Quick Summary:
- Top up fuel before Florida City, then expect fewer open stations overnight.
- Obey posted limits on US 1, enforcement is common on bridges.
- Scan verges for deer and iguanas, especially after rain or dusk.
- Plan two safe breaks at well-lit plazas, avoid stopping on shoulders.
Yes, you can drive the Overseas Highway (US 1) from Miami to Key West at night, and many travellers do. The route is straightforward, but it is not a typical motorway run. You will be on long, dark stretches over water, with narrow shoulders, limited places to pull off, and speed limits that change often as you pass through Keys communities. With car hire in Miami, the smart move is to treat this as a planned night journey rather than a last-minute dash, and to build a simple checklist around fuel, enforcement hotspots, wildlife risk and safe break points.
Before you even start, confirm where you are collecting your vehicle. If you are landing late, it can be simpler to pick up near the airport and drive straight out after a short rest. Hola Car Rentals has Miami options including car hire at Miami Airport (MIA) and a central alternative at car rental in Downtown Miami. Wherever you collect, do a quick light check before leaving the forecourt, headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights and number plate illumination, because visibility and signalling matter more on a night bridge run.
What the night drive actually feels like
From Miami to Key West you will typically head south on the Turnpike or US 1 to Florida City, then continue on US 1 through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and on to Key West. At night, traffic can be lighter, but it can also bunch up behind slower vehicles because there are limited passing opportunities. You will see frequent speed limit changes, from higher limits on open stretches to lower limits in built-up areas, plus sudden reductions approaching bridges.
Expect a mix of well-lit pockets and very dark segments. Bridge approaches can feel exposed in wind, and glare from oncoming headlights can be intense because lanes are close together. If you are not used to this kind of road, plan for a calmer pace, allow extra time, and accept that you may spend periods following at a safe distance rather than overtaking.
Fuel planning: where to fill up and what to carry
The number one practical issue on a late run is fuel availability, not because you cannot get petrol, but because you have fewer open stations and fewer easy turn-arounds if you miss one. Your most reliable strategy is to start with a near-full tank and then do one planned top-up in the Upper or Middle Keys rather than waiting until the low-fuel light appears.
Use this simple approach:
1) Fill before the Keys. Florida City is a good “last big town” point, with multiple options and typically better prices than further south. If you are leaving Miami late, fill in Miami before you hit the Turnpike and treat Florida City as a back-up.
2) Plan one mid-route fuel stop. Key Largo or Islamorada is a sensible target early in the drive, Marathon is a common later option. The aim is not to find the cheapest station, it is to avoid arriving in Key West late with an almost empty tank and limited late-night options.
3) Do not rely on the final quarter-tank. Strong headwinds on bridges and constant speed changes can affect consumption. If you are in a larger vehicle, for example travelling with family luggage, fuel margins matter more. If you need a bigger vehicle category, Hola has options like van rental in Brickell, which can change your fuel plan slightly.
4) Bring the boring essentials. Water, a phone cable, a small torch, and a card that works at pay-at-pump terminals. If your hire car has USB-C only, keep an adapter. In a warm, humid environment, dehydration creeps up faster than you expect, even with air conditioning.
Speed limits and enforcement: what catches night drivers out
The Overseas Highway is not a place to “set and forget” cruise control. Speed limits vary often, and enforcement is a known feature of the Keys. At night, it is easy to drift above the limit on open stretches, then get caught as you enter a lower-speed area.
Checklist for staying out of trouble:
Watch for drops into towns. As you pass through Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada and Marathon, you will see lower limits, more junctions and more pedestrian activity near restaurants or late-night bars. Slow early, not late.
Respect bridge limits. Bridges are where many drivers feel safe to accelerate, but they are also where limits can be clearly posted and easy to enforce. Maintain a steady speed and leave more distance than you would on a motorway, especially if someone merges in front of you.
Be cautious with passing. Some areas have limited passing lanes. If you do pass, commit only when you have a clear view and space to return safely, because oncoming headlights can hide distance at night.
Know your vehicle’s lighting controls. Modern cars can have automatic high beams, but you still need to override them if they dazzle oncoming traffic or reflect off signs. Take ten seconds to learn the stalk controls before you leave Miami.
If you are starting your trip north of Miami, you might also be collecting around Fort Lauderdale. That can work well for late arrivals, but the same Keys rules apply once you are on US 1. For reference, Hola also covers car hire at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL).
Wildlife and road-edge hazards: what to look for at night
Wildlife is a genuine night-drive consideration in the Keys. You are not dealing with forests full of large animals, but you are driving a narrow corridor with vegetation close to the road, plus canals and shoreline edges that can attract animals. The biggest risk is not a single dramatic event, it is a sudden movement at the edge of your headlights that makes you brake or swerve.
Practical ways to reduce wildlife risk:
Scan the verges, not just the lane. Keep your eyes moving, checking the edge lines and the dark areas just beyond the shoulder where animals can appear.
Expect movement after rain. Wet conditions can bring animals closer to the roadway. After a shower, increase following distance and reduce speed slightly on darker stretches.
Avoid hard swerves on bridges. If something appears, braking in a straight line is usually safer than a sudden swerve, because shoulders are narrow and barriers are close. The priority is keeping the car stable.
Mind non-wildlife hazards too. Broken-down cars, cyclists with limited lighting, and pedestrians near roadside businesses can be harder to spot at night. This is another reason to stay within the posted limit even when the road feels empty.
Where to take breaks safely: practical stop planning
A night drive is safest when you do not “push through” fatigue. The problem in the Keys is not that there are no stops, it is that not every pull-off is safe or well-lit. Your goal is to pick two or three deliberate break points where you can park legally, stretch, use facilities and reset attention.
Use these rules to choose a stop:
Prioritise well-lit, active sites. Look for a service plaza, a busy petrol station, or a 24-hour style convenience stop if open. Avoid quiet gravel pull-offs in darkness, and avoid stopping on the shoulder unless it is a genuine emergency.
Choose easy-on, easy-off locations. You want a stop where you can enter and exit without crossing fast traffic or making a risky U-turn. Miss a turn, and continue to the next safe option rather than improvising a sudden manoeuvre.
Do a quick safety check before you exit the car. Park under lights, lock valuables out of sight, and take your phone with you. In a hire car, keep the key fob secure so you cannot accidentally lock it inside.
Time breaks, not just distance. A simple pattern is a short stop every 60 to 90 minutes, plus an extra pause if you feel your concentration dip. At night, that dip can arrive suddenly.
Comfort and visibility checklist for hire cars
Car hire vehicles can vary in controls and driver-assist features. A two-minute setup in Miami saves stress later when you are on a dark bridge with limited shoulder space.
Set mirrors for reduced glare. Use the rear-view mirror’s night setting if available, and angle side mirrors to reduce headlight flare from behind. Glare fatigue is real on US 1.
Clean the windscreen. A slightly hazy screen turns oncoming headlights into a blur. Use the forecourt squeegee before you leave, and confirm the washer fluid works.
Check tyre pressures and warnings. If the dashboard shows a tyre pressure warning, ask for it to be resolved before departure. Long, warm drives can magnify small issues.
Know the basics of the infotainment. Pair your phone while parked. If your navigation audio is too quiet, you will be tempted to look down more often, which is risky at night.
Plan navigation with low distraction. Save your Key West address and one mid-route fuel stop. Avoid constant searching as you drive, because reception can vary and you want your eyes on the road.
Timing, weather, and contingencies
Night driving is often chosen to avoid daytime traffic, but timing still matters. If you leave very late, you may arrive in Key West when parking options are limited and fatigue is at its highest. Build a realistic arrival window, including one or two breaks and a buffer for slower traffic.
Watch wind and rain forecasts. Bridges can feel more demanding in wind, and rain reduces visibility and increases glare from road markings. If heavy rain is forecast, consider leaving earlier, or delaying until conditions improve.
Have a simple “turn back” rule. If you feel too tired, pull into a safe, lit stop and rest, or consider staying in the Upper or Middle Keys overnight rather than forcing the final stretch. The safest plan is the one you are willing to adjust.
Keep roadside assistance details handy. Save the number provided with your car hire agreement and note any instructions for breakdowns. On narrow shoulders, staying inside the vehicle with seatbelt on can be safer until help arrives, depending on the situation.
Arriving in Key West: parking and final checks
The last stage of a night drive is often when mistakes happen, because you relax too early. Slow down as you enter Key West, watch for one-way streets, and expect pedestrians and cyclists even late. If you are staying in Old Town, roads can be narrow and parking can be controlled.
On arrival:
Do a quick walk-around. Note any new marks and take a time-stamped photo if you spot something, just for your own records.
Secure the car. Remove visible bags, lock doors, and check you have the key. Hire vehicles can be a target if luggage is on display.
Plan the next morning. If you are driving back, consider doing the return route in daylight for a different experience, and to reduce cumulative night fatigue.
FAQ
Is it safe to drive from Miami to Key West at night? It can be safe if you plan fuel, keep to speed limits, take breaks, and drive defensively on bridges and in towns. The main risks are fatigue, glare, and sudden hazards on narrow stretches.
How long does the night drive usually take? Many drivers take around 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic, stops, and pace. At night you may save time on congestion, but you should still budget for at least one break.
Are petrol stations open late on the Overseas Highway? Some are, but opening hours vary and options thin out compared with Miami. Start with a near-full tank, then top up at a planned point rather than waiting until you are low.
Do police enforce speed limits heavily in the Keys? Speed enforcement is common, and limits change often through communities and near bridges. Staying within posted limits and slowing early for towns is the simplest way to avoid issues.
What should I do if I feel tired mid-route? Do not continue on autopilot. Pull into a well-lit, active stop, stretch, hydrate, and take a short rest. If you still feel drowsy, adjust your plan and consider stopping for the night.
