How far is Meridian, ID from Preston, ID?
The driving distance from Meridian, ID to Preston, ID is about 311.8 miles (501.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 251.5 miles (404.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 05h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jerome County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
Rain And Snow Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Meridian and Preston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meridian and Preston.
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1
Start on North Main Street
17 m · 6 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn right onto East Pine Avenue
528 ft · 25 sec · East Pine Avenue
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3
Turn left onto North Meridian Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Meridian Road
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 84 East, US 30 East, ID 55 East: Boise
2435 ft · 32 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
4.6 mi · 5 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
172.3 mi · 2 hr 43 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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7
Continue straight
62.7 mi · 59 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Salt Lake
2781 ft · 36 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Veterans Memorial Highway
35.4 mi · 34 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 91: Downey, Preston
1582 ft · 41 sec
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11
Turn left
34.1 mi · 42 min
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Meridian and Preston.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Keep slight right to continue on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
172 mi · 02h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers leaving Meridian and Rain And Snow Likely near Preston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Meridian to Preston?
The road trip is about 311.8 miles (501.8 km) and usually takes 05h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hazelton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 155.7 miles from Meridian and 156.1 miles from Preston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 251.5 miles (404.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:42 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.82 one way or $85.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 97.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers around Meridian and Rain And Snow Likely near Preston.
Stop Ideas Near Hazelton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Hazelton.
Twin Falls, Idaho
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Meridian and Preston. Straight-line distance: 251.48 mi (404.72 km).
#1 Meridian
The most populous city in Ada County, Idaho.
| Population | 114,161 |
| Coordinates | 43.6121100, -116.3915100 |
| Altitude | 794 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Preston
City in Franklin County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 5,557 |
| Coordinates | 42.0963100, -111.8766200 |
| Altitude | 1437 |
| Country | United States |
End: Preston (-111.87662, 42.09631)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 502 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $42.82 | $85.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $46.54 | $93.08 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $50.04 | $100.08 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $59.53 | $119.06 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Idaho · Apr 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.