channels. It is a fantastic spot for photography. If you are planning to stay overnight in your recreational vehicle to catch the sunrise here, check out our guide to the best waterfront RV parks in Key West and surrounding areas to secure a spot near these beautiful bridges.

Long Key Bridge (Dodge Memorial Bridge)

Located between MM 65 and MM 63, the Long Key Bridge connects Long Key to Conch Key. Before the Seven Mile Bridge took the spotlight, this was Flagler’s favorite bridge due to its rhythmic series of concrete arches.

While the modern replacement (the one you drive on) is a simpler concrete causeway, the views here are exceptionally clear. The water in this section is often shallow and incredibly calm, making it a favorite spot for flats fishing.

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Activities Around the Bridges

The bridges are not just for driving; they are central to the Florida Keys lifestyle.

1. Fishing from the Bridges

Many of the old bridges have been converted into fishing piers. The Channel #2 Bridge and the Tom’s Harbor Cut Bridge are popular spots. Anglers here catch snapper, grouper, and even tarpon. Note that you need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license if you are not on a chartered boat or a licensed pier.

Florida keys bridges overseas highway fishing

2. Snorkeling and Diving

The pilings of the bridges act as artificial reefs, attracting massive schools of fish. Beneath the Bahia Honda Bridge is a known snorkeling spot, though currents can be strong. Always check local tide charts before entering the water. For more beginner-friendly options away from strong currents, read our guide on Florida Keys snorkeling spots.

3. Sunset Watching

There is no better place to watch the sun dip below the horizon than from the Old Seven Mile Bridge. The elevation gives you an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico. After a long day of driving and exploring, continuing your journey to the end of the line is rewarding. Once you arrive, you can relax at Fort Zachary Taylor Key West, which offers another perfect vantage point for sunset lovers.

Driving Tips for the Overseas Highway

Florida keys bridges overseas highway driving tips

Pace Yourself: The speed limit varies between 45 mph and 55 mph. Strictly adhere to these limits, as they are heavily enforced, especially in Big Pine Key (Key Deer zone).
Fuel Up: Gas prices tend to be higher in the Keys than on the mainland. It is wise to fill up in Florida City before you enter the 18-mile stretch.
Timing: Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays. If possible, drive on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a more relaxed experience.

Driving across these 42 bridges is a bucket-list experience that connects you not just to Key West, but to the history and natural beauty of Florida. Enjoy the ride.

Driving the Florida Keys: A Guide to the 42 Bridges of the Overseas Highway

A Feat of Engineering: From Railroad to Highway