Parking in Key West is one of the most consistently complained-about aspects of the island, and for good reason. The island is roughly 2 miles square, there's a limited number of legal spaces, and in season (December through March) the demand far exceeds supply. Meter enforcement runs until midnight on Duval Street. Parking fines are $35–$75. And circling Old Town for a spot at 11am on a Saturday is a genuinely unpleasant way to start your vacation.

None of this is unsolvable. You just need to know the system.

Parking Options at a Glance

Key West Parking — Real Rates & Insider Notes
Location / OptionRateSeason AvailabilityBest For
Stock Island Park & RideFreeAlways availableFree parking + shuttle to Old Town
Street Parking (Old Town)$2.50–$4/hrVery limited after 9amQuick stops (under 2 hours)
Key West Bight Garage$3–$5/hr · $25–$35/dayFills by 10am in seasonAll-day parking, close to harbor
Old Town Garage (Eaton St)$3–$5/hr · $25–$35/dayFills by 10am in seasonDuval Street proximity
Residential neighborhoods (White St, etc.)Free (2-hr limit)Available, walk requiredBudget stays outside Old Town
Hotel valet$25–$45/dayAlways availableWhen you're staying downtown
Golf cart (daily rental)$40–$80/dayN/ABest mobility option in Old Town
Stock Island Park and Ride — Free

The best-kept secret in Key West parking. The lot is at the Gulfview Center on Business Center Road (Stock Island) — large, free, and never full. A free shuttle runs every 20–30 minutes to Old Town. In high season, this is the move: park free, take the shuttle (or a $8 rideshare), avoid the garage circus. Shuttles run 7am–midnight daily. Even if you don't park here, knowing this exists changes your Key West trip.

Key West Bight Garage — $25–$35/day

The most convenient garage in Old Town — 3 blocks from Mallory Square, 5 blocks from Duval Street. Enter from Margaret Street. In low season (May–November), it's rarely full before 11am. In high season, it fills by 10am — get here early or use the Park and Ride instead. Monthly passes available ($250–$350). EV charging available on Level 1.

Old Town Garage (Eaton Street) — $25–$35/day

Second-most-convenient garage — directly off Eaton Street at the north end of Old Town. Better for Duval Street proximity than the Bight garage, but fills equally fast. Connected to the Key West Bight via the local bus (Line 104, every 15 minutes). Monthly and weekly passes available. Both garages are City of Key West operated — same pricing structure.

Street Parking — $2.50–$4/hour

Meter zone covers most of Old Town (south of Truman Avenue). Meters accept coins, credit cards, and the PayByPhone app. Maximum stay is 2–4 hours depending on the block. Meter enforcement runs until midnight on Duval Street and until 10pm on side streets. If you're eating dinner and then coming back to your car, factor in the meter — or move it. Fines start at $35 for an overtime violation.

Pro Tips from a Local

  • 1. Don't drive looking for a spot in Old Town. The minute you think "I'll just drive around and find one," you've wasted 45 minutes. Park at the lot or garage and walk or rideshare.
  • 2. Arrive before 9am for all-day garage parking in season. After 9am in December–March, expect the garages to be half-full. After 10am, expect them to be full or near-full. This is not an exaggeration.
  • 3. Rent a golf cart if you're staying downtown. At $40–$80/day, a golf cart is cheaper than two days of garage parking and gives you total freedom in Old Town. Many vacation rentals include one — ask before you book. Golf carts can park in regular car spaces and park in some areas regular cars can't.
  • 4. Check if your hotel has parking — and what it costs. Many hotels downtown charge $25–$45/day for valet or have limited self-parking. Some downtown hotels have no parking at all. Ask before you book.
  • 5. Residential streets are free for 2 hours. Park north of Truman Avenue on White Street, South Street, or the Bahama Village area. Walk 10–15 minutes into Old Town. This works for dinner but not for all-day parking — enforcement officers patrol these blocks.

Skip the Parking Entirely — Rent a Golf Cart

Golf carts are the default local transport in Key West. Park once at your accommodation and cruise everywhere from there. $40–$80/day, fits in any parking spot, and you'll never circle for parking again.

See Golf Cart Rental Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking in Key West worth it, or should I take rideshare?
If you're staying downtown and planning to walk everywhere, don't bother with a car at all — park at your accommodation or the Park and Ride and use rideshares (Uber/Lyft work in Key West, $6–$15 per ride within Old Town). If you're staying north of Old Town or want a car for day trips (Dry Tortugas, Key Largo, the Lower Keys), bring the car and use the Park and Ride. In-season garage parking ($35/day) vs. two Ubers a day ($20–$30): roughly equal cost, but a car gives you flexibility for day trips.
Can I park overnight on the street in Key West?
No — street parking in Old Town has a 72-hour maximum, and overnight parking on residential streets is actively enforced. If you're staying in Key West and your hotel has no parking, contact them before you arrive — they'll have a solution. Do not plan to park on the street overnight and leave your car.
What about parking for the Hemingway House or Southernmost Point?
The Southernmost Point has no dedicated parking — there's street parking on Whitehead Street, which fills by 8:30am in season. The Hemingway House (907 Whitehead St) has a small lot at the house ($15–$20), but it fills fast. Best approach: walk or rideshare to both, or go early (before 9am) if you're driving. The Hemingway House is 2 blocks from the Old Town Garage — park there and walk.
Is there EV charging at Key West parking garages?
Yes — Level 1 of the Key West Bight Garage has 8 EV charging stations (ChargePoint, Level 2). They're often occupied in high season. The Old Town Garage on Eaton Street has no EV charging. Level 2 charging is also available at some hotels and the Stock Island Marina. Do not count on finding a charger in season — charge overnight at your accommodation instead.

More Trip Planning Guides

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