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jsthovson's avatar
jsthovson
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014

I-95 to Key West, FL

Will be towing a 5th wheel to Key West via I-95 in October. Never been this far south. What is best route to take through/via/around Miami? Some say I-95 to US-1... Others I-95 to Florida Turnpike to US-1. Please help.

20 Replies

  • At Florida City where Florida's Turnpike ends before you head into the Keys there are quite a few stations.

    We check Gas Buddy and see who has the best diesel price before we get there, Today, for example, a Shell is $3.71 vs $3.75++ for other stations.
  • Yeah well that's true if you don't mind paying 15-20 cents more a gallon. Actually Key Largo fuel prices weren't too bad when I was down there in spring. They start sky rocketing the further south you get into the keys.
  • If you take the turnpike as suggested there are service plazas on the turnpike. The last one is at mile marker 19, we stop there and fill up before going down into the keys. I find this as the best solution for me. Once set up down there you have a lot of options with just your truck


    Snapper Creek Service Plaza at Mile Marker 19. GPS: 25.6622, -80.3870on
  • There are diesel stations right before the bridge. Seems like I got it at a station next to a Denny's which is on the other side of the road. We stayed at that motel right across from there when we went Scuba diving down there.
  • Thanks for all the info. I drive a F350 6.7 diesel with 37.5 gallon tank. Where would be the best place to fill before hitting Key Largo??
  • We went from Staten Island NY to Key west this June. took the turnpike bot ways it was pretty easy. As far as the sunpass, we do not have one. They mail you a bill. I don't think it was more than $25 for both ways and that was pulling a trailer.
  • Turnpike is a lot let stress. It drops you off on US1 about 3 or 4 miles from the beginning of the bridge system. Just keep driving straight and get fueled up before hitting the bridge. There is a big gas station just before the bridge starts. It will cost you $25 or so tho.

    You absolutely under no circumstances want to make your way from the end of I-95 to US1 on the Miami area surface roads.
  • I pulled my 5th wheel from PA to the Keys last summer... As soon as I could , I jumped on the turnpike... Much easier ride... Well worth the tolls...

    And as long as we are on the tolls... If going that way , get yourself a Sunpass..they do not have toll booths... You get a discount if you gets a Sunpass and pre load enough to do the trip... Their site is pretty good at figuring out the cost... I think I preloaded $ 40.00 on mine ??????
  • I used to live just north of Ft Lauderdale. I tried going both ways.
    It took me longer to go west to get the turnpike but it was a much less stressful ride. I95 through Miami can get a little crazy.
    I haven't made the trip now in quite a few years, but I doubt traffic in Miami has gotten any less hectic.
    We are going down next weekend from Naples and are definitely taking the turnpike extension. It drops me at US 1 in Florida city, just before card sound rd, and key kargo.