Flights from Atlanta to Key West, FL: A Practical Guide for ATL Travelers

Planning a getaway from Atlanta to Key West, Florida? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re just passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the trip to this small island city in the Florida Keys is very doable—with the right expectations and planning.

This guide walks you through flight options, typical routes, timing, costs, and logistics specifically from Atlanta, plus tips on when it might make more sense to connect through another Florida city or even drive and fly the rest of the way.

Overview: What to Expect on Atlanta–Key West Flights

Key things Atlanta travelers should know up front:

• Route type: Often a connecting trip, sometimes via Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, or Tampa. Nonstop options may be limited or seasonal.
• Flight time in the air: Around 2 hours for a nonstop, more like 3.5–5 hours total with a connection (not including airport time).
• Departure airport: Almost always ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson).
• Arrival airport:Key West International Airport (EYW), a small island airport very close to downtown Key West.
• Alternatives: Flying to Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and driving the rest of the way down US‑1 can sometimes be cheaper or more flexible.

If you’re used to big-hub travel in Atlanta, Key West will feel different: smaller planes, smaller airport, and more weather-sensitive scheduling, especially during stormy or windy periods.

Where You’ll Fly From in Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Almost all commercial flights from Atlanta to Key West leave from:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main info line (public): (800) 897‑1910

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective:

• Access from the city:

  • MARTA: Take the Red or Gold line south to the Airport Station (directly inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Driving: Direct access from I‑85; parking in hourly, daily, and economy lots.
  • Rideshare/Taxi: Designated pickup zones at both domestic and international terminals.

• Terminal notes for Key West flights:
  Most flights from ATL to Florida Keys region operate out of the Domestic Terminal and Concourses T, A, B, C, or D, depending on your carrier and connection destination. Allow time to ride the Plane Train between concourses if you’re connecting.

How Long Is the Flight from Atlanta to Key West?

Timing depends heavily on whether you snag a nonstop or take a connecting itinerary.

Typical Flight Durations

*Total travel time excludes check-in/security but includes flight time and layover.

From Atlanta, many travelers aim for:

• Early morning departures from ATL to catch same-day arrivals in Key West with daylight left.
• Midday or early afternoon returns to ATL to avoid tight connections and evening weather delays.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights from Atlanta to Key West

Nonstop Options

Nonstop flights between ATL and EYW may be:

• Limited in number of daily departures.
• Seasonal, with more options during peak vacation seasons (late fall, winter, and spring).
• Operated with smaller regional aircraft, so seats can sell out faster.

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, a nonstop is ideal if you:

• Want to maximize your time in Key West.
• Are taking a short weekend trip.
• Prefer to avoid the uncertainty of a tight Florida connection.

Check for early booking if you’re planning around holiday weekends, spring break, or festival events in Key West, as nonstop seats are often the first to go.

Connecting Flights

When nonstops don’t fit your schedule or budget, you’ll usually connect through one of these Florida hubs:

• Miami (MIA)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Tampa (TPA)

Things to weigh:

• Layover length: Aim for at least 1–1.5 hours between flights, especially in Miami or Orlando, where terminals may require more walking.
• Weather: Florida thunderstorms can disrupt schedules, particularly in the afternoon during summer. Many Atlanta travelers prefer morning connections to reduce disruption risk.
• Checked bags: With a connection, your bags should be tagged all the way to Key West, but always confirm at check-in at ATL.

Cost Expectations from an Atlanta Perspective

Prices fluctuate, but Atlanta-based travelers commonly notice:

• Nonstops are often more expensive than 1-stop routes, especially at peak times.
• Midweek departures (e.g., Tuesday–Thursday) often price lower than Friday or Sunday.
• Holiday periods and winter months (prime Key West season) tend to see higher fares.

Ways Atlanta residents often save:

• Being flexible on departure day (e.g., flying out Wednesday instead of Friday).
• Considering a one-stop if the time tradeoff is reasonable.
• Checking flights into Miami or Fort Lauderdale plus a drive (more on that below) if ticket prices to EYW spike.

Alternate Strategy: Fly from Atlanta to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Then Drive

Because ATL is such a large hub, it’s often easy to find:

• Frequent nonstop flights to Miami (MIA) or
• Nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

From there, some Atlanta travelers choose to rent a car and drive the Overseas Highway (US‑1) to Key West.

Pros of the Fly-and-Drive Option

• More flight choices and sometimes lower fares into MIA or FLL.
• Scenic 3.5–4 hour drive from Miami to Key West along the Keys.
• Greater flexibility if Key West flights are sold out or heavily delayed.

Cons to Consider

• You’ll need to rent a car and factor in gas, tolls, and parking.
• Travel time can end up longer overall than connecting directly into EYW.
• Traffic through the Keys can be slow on weekends or holiday periods.

For many Atlanta-based travelers making a longer trip (4–7 days), the scenic drive becomes part of the vacation. For a quick weekend escape, connecting directly into Key West International Airport is usually more efficient.

What to Know About Key West International Airport (EYW)

If you’re used to ATL’s size, EYW will feel extremely compact:

• Only a few gates and a very short walk from plane to baggage claim.
• Rental car counters and taxis/ride services are close to the terminal.
• Downtown Key West and many hotels are just a 10–15 minute drive away.

Travelers from Atlanta often appreciate:

• Fast arrivals and departures compared to big hubs.
• Less walking and fewer logistical hurdles, especially with kids or older family members.

Because EYW is small, runway limitations and weather can occasionally affect schedules more than at a large airport, so keep some flexibility in your arrival-day plans (for example, don’t schedule critical events tightly around your landing time).

Planning Your Trip from Atlanta: Practical Tips

1. Choosing Your Travel Days

From an Atlanta standpoint, keep in mind:

• Friday evening and Sunday flights are heavily used by weekend travelers and can be crowded and pricey.
• Consider leaving early Friday or even Thursday afternoon if you have flexibility.
• For return trips, Monday flights may be calmer and sometimes cheaper than Sunday.

2. Timing Your Airport Arrival at ATL

For flights from ATL to Key West (or connections to Florida hubs):

• Domestic flights:
  • Aim to be at ATL 2 hours before departure if checking bags.
  • If you only have a carry-on and are familiar with ATL, 90 minutes can be enough during non-peak times.
• Peak times in Atlanta: Early morning rush (roughly 6–9 a.m.), late afternoon (4–7 p.m.), and holiday periods may require more buffer.

If you’re using MARTA, factor in train frequency and walking time from the station to your airline’s check-in counter.

3. Seat and Baggage Considerations

On smaller aircraft often used to reach Key West:

• Overhead bin space may be limited; larger carry-ons might be gate-checked.
• If you must keep items with you (medications, electronics, documents), pack them in a small personal item you can keep under the seat.
• Always check your ticket or booking details for baggage allowances, especially on basic economy or light-fare tickets commonly used by Atlanta travelers looking for deals.

4. Weather and Seasonal Factors

From Atlanta, think about:

• Summer: Thunderstorms can affect both ATL and Florida routes. Morning departures often experience fewer delays than late afternoon flights.
• Hurricane season (roughly June–November): Keep a closer eye on forecasts and build in flexible plans and travel insurance if you’re booking during highly active weather periods.
• Winter and early spring: Peak vacation season in Key West; key dates and weekends may see higher prices and fuller flights.

Getting to and from ATL Within Metro Atlanta

Atlanta residents and visitors have several options to reach Hartsfield-Jackson:

MARTA (Public Transit)

• Airport Station is built directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• Both Red and Gold rail lines serve the airport.
• Many city residents in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead find this the most predictable way to reach flights, especially during rush hour traffic.

Driving and Parking

• Access ATL primarily via I‑85 and I‑285.
• Several parking options:
  • Hourly (short stays, pickups, quick trips)
  • Daily garage
  • Economy and park-and-ride lots for longer trips to Key West

If you’re going on a longer Florida Keys vacation, many Atlanta residents compare the cost of:

• Parking at the airport for the full duration vs.
• Using rideshare, taxi, or MARTA and avoiding long-term parking fees.

Rideshare and Taxi

• Pickup and drop-off points are clearly marked at Domestic and International Terminals.
• A popular option if you don’t want to deal with parking, especially for early-morning or late-night flights to or from Key West.

When Driving All the Way Makes Sense for Atlantans

Some Atlanta residents compare the drive vs. fly option, especially for longer stays or family trips.

• Driving distance: Roughly 750–800 miles from Atlanta to Key West.
• Estimated drive time: Around 12–13 hours without long stops.

This can make sense if:

• You’re planning a multi-stop trip through the Florida Keys.
• You want to avoid multiple tickets or connections for a larger group.
• You enjoy road trips and want maximum flexibility with schedules and stops.

Many people choose a hybrid: drive or fly from Atlanta to Miami/Fort Lauderdale, then make the Overseas Highway part of their vacation, rather than rushing the entire distance in one day.

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta → Key West Trips ✅

• Pick your approach:

  • Nonstop ATL → EYW if available and fits your budget.
  • 1-stop via Florida hub if timing or price works better.
  • ATL → MIA/FLL + rental car if you want the scenic drive.

• Book early for:

  • Winter, spring, and holiday weekends.
  • Major Key West events and festivals.

• Plan airport logistics in Atlanta:

  • Decide between MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or parking.
  • Arrive about 2 hours before departure.

• Pack smart for smaller planes:

  • Keep essentials in your personal item.
  • Expect possible gate-checking of larger carry-ons.

• Watch the weather:

  • Lean toward morning departures when possible.
  • Build a bit of flexibility into your first and last days.

With some thoughtful planning around flight times, connections, and ground transport in Atlanta, getting from ATL to Key West, FL can be straightforward and enjoyable—whether you’re sneaking away for a long weekend or starting a longer Florida Keys adventure.