Key West on a cruise stop: from the pier to Duval Street

Yes, Key West is one of the easiest cruise stops to explore alone. Most large ships dock at Pier B at the western end of Front Street, small ships right at Mallory Square. From Pier B it is a short, flat walk to Mallory Square, where Duval Street begins, and from there you can walk to the Hemingway Home, the Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point. With 3-4 hours ashore it is easy, and our city guides help you plan the day.

Where ships dockPier B on Front Street; small ships at Mallory Square
From the ship to the centreA short, flat walk of a few minutes to Mallory Square
Where you arriveMallory Square at the north end of Duval Street
Sights on footHemingway Home, Truman Little White House, Southernmost Point
City guides6 guides, also offline
Port-day fitEasy: 3-4 hours ashore is plenty
%Cruise pack: save at every port Book games or city guides in 3 or more of our cruise port cities in one order and get 15% off automatically, or 20% off from 5 cities. The tickets have no time limit, so you can book your whole itinerary before you sail.

From the cruise pier to Mallory Square and Duval Street

  1. From Pier B, at the marina by the Truman Annex, walk along Front Street to Mallory Square. The way is flat and takes only a few minutes.
  2. If your ship is at the Mallory Square Dock, you step straight onto the square. Duval Street starts a couple of blocks away and leads through Old Town.
  3. If your ship uses the Outer Mole, a Navy pier, you cannot walk out through the naval area: a shuttle carries passengers into town in about 5 minutes.
  4. Taxis wait in a marked taxi line just outside the port area, and ride-hailing apps work in Old Town. They are mostly useful for the far end of Duval Street or the beaches, about 5-10 minutes away.

A Key West port day, hour by hour

  1. 0:00Off the ship and along Front Street to Mallory Square, where Duval Street begins.
  2. 0:15Visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House, then stroll up Duval Street through Old Town.
  3. 1:15Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Key West Lighthouse, at the far end of town, roughly 20-25 minutes on foot from the piers.
  4. 2:15Photo at the Southernmost Point buoy, then lunch: open the food guide on your phone and pick a place on the way back.
  5. 3:00Walk back along Duval Street to Mallory Square and your pier, about 20-25 minutes. Be on board at least an hour before all-aboard time.

Tips for Key West when time is short

  • Old Town is flat and compact. The Southernmost Point and the Hemingway Home are at the far end of Duval Street, roughly 20-25 minutes on foot, so go there first and work your way back towards the ship.
  • Summer is hot and humid with strong sun: do the longest walks in the morning and carry water.
  • Hurricane and tropical-storm risk peaks from late summer into October and November, so a call can be changed or cancelled.
  • If your ship is at the Outer Mole, allow extra time for the shuttle queue on the way back.
  • The famous sunset gathering on Mallory Square takes place in the evening, usually after most ships have left. Check your all-aboard time before planning around it.
  • Open the city guides on your phone before you go ashore: they also work offline and give a tip for each place, so you can plan the walk without mobile data.

Why take our city guides ashore

  • They work offline, so you don’t need mobile data or roaming in port.
  • Six guides in one: where to eat, what to see, what to do with kids, going out, day trips and saving money.
  • A short list of places worth your limited time, with a tip for each one.
  • Buy before you sail and open them on your phone as soon as you step ashore.

Key West cruise stop: questions

Can I walk from the Key West cruise pier to Duval Street?

Yes. Pier B and the Mallory Square Dock are both a few minutes' walk from Mallory Square, where Duval Street begins. Only ships at the Navy's Outer Mole need a short shuttle.

Which pier will my ship use in Key West?

Most large ships use the privately run Pier B. The city-owned Mallory Square Dock has mainly hosted small ships since 2022, and the Outer Mole is a Navy pier used when extra space is needed.

Do cruise ships tender in Key West?

Normally no. Ships dock alongside at one of the three piers.

How much time do I need in Key West?

Three to four hours ashore is enough for Old Town on foot, from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point and back, with a safe margin before all-aboard time.

Do the city guides work without mobile data?

Yes. Once opened on your phone they also work offline, which helps in ports where roaming is expensive.

Can I buy just one guide?

Yes. You can choose a single guide, such as the food guide, or all six guides for the city.

Get the Key West city guides

Port and transport details checked in November 2026. Docking positions and timetables change, so always check your ship’s all-aboard time and your cruise line’s port information before you set off.

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