Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and the Midwest to the Florida Keys
Heading south from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin or Minnesota for the winter? In-N-Out Keys, a veteran-owned, family-operated interstate carrier and broker, arranges car shipping from the Midwest to the entire Florida Keys, with a direct Florida carrier handling the last stretch down the islands.
A long drive you don’t have to make
From Columbus it’s roughly 1,300 miles to Key West; from Detroit or Chicago, closer to 1,500 or 1,600. That’s two or three long days on I-75 or I-65, through Atlanta traffic and the length of Florida, before you even reach the Overseas Highway. Plenty of Midwest snowbirds would rather fly into Key West or Miami and have the car meet them.
The hard part is the last 100 miles
Getting a car from the Midwest to South Florida is routine. Getting it down the 18-Mile Stretch and across the bridges of US-1 to your actual street is where mainland companies tend to stop and ask you to meet them in Homestead. That is where being a direct carrier for all of Florida pays off: the Keys leg is ours, run by people who drive it constantly.
Where we pick up
| State | Common pickup areas |
|---|---|
| Ohio | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Akron |
| Michigan | Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Traverse City |
| Illinois | Chicago and suburbs, Naperville, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield |
| Indiana | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville |
| Wisconsin and Minnesota | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Minneapolis–St. Paul |
Big carriers prefer to load near major highways, so we sometimes suggest meeting at a nearby parking lot if your street is tight. That is easy to arrange and often speeds up the pickup.
What the trip looks like
Most Midwest to Keys moves are done in two stages. A long-haul partner carrier we name before you book brings the vehicle south to Florida, and the final leg to the island is arranged to fit the street and the vehicle. We will give you a realistic window for your job rather than a guarantee. Weather, holidays, and the season can all move the schedule around.
Snowbird timing: fall south, spring north is the busiest time of year on this route. Lake-effect snow and early-winter storms in November and December can slow northern pickups, and the Thanksgiving–New Year stretch fills fast. Booking early gives you more options. See our holiday shipping timing guide and seasonal shipping page.
Open or enclosed from the Midwest
Open carriers are the standard way to ship and the right choice for most daily drivers. For a classic, an exotic, or a car you want kept away from road salt and winter grime on the long haul, enclosed transport is worth a look. Read our open versus enclosed guide.
What it typically costs
Midwest and West Coast to the Keys typically runs roughly $1,300 to $2,600 for a standard car on an open carrier. These are rough ranges, not quotes. Enclosed transport, larger vehicles, and Key West or Lower Keys deliveries can add to the number. See the full cost guide.
How to get ready
- Request a quote with your ZIP, the Keys address, and your preferred ship date.
- Wash and photograph the car from every side.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Remove personal items and toll tags.
- Arrange the handoff: someone meets the driver with the keys at pickup and again in the Keys.
How payment works
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. Learn more on our pay on delivery page.
Get a free quoteCall (754) 714-2439
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Midwest from Key West?
Roughly 1,300 miles from Columbus and about 1,500 to 1,600 miles from Detroit or Chicago.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the Midwest to the Florida Keys?
Typically roughly $1,300 to $2,600 for a standard car on an open carrier. That is an estimate, not a quote; your price depends on addresses, vehicle, and timing.
Who carries my car on the long haul?
A separate licensed and insured partner carrier handles the interstate portion. We tell you which carrier before you book and stay your point of contact. The Florida and Keys leg is ours.
When should snowbirds book?
As early as you can for fall and the holidays. November and December weather up north and holiday demand can both stretch pickup windows.
Do you deliver anywhere in the Keys?
Yes. We serve the entire Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West.
How does payment work?
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.
Related pages
- Seasonal shipping for snowbirds
- Snowbird door-to-door shipping
- Holiday shipping timing
- Shipping from out of state
- Shipping cost guide
- Car shipping to Key West
- Car shipping to the Lower Keys
- Pay on delivery
- Request a free quote
In-N-Out Keys LLC · USDOT 4120018 · MC 1583555 · Veteran-owned and family-operated · Interstate carrier and broker, and a direct carrier for all of Florida · Serving the entire Florida Keys · (754) 714-2439
