KTMB → KMTHMiami to Marathon

64.6 NM212° TC35m @ 110ktWind: 000°/0kt

Pre-loaded with current METAR wind. Adjust values as needed.

Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Course & Speed

°

Wind

°
KT

Corrections

°

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

TC
212°
VAR
6.9°W
↓
MC
219°
WCA
0°
↓
MH
219°
Dev
0°
↓
CC
219°
TC: True Course
MC: Magnetic Course
MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)
CC: Compass Course
VAR: Magnetic Variation
WCA: Wind Correction Angle
Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

0°

MH

219°

Crosswind

0 KT

none

Headwind

0 KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

110

KT

Compass Course

219°

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

Tamiami (KTMB) to Marathon (KMTH) VFR Flight Calculator

The flight from Miami's Tamiami Airport to Marathon in the Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful VFR routes in the United States. This 85 nautical mile journey takes you over the stunning turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Atlantic, with the famous Overseas Highway and Seven Mile Bridge visible below. Tamiami (KTMB) is a major GA training airport, making this an ideal destination for building cross-country experience while enjoying world-class scenery.

Route Overview: Miami to the Keys

The route from KTMB to KMTH follows a true course of approximately 220° across Florida Bay and along the Keys island chain. Flight time is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour at 110 knots. After departing Tamiami, you'll cross the Everglades transition zone before reaching the crystal-clear waters of Florida Bay. The route passes over Key Largo, Islamorada, and the famous Seven Mile Bridge before arriving at Marathon. This is consistently rated as one of the top scenic flights in North America.

Airport Information

Departure: KTMB

Name:
Miami Executive Airport (Tamiami)
Location:
Miami, FL
Elevation:
8 ft
ATIS:
124.6

Arrival: KMTH

Name:
Florida Keys Marathon Airport
Location:
Marathon, FL
Elevation:
7 ft
ATIS:
135.975

Flight Planning Considerations

Tamiami is one of the busiest training airports in Florida, so you'll be comfortable with pattern work and busy frequencies. Marathon offers a relaxed Keys atmosphere with excellent facilities.

  • •Tamiami has multiple flight schools - expect training traffic in all patterns
  • •Overwater flight equipment recommended: life vests, flotation devices
  • •Marathon has 5,000 ft runway - plenty for any light GA aircraft
  • •Fuel available at both airports - Marathon prices slightly higher
  • •ADIZ awareness: Stay well north of the Cuba ADIZ boundary
  • •File a VFR flight plan - good practice for the overwater segments
  • •Key West TFR occasionally active - verify if continuing beyond Marathon

Airspace and Navigation

The airspace for this route is relatively simple compared to the commercial airport alternatives. Most of the flight is through Class E and G airspace.

  • •Miami Class B: Tamiami is outside the Class B - no clearance needed for departure
  • •Homestead ARB: Class D to the southeast - easy to avoid on direct route
  • •Florida Keys: Mostly Class G and E airspace below 4,000 ft
  • •Marathon: Class E surface area, simple uncontrolled field with AWOS
  • •ADIZ: Invisible line south of the Keys - absolutely do not cross into Cuban airspace
  • •Miami Approach (119.65) for flight following early in the route
  • •Key West Approach (118.2) as you pass Islamorada

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

3,500 ft, 5,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

2,500 ft, 4,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

South Florida has tropical weather patterns with afternoon thunderstorms common from May through October. The Keys generally have better weather than the mainland due to the moderating effect of surrounding waters. Trade winds typically blow from the east-southeast at 10-15 knots, providing consistent headwinds on the outbound leg and tailwinds returning. Visibility is usually excellent over the water but can be reduced by haze or smoke during dry season. Morning flights avoid the afternoon convection that's typical in summer.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Tamiami Trail (US-41)

Major highway west of airport through the Everglades. Easy reference for departure.

Card Sound

Large sound at the north end of Key Largo. Marks the transition to the Keys.

John Pennekamp State Park

Famous underwater park at Key Largo. Distinctive reef patterns visible from altitude.

Islamorada

'Sport Fishing Capital of the World' - multiple bridges and marinas visible.

Seven Mile Bridge

Iconic landmark, one of the longest bridges in the US. Unmistakable from the air.

Marathon/Vaca Key

Destination island. Airport clearly visible on the Atlantic side.

Alternate Airports

ICAONameDistance
KEYWKey West International50 NM from KMTH
KOPFOpa-locka ExecutiveReturn to Miami
KHSTHomestead ARBPPR only
X49South LakelandReturn option

Tips from Experienced Pilots

  • •Fly at 2,000-3,000 ft for the best views - low enough to see the reefs
  • •Bring a camera - this is a bucket-list VFR flight for most pilots
  • •Morning flights have calmer air and better visibility
  • •Marathon has a great Cuban restaurant on the field - plan for lunch
  • •Watch for seaplane traffic near Key Largo and throughout the Keys
  • •Fuel at Tamiami before departure - generally cheaper than Keys airports
  • •If doing the roundtrip same day, watch the headwind/tailwind effect on fuel
  • •Consider continuing to Key West if time allows - just 50 NM further

Related VFR Routes

KVNY → KSBAKPAO → KMRYKFRG → KBED

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.