Left side wins both ends of this short flight. During the brief cruise at low altitude over the Keys and Florida Bay, the left side also tracks closer to the Gulf shallows and the upper Keys, making it the consistent choice for the entire route.
Flown EYW to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Key West to Miami is 126 miles (202 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
Florida Bay's extremely shallow, reef-dotted waters dominate the mid-flight view — the bay's pale green and tan shoals are visible from low cruise altitude. The upper Keys including Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo appear as a thin green-and-white thread to the right. The transition from open Florida Bay to the southern Everglades wetland mosaic is visible as the aircraft approaches the mainland, with the Everglades' sawgrass prairies and tree islands appearing as a flat dark-green patchwork below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EYW
LEFTEYW's primary runway 09/27 means departures heading northeast toward Miami put the left (north) side over the Gulf of Mexico shallows and the Marquesas Keys, while the right side faces the Atlantic. Climbing out northeast, the left window gives you a sweeping view back over the full arc of the Lower Keys chain stretching southwest.
Landing at MIA
LEFTMIA's primary arrival runway 08L/08R brings aircraft in from the west heading east, so the left (north) side looks over the Miami metro grid, Biscayne Bay, and downtown Miami's skyline on final approach. The right side faces south toward Homestead and the upper Everglades.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Key West International (EYW) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Key West to Miami. Left side wins both ends of this short flight. During the brief cruise at low altitude over the Keys and Florida Bay, the left side also tracks closer to the Gulf shallows and the upper Keys, making it the consistent choice for the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Key West International in Key West?
During takeoff from Key West International (EYW), sit on the Left side for the best views. EYW's primary runway 09/27 means departures heading northeast toward Miami put the left (north) side over the Gulf of Mexico shallows and the Marquesas Keys, while the right side faces the Atlantic. Climbing out northeast, the left window gives you a sweeping view back over the full arc of the Lower Keys chain stretching southwest. Notable sights include: Marquesas Keys atoll to the northwest, the shallow turquoise Gulf flats north of Key West, Stock Island and the Key West harbor area below, the string of Lower Keys bridges receding to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. MIA's primary arrival runway 08L/08R brings aircraft in from the west heading east, so the left (north) side looks over the Miami metro grid, Biscayne Bay, and downtown Miami's skyline on final approach. The right side faces south toward Homestead and the upper Everglades. Notable sights include: Downtown Miami skyline to the north, Biscayne Bay and its barrier islands, Miami Beach barrier island, the dense urban grid of Miami-Dade County.
How long is the flight from Key West to Miami?
The flight from Key West International (EYW) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 126 miles (202 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Key West to Miami flight path pass over?
Florida Bay's extremely shallow, reef-dotted waters dominate the mid-flight view — the bay's pale green and tan shoals are visible from low cruise altitude. The upper Keys including Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo appear as a thin green-and-white thread to the right. The transition from open Florida Bay to the southern Everglades wetland mosaic is visible as the aircraft approaches the mainland, with the Everglades' sawgrass prairies and tree islands appearing as a flat dark-green patchwork below.