Port Area Snapshot
Nestled at Florida’s southern tip, the Key West cruise port places travelers steps from historic Old Town, legendary Duval Street, and picture‑perfect sunsets at Mallory Square. Three compact piers—Mallory Square, Pier B, and the Outer Mole—welcome midsize ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and more. With the airport just minutes away, cruisers can maximize shore time exploring pastel Conch‑style homes, Hemingway’s six‑toed cats, and turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling. Year‑round warm weather, free Duval Loop buses, and walkable streets make Key West one of the easiest—and most colorful—U.S. ports of call.
Port Overview
- Official name & address: Port of Key West, 201 William Street, Key West, FL 33040 (Florida Ports Council)
- Cruise terminals: 3 piers (Mallory Square Dock, Pier B, Outer Mole Pier) (CruiseMapper, Wikipedia)
- Major cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, Disney, Margaritaville at Sea (Cruise Critic Community, CruiseMapper)
- Annual passengers: ~458,700 (2025 projection) (Crew Center)
- Notable features: • Walk‑off access to Old Town • Free shuttle from Outer Mole to Mallory Square • Environmental limits on ship size • Sunset celebrations at adjacent Mallory Square
- Local time zone: Eastern Time (UTC‑5/‑4 DST)
- Typical weather:
- Winter: High 74 °F / Low 66 °F; mild, breezy, low rainfall (Weather Spark)
- Summer: High 89 °F / Low 81 °F; hot, humid, afternoon showers (Weather Spark)
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Key West Intl Airport (EYW) – 3 mi / 10 min taxi | Travelmath |
| Public transit | Free Duval Loop bus every 20–30 min, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | City of Key West) |
| Rail | N/A – no rail service to island | |
| Shuttles | Cruise‑line & private trolleys from Outer Mole to Mallory Square | Cruise Critic Community |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft allowed curbside at all piers; 15 min to airport | |
| Accessibility | Piers have ramps; Duval Loop buses wheelchair‑friendly |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duval Street | Iconic strip of shops, bars & live music | 24/7 • Free | https://www.duvalstreetkw.com |
| Ernest Hemingway Home | Six‑toed cats & writer’s retreat | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • $18 | https://www.hemingwayhome.com |
| Fort Zachary Taylor Park | Civil‑War fort & best local beach | 8 a.m.–sunset • $6/vehicle + $2.50 pp | https://www.floridastateparks.org |
| Key West Butterfly Conservatory | Tropical glasshouse with 50+ species | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • $15 | https://www.keywestbutterfly.com |
| Mallory Square Sunset | Street performers & famed sunsets | 2 hrs before sunset • Free | https://www.mallorysquare.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latitudes | Sunset romance on private island | New American • $$$ | https://www.opalcollection.com |
| A&B Lobster House | Harbor‑view fine seafood | Seafood • $$$$ | https://www.aandblobsterhouse.com |
| Hot Tin Roof | Waterfront Caribbean‑fusion | Caribbean‑Latin • $$–$$$ | https://www.oceankey.com |
| Prime Steakhouse | Classic cuts & wine cellar | Steakhouse • $$$ | https://www.primekeywest.com |
Budget‑Friendly Bites
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuban Coffee Queen | Breakfast‑Lunch | Cuban • $ | Cuban Coffee Queen |
| El Siboney | Lunch‑Dinner | Cuban • $ | El Siboney |
| Garbo’s Grill | Lunch‑Dinner | Tacos & Burgers • $ | Garbo’s Grill |
| Mattheessen’s | All Day | Ice Cream & Key Lime Pie • $ | Mattheessen’s |
Safety & Local Tips
- Traffic is heavy with scooters & bikes—look both ways before crossing.
- Heat index soars in summer; wear sunscreen and hydrate often.
- Keep valuables close in crowded bar areas, especially at night.
- Sudden tropical showers pop up; a light poncho is handy.
- Observe channel markers when renting watercraft to avoid reefs.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Ship may dock at Mallory Square, Pier B, or Outer Mole; check the daily program.
- Free shuttle runs continuously from Outer Mole to downtown; last return 30 min before all‑aboard.
- Vendors, attractions, and restaurants accept USD and major cards; ATMs at Mallory Square.
- Taxi/Uber queue forms outside security; airport ride averages 10–15 min.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is the airport from the pier?
A: About 3 miles—roughly a 10‑minute taxi or rideshare ride.
Q: Is there luggage storage at the port?
A: No official lockers; some tour operators offer short‑term bag check.
Q: Can passengers walk to downtown?
A: Yes—Mallory Square and Pier B are in Old Town. From Outer Mole, use the free shuttle.
Q: Are there beaches close to the port?
A: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a 10‑minute taxi or 20‑minute walk.
Q: What time do Key West bars close?
A: Many Duval Street bars stay open until 2 a.m.; a few run later.
Q: Do I need cash in Key West?
A: Cards are widely accepted, but small bills help with tips and street vendors.
Q: Is public Wi‑Fi available?
A: Free Wi‑Fi is offered at Mallory Square and many cafés around Duval Street.