Miami to Key West flight pathMIAEYW

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time40m
Distance126
Heading227° → 227°
Best side
Left
★ 3.5 left·★ 3.0 right

The left side consistently faces the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys during both departure and arrival, offering the classic turquoise-to-deep-blue reef gradient and clear views of the island chain, while the right side mostly overlooks the flatter, shallower Florida Bay.

Flown MIA to EYW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Miami to Key West is 126 miles (202 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.

The Florida Keys island chain including Islamorada, Marathon, and the Seven Mile Bridge, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean reef flats to the south and Florida Bay to the north

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Miami (left side) — Biscayne Bay, Miami skyline and Brickell towers, Key Biscayne, the outer reef line

Takeoff from MIA

LEFT

Departing MIA to the southwest, the left side offers views back over Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline before the route angles out over the Atlantic-facing side of the Keys. The turquoise-to-deep-blue color gradient of the reef line is immediately visible as the plane climbs.

Biscayne BayMiami skyline and Brickell towersKey Biscaynethe outer reef line
MIA Miami InternationalHub for American Airlines

Landing at EYW

LEFT

On approach into EYW, the left side typically faces south toward the Atlantic side of the Lower Keys, giving a clear view of the classic turquoise flats, small mangrove islands, and Key West's shoreline as the plane lines up for landing.

Lower Keys island chainKey West shorelineAtlantic reef flatsBoca Chica Key
EYW Key West InternationalKey West, United States

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Key West International (EYW)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Key West. The left side consistently faces the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys during both departure and arrival, offering the classic turquoise-to-deep-blue reef gradient and clear views of the island chain, while the right side mostly overlooks the flatter, shallower Florida Bay.

What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?

During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MIA to the southwest, the left side offers views back over Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline before the route angles out over the Atlantic-facing side of the Keys. The turquoise-to-deep-blue color gradient of the reef line is immediately visible as the plane climbs. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Miami skyline and Brickell towers, Key Biscayne, the outer reef line.

What can I see when landing at Key West International in Key West?

When landing at Key West International (EYW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into EYW, the left side typically faces south toward the Atlantic side of the Lower Keys, giving a clear view of the classic turquoise flats, small mangrove islands, and Key West's shoreline as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Lower Keys island chain, Key West shoreline, Atlantic reef flats, Boca Chica Key.

How long is the flight from Miami to Key West?

The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Key West International (EYW) takes about 40 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 Miami to Key West flight path pass over?

The Florida Keys island chain including Islamorada, Marathon, and the Seven Mile Bridge, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean reef flats to the south and Florida Bay to the north