New York to Key West is one of the classic snowbird routes. Every fall, New Yorkers head for warm winters at the end of the Overseas Highway, and many would rather fly than spend days on I-95. This guide covers New York to Key West car shipping: how the route works, what it typically costs, and how to plan it.
The Route at a Glance
The trip from New York City to Key West is roughly 1,440 miles. Most of that is the long run down the East Coast to South Florida. The last stretch, down the Overseas Highway to Mile 0, is its own leg with its own challenges: one road in, bridges, and island streets that aren’t built for big trucks.
Two Legs, One Point of Contact
On this route, an interstate transporter usually brings your car down to Florida. Then we take it the rest of the way, because we are a direct carrier for all of Florida. You deal with us from quote to delivery, and we coordinate the handoff.
What Does It Cost?
As a general guide, shipping a small vehicle from New York to Key West in the off-season typically runs about $1,600 to $1,800. During peak snowbird season, prices are higher because demand on this route jumps.
Your actual price depends on:
- Vehicle size. SUVs and pickups take more space than a small sedan.
- Season. Fall southbound and spring northbound are the busiest times.
- Pickup location. Manhattan, the outer boroughs, Long Island and upstate New York are all different.
- Open or enclosed transport.
- Fuel prices. Fuel can shift rates up or down.
- Delivery address. Old Town streets may call for a meet spot.
The best way to get a real number is to request a quote with your dates and addresses.
Timing Your Shipment
If you’re heading down for the winter, try to book a few weeks ahead and give us a pickup window instead of a single day. Most snowbirds book southbound in the fall and northbound in the spring. Our post on shipping a car out of Key West after the season covers the trip home.
Shipping in the summer or early fall? Also read shipping a car to Key West in hurricane season.
Pickup in New York
City pickups bring their own challenges: tight streets, garages and limited places for a big truck to stop. If you live in a dense neighborhood, we may set up a nearby pickup spot. Tell us about garages, doormen or building rules when you book.
Payment on This Route
We prefer COD whenever possible. Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route. Deliveries into the Keys work well with COD. For cars going the other way, from Key West back to New York, payment may be split because a separate transporter usually handles the long leg. We’ll work that out with you before booking. See Why We Prefer COD for details.
Moving for Good?
If you’re trading New York winters for Key West permanently, our Moving to Key West guide covers the bigger picture, and our Ship a Car to Key West page compares other starting cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to Key West?
A small vehicle in the off-season typically runs about $1,600 to $1,800. Peak season is higher, and fuel prices can shift rates. Request a quote for your exact price.
How far is New York to Key West?
Roughly 1,440 miles from New York City.
Does one truck go the whole way?
Usually not. An interstate transporter brings the car to Florida, and we handle the Keys leg.
Can I pay on delivery?
Yes, we prefer COD whenever possible. On trips leaving the Keys, payment may be split.
Get Your New York to Key West Quote
Tell us your vehicle, your pickup and delivery addresses, and your dates. Request a free quote online or call (754) 714-2439. We usually reply within the hour.
Key West Auto Shipping is run by In-N-Out Keys LLC (USDOT 4120018, MC 1583555), a veteran-owned, family-operated interstate carrier and broker and a direct carrier for all of Florida. Owner Steve Janowski is an Army veteran. We serve the entire Florida Keys. Learn more about us.