Crystal River travel guide

Crystal River Tourism | Crystal River Guide

You're Going to Love Crystal River

With a population of 3,108, Crystal River is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Crystal River deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Crystal River

If you’re looking for affordable options, Bayside Kraft Kitchen (224 U.S. Hwy 19) and Waterfront Social (1610 SE Paradise Cir) are great picks.

When to visit Crystal River

Crystal River in October
Estimated hotel price
$131
1 night at 3-star hotel
Crystal River in October
Estimated hotel price
$131
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Crystal River in July, when the average temperature is 82.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 89.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 51.8 °F, with an average temperature of 59 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 7.1″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Crystal River, with an average rainfall of 2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Crystal River

Plane

Although Crystal River doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Tampa Airport (TPA), which is located 64 miles from Crystal River. Tampa Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Crystal River departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 23m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Crystal River. The train journey from Crystal River to Orlando takes 2h 08m and costs around $13 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Winter Park, expect to pay about $13 for a 2h 45m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Crystal River is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 78 miles from Crystal River. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Crystal River, including RedCoach, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Sarasota, the bus ride to Crystal River takes 60 miles and will cost you around $58. From Fort Myers, the ticket costs about $50 for a journey of 125 miles.

Plane

Although Crystal River doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Tampa Airport (TPA), which is located 64 miles from Crystal River. Tampa Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Crystal River departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 23m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Crystal River. The train journey from Crystal River to Orlando takes 2h 08m and costs around $13 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Winter Park, expect to pay about $13 for a 2h 45m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Crystal River is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 78 miles from Crystal River. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Budget, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Crystal River, including RedCoach, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Sarasota, the bus ride to Crystal River takes 60 miles and will cost you around $58. From Fort Myers, the ticket costs about $50 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near Crystal River

Airlines serving Crystal River

Lufthansa
Good (4,695 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,585 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,269 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (491 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,958 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,935 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (224 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,170 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,726 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Crystal River

Average rates range from around $297 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $197 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include The Port Hotel and Marina and Quality Inn Crystal River.

Where to stay in popular areas of Crystal River

Most booked hotels in Crystal River

Hampton Inn Crystal River, FL
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 711 reviews)
$142+
Holiday Inn Express Crystal River
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 992 reviews)
$123+
The Port Hotel and Marina
2 stars
Good (7.7, 551 reviews)
$107+
Days Inn by Wyndham Crystal River
2 stars
Good (6.9, 691 reviews)
$106+
Plantation Resort on Crystal River Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Good (6.8, 822 reviews)
$171+
Econo Lodge Crystal River
2 stars
Okay (5.8, 27 reviews)
$68+

Renting a car in Crystal River

Renting a car in Crystal River costs $53 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 25% more expensive than at Tampa.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Crystal River (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Fiat 500L or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Crystal River, while also 37% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Crystal River costs $53 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 25% more expensive than at Tampa.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Crystal River (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Fiat 500L or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Crystal River, while also 37% cheaper than other types, on average.