There are a few iconic things to do in Key West, and one of those is riding the Conch Train around town. I love a good city tour, and doing the hop-on-hop-off is always fun, but the Key West Conch Train is really a great option for anyone who wants some history, some fun and doesn’t mind a goofy tour guide. Yes, I love the comedy element of riding the Conch Train.
Have you done the Conch Train in Key West or do you prefer the Old Town Trolly Tour to go at your own pace? Or maybe you’re more of a Ghosts and Gravestones sort of person… I’ve got the scoop on what to expect with the Key West Conch Train tour as well as tips for making it a fun experience for kids. I think it’s pretty great. If you have any questions about planning this or doing more historic things around Key West, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great visit to the Keys.
Why Choose the Conch Train Tour in Key West
The Conch Train Tour in Key West really embraces the cheesy side of itself and I love it. The Conch Train conductor gives a great audio tour as you cover nearly all of the historic areas, and as you go the narration is filled with very tongue in cheek jokes peppered with history. Sound effects and props all add to the fun. The Key West Conch Train tour is great with kids or adults. I like that doing this tour gives a solid overview of the historic events from founding through the creation of the Conch Republic.
If this is your first visit to Key West, it’s a very good way to both get the lay of the land and understand the context of what you’re seeing. You don’t get to hop and off the Conch Train Tour, but that’s okay because Key West is very walkable and when you’re done it’s very easy to get back to pretty or interesting places you want more time at. If you’re looking to get a little tour AND be able to jump off the transportation in different areas, the Old Town Trolley Tour is more of what you’re looking for. They are the same company as the Conch Train Tour, so consider which tour is more of what you want.
Book the Conch Train Tour here!
Tips for a Great Conch Train Tour Experience
While the Conch Train tour is moving most of the time and the of the seating is covered, it can still be a toasty experience if you’re doing the tour in the afternoon in the summer. The Florida Keys in the summer is HOT and for any sort of outdoor activities on land when you’re here in Key West, I recommend planning them for early in the day. An open air moving tour like the Conch Train is good because it’s not insanely hot, but earlier is better I think.
There are lots of tour time options throughout the day and you can usually get on a tour with very short notice. If you are part of a larger group, be sure to get to the depot by Mallory Square plenty early before you’re tour so you can be sure to all sit together. Four people fit comfortably per row, but if you’re tall, you’ll fit fewer people because tall people may need to sit at an angle to be comfortable.
Being Prepared for a Historic Tour in Key West
Bring water along with you on the Conch Train Tour through Key West. This tour lasts more than an hour and it can be very warm, especially if you’re visiting the Florida Keys in the summer. Be sure everyone has water and holds onto it so it doesn’t go flying off the open air tour train. Also, even though the Conch Train is covered, applying sunblock before your tour is a smart idea, especially if you’re sensitive to the Florida sunshine.
Something I don’t often talk about but is the reality of visiting Key West is that there is actually a lot of rain. I’ve done lots of tours, including the Conch Train Tour, in the rain and it’s still a fun experience. You may get a little wet if it’s pouring, but plastic ponchos will be offered if the weather is gross. Some people don’t mind the rain and even like it because it’s so characteristically Florida, but some people get very cranky about it.
Parking for the Conch Train Tour in Key West
Parking can be tricky in the Mallory Square area, but there are options. There are several small parking lots in the neighborhood within a few blocks of the Conch Train Tour depot, as well as lots of street parking options. If you’re planning to look for street parking in the historic district of Key West, be sure that you’re being mindful of the street signs with parking restrictions AND the painted markers on the street curbs that will also note restrictions and driveway entrances. Key West is very residential and there are many marked areas you need to be mindful of when you’re looking for parking.
Conch Train Tour Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience doing the Key West Conch Train Tour, here’s the operating information for your visit:
- Operating Dates/Season: every day starting at 9:00 am, last tour departs at 4:30 pm, tour is 60 minutes
- Office phone number: 305-707-5775
- Company website: ConchTourTrain.com
- Tour check-in address: 303 Front Street, Key West
- Tour booking links: Book the Conch Train Tour here!
More Fun Things to do in Key West
Key West is many people’s favorite destination in the Florida Keys. You can’t blame them; there are so many wonderful things to do, historic sites, so much wildlife and great food. If you know you’re coming to Key West and need some ideas to add to your itinerary or travel plan, take a look at some of our favorite things to do. You can always just play it by ear, walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, but I like to always have at least a loose plan.
Where to Stay in Key West
If you haven’t planned where to stay in Key West yet, of course we have recommendations. We’ve stayed many place, from luxury resorts to family friendly hotels, cute stays in the historic center to spacious condos on the end of town. There’s the right type of accommodation for any type of traveler in Key West. Keep in mind that with so many things to do and beautiful places to just explore on foot, you may not have a ton of time in your hotel room, so you might not need a ton of space and lots of amenities. Also, Key West is pretty costly for accommodations. As you look for where to stay, balance out your budget by considering hotels that AREN’T directly downtown.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to stay in Key West. We’ll keep adding to this list as we enjoy more wonderful hotels and resorts.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time riding the Conch Train through town. The vibe is really fun and funny, and it is perfectly Florida Keys. If you have any questions about visiting Key West or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
