Flying From Atlanta to Key West: How to Plan Your Trip From ATL ✈️🌴

Thinking about a sunny escape from Atlanta to Key West? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re already here visiting and want to add on a Florida Keys getaway, flying is usually the fastest and most practical option.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Atlanta–Key West flights, with a focus on what it’s actually like to plan the trip from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Key Basics: Atlanta to Key West Flights at a Glance

Route: Atlanta, GA (ATL) → Key West, FL (EYW)
Typical flight time (nonstop): Around 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours
Distance: Roughly 650–700 miles
Primary Atlanta airport:Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Key West airport:Key West International Airport (EYW)

Because Key West is a smaller island airport with limited runway length, you’ll mostly see narrow-body jets or regional jets on this route, often with weight or baggage limits during peak heat or bad weather.

Which Atlanta Airport Should You Use?

For almost every traveler going from Atlanta to Key West, the answer is simple:

• Use Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

At this time:

• Nonstop service to Key West is generally offered from ATL, not from smaller regional airports like DeKalb–Peachtree (PDK) or Cobb County airports, which handle mostly private or corporate aviation.
• If you’re staying in the City of Atlanta or in closer-in suburbs (Decatur, Brookhaven, East Point, College Park, Smyrna), ATL is usually the most convenient option.

Getting to ATL from Around Metro Atlanta

Common options to reach ATL:

• MARTA rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station, which drops you directly inside the Domestic Terminal (North/South).
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center.

• Rideshare or taxi:

  • Available widely from Atlanta neighborhoods and suburbs.
  • Allow extra time during rush hours (I-75/85 near Downtown and around I-285 can back up).

• Driving & parking:

  • ATL’s long-term and economy parking are typically the most cost-effective for multi-day trips.
  • Private off-airport lots near Hartsfield-Jackson sometimes offer shuttle service to the terminals.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Key West

Nonstop Flights

Nonstop Atlanta–Key West flights are highly sought after because they:

• Cut travel time to under 2 hours of flight time
• Avoid the risk of missed connections, especially during summer thunderstorm season around Atlanta
• Are usually more family-friendly, with fewer long waits

However:

• Nonstops may not operate every hour of the day, and schedules can change seasonally.
• They can be more expensive, especially for last-minute or holiday travel.

Connecting Flights

If a nonstop doesn’t fit your schedule or budget, you may see routes that connect through:

• Other Florida hubs (for example, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa)
• Major Southeast or East Coast hubs depending on the airline

Pros of connecting:

• Often more daily departure time options
• Sometimes lower fares if you are flexible on schedule

Cons:

• Longer total travel time (often 4–7 hours including layover)
• Higher chance of delays or missed connections, especially when flying during late afternoon/evening or in storm-prone seasons

Typical Flight Time and When to Arrive at ATL

Flight Time

• Nonstop ATL → EYW: around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours of airtime
• Connecting flights: total trip time can range from 3.5 hours to 7+ hours, depending on layovers

When to Arrive at the Airport

From Atlanta, a good general rule for Key West flights is:

• 2 hours before departure for domestic flights without checked bags during off-peak times
• 2.5–3 hours before departure if:
  • You plan to check bags
  • You’re traveling during busy periods, such as:
    • Friday afternoons and evenings
    • Sunday evenings
    • Major holidays
    • Atlanta convention or sports weekends (when the airport is especially busy)

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, giving yourself extra time can reduce stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terminals.

Understanding the Airports: ATL vs. EYW

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Address:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points for Atlanta–Key West travelers:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South): You’ll depart from here for Key West.
• Concourse assignments: Many Atlanta–Florida flights leave from Concourses A, B, C, D, or T, depending on the airline.
• Airport amenities:
  • Wide range of restaurants and quick-service food, especially in Concourses A–C
  • Multiple family restrooms, nursing rooms, and play areas
  • Plenty of charging stations and seating

If you’re connecting in Atlanta on the way to Key West (for example, flying into ATL from another city first), your Key West flight will usually depart from one of the domestic concourses, accessible via the Plane Train underground people mover.

Key West International Airport (EYW)

Location: On the eastern side of Key West island

What to expect on arrival:

• Small, easy-to-navigate terminal compared with ATL
• Shorter walking distances from aircraft to baggage claim and exit
• Limited but convenient options for:
  • Rental cars
  • Taxis and rideshares
  • Shuttles to hotels and resorts

Because it’s a smaller airport on an island with a short runway:

• Aircraft types may be smaller, which can affect:
  • Carry-on bag limits
  • Weight restrictions on very hot days
• Weather (like tropical storms) can occasionally impact operations more quickly than at large inland airports.

Best Time of Year to Fly From Atlanta to Key West

From Atlanta’s perspective, you’ll feel two main “seasons” for Key West travel:

Peak Season (Roughly November–April)

• Attracts many Atlantans escaping cold, gray winter weather
• Typically features:
  • Higher fares
  • More crowded flights
  • Stronger demand around:
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas and New Year’s
    • Spring Break (March and early April)

If you’re flying from Atlanta during peak season, consider:

• Booking well in advance for the best options
• Being flexible on days (midweek often offers more availability than Friday–Sunday)

Off-Peak (Roughly May–October)

• Hotter, more humid weather in Key West, with Atlantic hurricane season in late summer and early fall
• Often:
  • Lower airfares and better last-minute availability
  • Less crowded flights, although Atlanta’s airport itself can still be very busy in summer

For off-peak travel from Atlanta:

• Build in flexibility and trip insurance if storms or tropical systems are in the forecast.
• Keep an eye on your airline’s same-day change and cancellation policies.

How Far Is Key West Compared to Other Florida Destinations From Atlanta?

If you live in Atlanta, you might be weighing Key West against other Florida options like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Destin. Here’s a simple comparison focused on flight time:

For Atlanta residents, Key West stands out because:

• You can often reach it in about the same time as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but
• You avoid the long overseas drive down the Keys if you were to fly into Miami and drive the Overseas Highway.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta–Key West Flights

Pricing changes constantly, but from an Atlanta-based perspective, here are consistent patterns:

• Nonstop flights are often more expensive than connecting options, especially:
  • On weekends
  • During holidays and winter/spring peak season
• Midweek departures (Tuesday, Wednesday, sometimes Saturday) can sometimes be more affordable.
• Checking bags can add noticeable cost to your total trip budget on top of the base fare.

For Atlanta travelers trying to save:

• Consider off-peak months (late summer or early fall, with weather awareness).
• Look at early morning or late evening flights from ATL, which can sometimes be a bit less in demand.
• If your schedule allows, compare:
  • Nonstop ATL → EYW
  • ATL → Miami or Fort Lauderdale, then a separate drive or shuttle down to Key West
    (This can make sense for longer trips, though it adds 3–4+ hours of driving each way.)

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Headed to Key West

1. Leave Enough Time to Get to ATL

From around metro Atlanta:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP):
  • Plan at least 30–60 minutes to reach the airport by car or rideshare, longer during rush hour.
• Outside the Perimeter (OTP):
  • From northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta): plan 45–90 minutes.
  • From far suburbs (Cumming, Newnan, Woodstock): consider 1–1.5+ hours.

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially on I‑75/85 through Downtown and around I‑285 interchanges. Build in a buffer, especially for morning and afternoon rush periods.

2. Consider MARTA if You’re Staying In-Town

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Doraville, using MARTA rail to reach the airport can:

• Avoid parking fees
• Bypass some traffic congestion
• Drop you directly at the Domestic Terminal

Just leave enough time for the train ride and to clear security.

3. Think About Luggage Limits

Because Key West International Airport handles smaller aircraft:

• Overhead bin space can be limited.
• Gate agents may gate-check larger carry-ons more often than on larger planes.
• On very hot days, flights may have weight restrictions, which can sometimes affect checked baggage.

For a smoother experience from Atlanta:

• Pack a smaller carry-on if possible.
• Keep essentials (medications, documents, valuables) in a personal item that fits under the seat.

4. Weather Awareness From an Atlanta Perspective

Two main weather periods to watch:

• Summer in Atlanta (thunderstorms):

  • Afternoon and evening storms can delay departures from ATL.
  • Morning flights often have fewer weather delays, though nothing is guaranteed.

• Late summer/fall in Key West (tropical systems):

  • Hurricanes or tropical storms can cause disruptions.
  • Check flight status regularly before leaving your home or hotel in Atlanta.
  • Consider flexible tickets or travel insurance if traveling during peak storm season.

Ground Transportation on Each End

Leaving Your Home or Hotel in Atlanta

Common options:

• Rideshare: Widely available around the metro area, including Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and most suburbs.
• Taxi: Traditional taxis can be hailed or booked by phone, especially from central city hotels.
• MARTA: Best if you’re staying near a Red or Gold Line station.

Getting Around Once You Land in Key West

From Key West International Airport (EYW) into town:

• Rental cars: Available at or near the airport, though some Atlanta travelers skip them if they’re staying in Old Town and plan to walk, bike, or rideshare.
• Taxis and rideshares: Usually line up outside the terminal.
• Hotel shuttles: Some resorts and hotels offer limited shuttle service—check your booking details.

Because parking can be limited and pricey in some parts of Key West, many Atlantans opt to:

• Use bikes, scooters, or walking for short distances once checked in.
• Rely on short rideshare trips when needed.

Documents and ID for Atlanta to Key West Flights

The flight is domestic, so for most adults:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) is required for TSA screening.

Children’s requirements and special situations (for example, name differences on tickets and ID) may vary; always check your airline and TSA guidelines before travel.

Note: REAL ID enforcement deadlines can change over time, so Atlanta residents should confirm current ID requirements if planning trips around major policy changes.

Tips for First-Time Key West Visitors Coming From Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are visiting Key West for the first time:

• 🕶️ Pack for sun and heat: Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
• 🚫 Check what’s prohibited: TSA rules for liquids and certain items still apply just like any other domestic flight from ATL.
• 🕒 Be flexible on timing: A small delay leaving Atlanta can still bring you to Key West with plenty of daylight for a sunset walk on your arrival day.
• 💳 Plan for limited big-box shopping: Key West is more laid-back island than big city—pack needed essentials in Atlanta to avoid scrambling once you arrive.

Flying from Atlanta to Key West is straightforward once you understand your airport options, timing, and seasonal patterns. With a bit of planning around ATL’s traffic and crowds, and awareness of Key West’s smaller island airport, you can make the trip feel much smoother from start to finish.