By Car
Cedar Key sits at the end of State Road 24 — the only road onto the island. The drive through the coastal flatwoods and marsh is part of the experience. There's no public transit and no ferry — you need a car.
From Gainesville
~1.5 hours via US-19/98 S to SR-24 W. The closest major city. Easy day trip or weekend drive.
From Tampa
~2.5 hours via US-19 N through Homosassa and Crystal River. Beautiful coastal route past springs.
From Jacksonville
~3 hours via I-75 S to US-27 to SR-24. Cross-state route through the heart of Florida.
From Orlando
~3 hours via FL-44 W to US-19 N to SR-24. A genuine escape from the theme park belt.
Nearest Airports
Gainesville Regional Airport
~60 miles. Served by American and Delta with connections from major hubs. Best option.
Tampa International Airport
~130 miles. Most flights, but longer drive. Good if you want to combine with a Tampa stop.
Jacksonville International Airport
~160 miles. Another option with good connections, especially from the Northeast.
Parking on the Island
Cedar Key is tiny — street parking is free throughout town. The lot at the City Marina is the most central. On busy weekends the main lots fill; early arrival or a short walk from residential streets solves it easily.
