Parks Manager

Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park sits in FL, United States, with Key West the nearest town of any size — about 68.6 mi (110 km) out, or roughly 2 hr 4 min of driving.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Dry Tortugas National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Key West68.6 mi (110 km)2 hr 4 min
Stock Island71.2 mi (115 km)2 hr 8 min
Big Coppitt Key76 mi (122 km)2 hr 15 min
Cudjoe Key86.2 mi (139 km)2 hr 29 min
Big Pine Key95.2 mi (153 km)2 hr 42 min
Marathon112 mi (180 km)3 hr 6 min
Marco Island116 mi (186 km)3 hr 11 min
Marco117 mi (188 km)3 hr 13 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Dry Tortugas National Park?

Key West, about 68.6 mi (110 km) away — roughly 2 hr 4 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Dry Tortugas National Park?

The practical bases are Key West, Stock Island, and Big Coppitt Key — all within a reasonable drive of the park.