Which is the best route to the Florida Keys from the north... especially through Miami?
I-95 may be free, but it is congested and has a lot of construction. It is far easier to use the Florida Turnpike, especially if you are towing a boat.
Warning: Florida's Turnpike has a tremendous number of toll stops in the Miami area (the stretch between Fort Lauderdale and Homestead.) It seems operators ding you for pocket change every few miles.
Solution: If you are coming from Orlando, West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, it's a great idea to get a SunPass. This is an electronic box (cost $26.50) that attaches to your windshield. It allows you to use �SunPass Only� lanes. You can go through toll plazas at 25 MPH rather than having to stop and fork over change every few miles.
It's takes some effort to set-up the SunPass. The credit "card/debit system" is awkward. However, if you plan to travel the toll road more than a couple of times a year, it's well worth it.
Click here for Florida Turnpike SunPass information.
Once the Turnpike comes to an end at Florida City, there is about 20 miles of two-lane U.S. 1 until you get to Key Largo. Expect heavy traffic and delays in this area. The bascule bridge at Jewfish Creek may also cause a traffic back-up just prior to arriving in Key Largo.
Just after Florida City you will see signs for the toll bridge to Key Largo. Do not take the toll bridge to northern Key Largo unless the "free" US 1 is shut down. The toll bridge takes you a little out of the way.
