How Much Is the Boat from Fort Myers to Key West?
A round-trip ferry ticket from Fort Myers Beach to Key West on the Key West Express typically costs $130–$185 for adults , depending on the season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. One-way fares start around $86–$95 for adults. The high-speed catamaran makes the crossing in about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Key West Express fares (2025–2026)
The Key West Express is the main scheduled passenger boat service between Fort Myers Beach and Key West. Published fares vary by age group and travel date.
Ticket type| Adult (13–61)| Senior (62+)| Junior (5–12)| Child (4 & under)
---|---|---|---|---
Round trip (standard)| $146–$185| $136–$175| $81–$135| $62–$85
Round trip (advance, Mon–Thu)| $155| $155| -| -
Round trip (advance, Fri–Sun)| $165| $165| -| -
One way| $86–$95| $86| $58| -
Prices shown are from published schedules and traveler reports for 2025–2026; actual fares can shift with fuel costs, demand, and promotions.
Discounts sometimes appear for midweek travel booked several days ahead, and calling the ticket office directly can occasionally yield a small reduction if the boat isn’t full.
Schedule and trip length
- Departure (Fort Myers Beach): Boarding usually begins around 7:00–7:30 a.m., with an 8:00–8:30 a.m. departure.
- Return (Key West): Late afternoon/early evening, commonly around 5:00–6:00 p.m.
- Travel time: About 3.5 hours once underway, weather permitting.
The Fort Myers Beach route runs year-round on a daily or near-daily basis; a seasonal Marco Island–Key West service also operates in the cooler months.
Other boat options and costs
If you’re not using the scheduled ferry, private options exist but cost more:
- Boat rentals for a day in the Fort Myers area often run $300–$600 , depending on size and season.
- Private charters to the Keys can range from $800 to $1,500+ for a full-day experience, factoring in fuel, captain, and group size.
- For those with their own vessel, the open-water distance is roughly 140–155 nautical miles via the Gulf of Mexico; at 12 knots that’s about 13 hours of running time, while a fast sportfish at 25–30 knots could do it in 5–6.5 hours nonstop.
For most travelers, the Key West Express ferry remains the practical “boat” option, with adult round-trip fares generally landing in the low-to-mid $100s and one-ways under $100.