Getting Around Key West: The Free Duval Loop Bus, Renting Bikes & Parking

Key West is flat (its highest point on Solares Hill is 18 feet above sea level) and historic Old Town measures less than 2.5 by 1.5 kilometres (1.5 by 1 mile) across. Meanwhile, narrow 19th-century lanes have residential-permit parking and public car parks charge steep hourly rates. Follow the local rule: once you arrive in Key West, leave your car at your hotel (or return your rental car at EYW) and explore on two wheels, on foot, and on the complimentary bus.

1. The Complimentary Duval Loop Bus (18 Stops Around Old Town)

Do not confuse commercial sightseeing trolleys with the City of Key West's official pink-and-blue Duval Loop Bus, which is completely free for everyone year-round. Running frequently from morning until midnight (check current timetables and live GPS tracking at kwtransit.com), its air-conditioned buses loop along Whitehead, Southard, Simonton and Caroline Streets, stopping within one block of every major sight in Old Town:

• Key Stops on the Free Duval Loop: Historic Seaport and Ferry Terminal (Stops 1 to 3) → Mallory Square and Truman Little White House (Stops 4 and 5) → Hemingway Home & Lighthouse (Stop 7) → Southernmost Point & Butterfly Conservatory (Stops 9 and 10) → Upper, Middle and Lower Duval Street (Stops 11 to 18).

2. Renting a Beach Cruiser Bicycle vs Electric Golf Cart vs Scooter

1. A Single-Speed 'Conch Cruiser' Bicycle: shops like Eaton Bikes, We Cycle and Island Safari Rentals deliver cruiser bikes (fitted with a front basket, LED night lights and a lock) directly to your hotel door. You can pedal from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point or Fort Zachary Taylor Beach in 8 minutes and lock your bike for free at island racks.
2. Street-Legal Electric Golf Carts: fun for groups, though remember that golf carts must obey the exact same parking rules and pay the same parking meter fees as full-size cars.
3. Word of Caution on Petrol Scooters: local doctors strongly advise inexperienced riders against two-wheel petrol scooters, which slip easily on coral sand and wet brick pavement; stick to a bicycle or four-wheel golf cart.