Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Key West. Naval Air Station Key West/Boca Chica Field is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at NQX:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 50 minutes into Key West, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Naval Air Station Key West/Boca Chica Field into town:
- Taxi/Rideshare: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Key West layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$13 |
| Meal | ~$25 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$48 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Key West.
How to Spend Your Time in Key West
If you head into Key West, here are two things worth checking out:
Duval Street Stroll is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Southernmost Point Buoy is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Key West.
If you’d rather stay inside NQX — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- NAS Key West Fitness Center
- NAS Key West Exchange (NEX)
Best Bites Near NQX
For food in Key West, local travelers recommend Blue Heaven. If you have time for a second stop, Santiago’s Bodega is another popular pick.
Back at NQX, Boca Chica Galley is the go-to. Subway (NAS Key West) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Storing Your Luggage at Naval Air Station Key West/Boca Chica Field
Luggage storage options at NQX can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Key West for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NQX, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Key West itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at NQX
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at NQX, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Key West exploring the streets or relaxing at NQX, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.