Directions to Cedar Key, Florida

Follow State Road 24 to the island, with drive times from Gainesville, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando.

Map locations

The interactive map is loading or unavailable. The diagram is schematic; use driving directions for roads.

Gainesville — Closest easy airport choice
Tampa — Bigger Gulf Coast fly-in
Orlando — Longer central Florida approach
Cedar Key — Gulf island arrival

Arrival map

Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando approaches to Cedar Key

State Road 24 crosses the coastal marshes into Cedar Key. Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando offer different starting points; map lines show regional corridors, not turn-by-turn routes. Check live directions before driving.

When the interactive map loads, tap a marker to see how each town fits the drive.
Solid line is the main approach; dashed lines are alternate regional approaches.

Open driving directions →

By Car

Cedar Key sits at the end of State Road 24 — the only road onto the island. The road crosses coastal flatwoods and marshes before reaching town. Check Florida 511 for road conditions, especially after severe weather.

From Gainesville

Allow roughly 1.5 hours; use current navigation for the route through Archer and along State Road 24.

From Tampa

~2.5 hours via US-19 N through Homosassa and Crystal River. Beautiful coastal route past springs.

From Jacksonville

Allow roughly 3 hours and check current navigation for the cross-state route.

From Orlando

Allow roughly 3 hours; check current navigation for the route toward US-19 and State Road 24 into Cedar Key.

Nearest Airports

GNV

Gainesville Regional Airport

A closer commercial-airport option; compare flight schedules and rental cars before booking.

TPA

Tampa International Airport

A longer drive, with the option of combining Cedar Key with a Tampa visit.

JAX

Jacksonville International Airport

Another airport option; compare flight and rental-car choices with the longer drive.

Parking on the Island

Public parking near Dock Street and the City Marina is central but limited on festival and holiday weekends. Follow posted restrictions, avoid blocking launch and trailer spaces, and confirm current marina access with the city after severe weather.

Second Star gear guide

Road Trip Essentials

Road-trip packing list