Flying From Atlanta to Key West: How to Get There, What to Expect, and Local Tips

Looking for flights to Key West from Atlanta? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re already in town and planning a beach escape, getting from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Key West International Airport (EYW) is straightforward once you understand your options.

This guide walks you through nonstop vs. connecting flights, typical flight times, best times to book and fly, and practical tips specific to travelers starting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview: Atlanta to Key West at a Glance

Key points for Atlanta flyers:

• Departure airport: Almost all commercial flights will leave from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), just south of downtown.
• Arrival airport:Key West International Airport (EYW), about 2–3 miles east of downtown Key West.
• Nonstop flight time: Usually around 1.5–2 hours in the air when a nonstop is available.
• Total travel time (with connections): Often 3.5–6+ hours, depending on route and layovers.
• Typical routing: Nonstop (when available), or one-stop via major Florida hubs like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando.

Where You’ll Fly From in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most travelers going from Atlanta to Key West will use ATL, which is the primary commercial airport serving the region.

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main customer information line: (800) 897‑1910 (general airport information)

Terminals & concourses relevant to Key West flights:

• Domestic flights from Atlanta to Key West usually depart from the Domestic Terminal (North or South Checkpoint) and use Concourses A–D, T, or sometimes E/F depending on the airline.
• After security, use the Plane Train to reach your assigned concourse quickly.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you can reach ATL quickly via:

• MARTA rail: Take the Red or Gold line southbound directly to Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare/taxi: There are dedicated pickup zones at ATL; factor in traffic, especially during weekday rush hours.

Flight Options: Nonstop vs. Connecting

Nonstop Flights from Atlanta to Key West

When nonstop flights are operating, they’re the fastest and most convenient option for Atlanta travelers.

Typical nonstop details:

• Flight time: About 1.5–2 hours gate-to-gate.
• Pros:
  • No plane changes or extra security checks
  • Lower chance of checked-bag misrouting
  • More predictable arrival time
• Cons:
  • May not run every day or year‑round
  • Limited departure time choices
  • Can sell out quickly on peak weekends and holidays

Because ATL is a major hub, nonstop routes may be seasonal. If you’re planning a winter or spring getaway, check dates well in advance—nonstop options tend to be most common when demand for Florida vacations is higher.

One-Stop (Connecting) Flights

If a nonstop doesn’t fit your schedule—or isn’t operating for your dates—you’ll likely see one-stop itineraries.

Common connection points when flying ATL → EYW include:

• Miami (MIA)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Tampa (TPA)
• Occasionally other southeastern hubs

What to expect with connections:

• Total travel time: Usually 3.5–6 hours, including layover.
• Layover length: Often 45 minutes to 2 hours.
  • ✈️ For smoother travel, many Atlanta flyers prefer at least 1 hour of connection time, especially in large airports like Miami.
• Pros:
  • More daily departure time options
  • Sometimes lower fares than nonstops
• Cons:
  • More chances for delays or missed connections
  • Slightly more tiring travel day

Typical Schedule and Timing for Atlanta–Key West Flights

While exact schedules change, Atlanta travelers generally see two broad patterns:

Morning Departures from Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents prefer morning flights to Key West so they can enjoy that first afternoon on the island.

Benefits of an early ATL departure:

• Less chance of delays “stacking up” throughout the day.
• Arrive in Key West with time to check in, relax, and explore.
• Better for same-day hotel check‑in and early dinner plans on Duval Street.

Afternoon/Evening Departures

Later flights may work better if:

• You’re driving in from farther out in metro Atlanta (Marietta, Alpharetta, Peachtree City, etc.).
• You’re finishing a workday near Downtown or Perimeter Center before heading to ATL.
• You’re connecting in Atlanta from another city and want a buffer.

Keep an eye on arrival time in Key West if you’re checking bags or renting a car. Evening arrivals can be more relaxed, but late-night delays may be more disruptive due to limited ground services.

How Long Is the Flight from Atlanta to Key West?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Remember to add time on the Atlanta side for:

• Driving or MARTA to ATL
• Security screening (often 20–45+ minutes, longer at peak times)
• Walking to your concourse and boarding

From inside the Perimeter (I‑285), many people plan 2–3 hours total from leaving home/hotel to takeoff, especially during busy travel seasons.

Best Time to Book Flights from Atlanta to Key West

For Atlanta-based travelers, demand to Key West tends to spike around:

• Winter and early spring (escaping Atlanta’s cold or gray weather)
• Long weekends and holidays (MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Spring Break, Memorial Day)
• Festival weekends in Key West (which can affect fares even if you’re booking from Atlanta)

General booking tips:

1. Book earlier for peak dates.
   If you’re traveling from Atlanta during school breaks or major holidays, try to book several weeks to a couple of months ahead.

2. Be flexible with departure days.

   • Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) from ATL can sometimes be more affordable or less crowded than Friday/Sunday.

3. Check different time windows.
   Early-morning or late-evening departures from ATL may occasionally be less expensive than prime mid‑day slots.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About ATL Logistics

Getting to the Airport

Common ways to reach Hartsfield–Jackson from around Atlanta:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold line south to Airport Station (inside the Domestic Terminal).
  • Good choice if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Perimeter along MARTA.
• Driving and Parking:
  • On‑site ATL parking includes Domestic South/North decks, Economy lots, and Park-Ride lots.
  • Off‑site private lots along Camp Creek Parkway and surrounding areas offer shuttle service.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) & Taxis:
  • There are designated pickup zones at the airport; travel time can vary widely based on your starting point and traffic on I‑75/85, I‑285, and SR‑85.

Security and Check-In at ATL

For flights to Key West:

• Plan to arrive at ATL at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, more during holidays or Friday afternoons.
• TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes (if you’re enrolled) can shorten wait times.
  • Atlanta has several enrollment centers for programs like PreCheck and Global Entry; many travelers handle that at ATL itself or in city offices.
• If you’re checking bags, give yourself extra buffer; lines at the Domestic Terminal can be long at peak times.

Packing and Baggage Tips for Atlanta–Key West Flights

What to Pack for the Trip

Key West’s climate is generally warm, so many Atlanta travelers find they can pack lighter than for a typical mountain or city trip.

Consider:

• Lightweight clothing (shorts, t‑shirts, breathable fabrics)
• Swimwear, hat, and sunglasses
• Comfortable walking sandals or shoes
• A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants

Baggage Considerations for Connections

If you have a connecting flight on the way from Atlanta to Key West:

• Try to keep essential items in your carry-on (medications, documents, one change of clothes) in case bags are delayed.
• Allow enough connection time so both you and your luggage can make the transfer, especially in larger hubs.

Alternatives: Atlanta to South Florida, Then Drive to Key West

Some Atlanta travelers choose to fly to another Florida city and drive the rest of the way down the Florida Keys.

Common patterns:

• Fly ATL → Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Rent a car and drive to Key West (roughly 3.5–4+ hours from Miami, depending on traffic and stops)

Why some Atlantans choose this:

• Wider range of nonstop flights from ATL to big Florida cities.
• Potential cost savings on airfare or rental cars.
• Opportunity to explore the Florida Keys by car, stopping at places like Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon.

Trade-offs:

• Adds several hours of driving to your trip.
• More planning needed for rental cars, tolls, and parking in Key West (parking can be limited and expensive near the tourist areas).

If you’re based in Atlanta and enjoy road trips, this can be a scenic option; if you want to minimize travel time, a direct flight to Key West is usually better when available.

Key West International Airport Arrival Basics for Atlanta Flyers

When you land at Key West International Airport (EYW):

• The airport is small and relatively easy to navigate, especially compared with ATL.
• Baggage claim, ground transportation, and rental cars are all within short walking distance.
• Distance to downtown Key West: About 2–3 miles, typically a short taxi or rideshare ride.

For Atlanta travelers used to the size and complexity of Hartsfield–Jackson, Key West’s airport often feels simple and low‑stress.

Practical Tips to Make Your Atlanta–Key West Flight Smoother

• Check traffic before you leave for ATL, especially on I‑75/85 through Downtown and the Connector.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown Atlanta, MARTA to the airport can be more predictable than driving at rush hour.
• For early-morning departures, consider staying at an airport-area hotel near Virginia Avenue or along Camp Creek Parkway to reduce morning stress.
• Build a time cushion on your return: allow for possible delays leaving Key West and connecting back through ATL, especially if you have commitments the same evening in Atlanta.

Flying from Atlanta to Key West is very doable whether you’re a local heading out for a beach escape or a visitor using Atlanta as your jumping-off point. Understanding your options from Hartsfield–Jackson, planning around connections and timing, and building in a bit of buffer will help you get from the ATL runways to the Key West sunsets with as little hassle as possible.