How to Get to Dry Tortugas: Ferry, Seaplane, and Access
Forget the car. The Dry Tortugas are one of the most isolated national parks in the country, sitting about 68 miles west of Key West and reachable only by boat or seaplane. That's exactly what makes them so special, and it also takes some planning. The short answer is to take the concession-operated ferry from Key West, which takes about 2 hours, and book ahead. The road ends at the marina.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Key West International Airport EYW · 70 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport José Martí International Airport HAV · 117 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport VRA · 143 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Southwest Florida International Airport RSW · 149 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Punta Gorda Airport PGD · 168 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly In for Dry Tortugas
Key West (EYW): The Closest Airport
Key West International Airport (IATA code: EYW) is less than 15 minutes from the ferry's departure port. It serves several U.S. cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York, with American Airlines, Delta, or United depending on the season. The tradeoff is that flights are often more expensive and less frequent, especially outside the peak season from November through April.
Miami (MIA): The Hub for International Flights
Miami International Airport (MIA) handles most flights from Europe, including those from France. Fort Lauderdale (FLL), an hour north of Miami, sometimes offers lower fares on U.S. low-cost carriers, so check both airports before booking. From either one, you'll continue to Key West by car.
From France: Flights and Connections
There are no nonstop flights from Paris to Key West. From Paris-CDG, or from Lyon or Nice with a connection, the smoothest option is a Paris to Miami flight. Air France operates the nonstop route, which takes about 10.5 hours, followed by a rental car to Key West. Plan on a full day in transit.
Some travelers go through New York or Atlanta to get a better overall fare, at the cost of an extra connection. If that works for you, it's a reasonable option. Either way, plan to spend at least one night in Key West before the crossing because the ferry leaves early in the morning.
Getting to Key West: Driving Distances and Times
Key West is the required starting point for the Dry Tortugas. Here are some approximate benchmarks from major Florida cities:
| Starting city | Distance | Estimated drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | ~124 miles | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Fort Lauderdale | ~149 miles | 4 to 4.5 hours |
| Naples | ~162 miles | 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Orlando | ~354 miles | 6 to 7 hours |
| Tampa | ~388 miles | 6.5 to 7.5 hours |
US-1, the Overseas Highway, connects Miami and Key West across 114 miles, crossing the Florida Keys over 42 bridges. It's a journey within the journey, with water on both sides, one key after another, and constantly changing light. On many stretches, there's only one lane in each direction. Avoid Friday evenings heading toward Key West and Sundays in the opposite direction, and plan for breaks.
Getting to Dry Tortugas: Three Options
There are no roads, bridges, or open-access routes. The park has only two doors, by sea or by air. Three options can get you there.
The Concession-Operated Ferry: Yankee Freedom
The Yankee Freedom III runs daily from Key West's Historic Seaport to Garden Key, the park's main island and the site of Fort Jefferson. The crossing takes about 2 hours each way. The ferry leaves early in the morning and returns in midafternoon, giving you 4 to 5 hours on the island.
Breakfast is served onboard, and you can order lunch. Snorkeling gear is available to rent. For campers, the ferry is also the only way to bring gear and supplies to the island.
You must make a reservation, ideally several weeks ahead during the high season from December through April. The $15 park entrance fee per person is added to the ferry fare. The National Parks Fees and Passes page explains entrance fees and pass options.
The Seaplane: Fast and Unforgettable
Key West Seaplane Adventures offers seaplane flights from Key West, landing in the lagoon on the west side of Fort Jefferson. The flight takes about 40 minutes, compared with 2 hours by ferry. The fare is considerably higher, but the experience is completely different. You fly over coral atolls, spot rays and sea turtles from the air, and touch down on turquoise water facing the fort's red-brick walls. When I visited by seaplane, I understood why some visitors take no other photo all day than the one through the window.
The seaplane has limited baggage capacity, so pack light. Reservations are essential here too, especially for morning departures.
Private Boat or Charter
If you have a boat, you can reach the Dry Tortugas by private vessel from Key West, about 68 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. Sea conditions can be unpredictable, especially from December through March, when strong winds and swells are common, and during tropical storm season from June through November. Always check NOAA forecasts before setting out. Mooring areas are available offshore from Garden Key, but dockside facilities remain very limited.
Diving and sportfishing charters from Key West regularly include stops at the Dry Tortugas. If water activities are part of your plans, this option is worth considering. For details on what awaits you there, see things to do in Dry Tortugas.
Getting Around the Park
Once you're on Garden Key, you can cover the entire island on foot. There are no vehicles and no shuttle. For the full logistics guide, see the Dry Tortugas transportation guide.
In Summary: The Route from France
The trip to the Dry Tortugas is long and intentional. France → Paris to Miami flight, about 10.5 hours → rental car to Key West, about 4 hours → night in Key West → ferry the next morning, 2 hours. Allow at least two days in transit before setting foot on Garden Key. That journey is exactly what limits tourist traffic and preserves the place as it is.
To plan your full stay, see the park overview and the Dry Tortugas itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Fort Jefferson?
Fort Jefferson is accessible only by boat or seaplane from Key West. The concession-operated Yankee Freedom III leaves every morning from the Historic Seaport and reaches Garden Key in about 2 hours. No road or bridge connects the Dry Tortugas to the mainland.
Which airport should you use to visit Dry Tortugas?
Key West Airport (EYW) is closest to the ferry's departure port, but Miami International (MIA) handles international flights and connections from France. From Miami, Key West is a 3.5- to 4-hour drive along the Overseas Highway.
How do you get to Dry Tortugas from France?
The most direct route from France is a nonstop Paris to Miami flight, about 10.5 hours, followed by a rental car to Key West, about 4 hours, and then the ferry the next morning. Plan to spend at least one night in Key West before the crossing.
What's the best time to visit Dry Tortugas?
The dry season from December through April brings calmer seas and comfortable temperatures between 59°F and 81°F. Summer is hot, humid, and exposed to tropical storms. For a complete analysis, see the Dry Tortugas seasons guide.
Where to Stay for a Dry Tortugas Visit On the island itself, camping is the only option, with 10 primitive sites and everything brought in. Most visitors stay in Key West before and after the crossing. For accommodations in Key West and the surrounding area, see the Dry Tortugas accommodations guide.