How far is Meridian, ID from Salmon, ID?
The driving distance from Meridian, ID to Salmon, ID is about 250 miles (402.3 km), with a travel time of about 05h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 163.9 miles (263.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 58m 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 59m.
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 Custer County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Meridian and Salmon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meridian and Salmon.
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1
Start on North Main Street
17 m · 9 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn left onto East Pine Avenue
1.1 mi · 3 min · East Pine Avenue
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East Pine Avenue
37 m · 2 sec · East Pine Avenue
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4
Exit the roundabout onto East Pine Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · East Pine Avenue
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5
Turn left onto North Eagle Road
3.5 mi · 5 min · North Eagle Road
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6
Continue on South Eagle Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · South Eagle Road
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7
Turn right
1.8 mi · 3 min
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8
Turn left onto North Horseshoe Bend Road
8.9 mi · 12 min · North Horseshoe Bend Road
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9
Continue on Payette River Scenic Byway
5.9 mi · 7 min · Payette River Scenic Byway
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10
Continue on Highway 55
2.4 mi · 3 min · Highway 55
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11
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
2105 ft · 30 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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12
Continue on Highway 55
16 mi · 24 min · Highway 55
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13
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
109 m · 8 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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14
Turn right onto Banks Lowman Road
33.3 mi · 59 min · Banks Lowman Road
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15
Turn left onto Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
32.8 mi · 45 min · Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
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16
Continue on State Highway 21
24.4 mi · 28 min · State Highway 21
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17
Continue on Eva Falls Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Eva Falls Avenue
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18
At the end of the road, turn left onto Salmon River Scenic Byway
54.9 mi · 1 hr 22 min · Salmon River Scenic Byway
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19
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
59.9 mi · 1 hr 20 min · South Salmon River Scenic Byway
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20
Continue on South Challis Street
2152 ft · 43 sec · South Challis Street
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21
Turn left onto Main Street
2394 ft · 48 sec · Main Street
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22
Turn left onto South Saint Charles Street
63 m · 9 sec · South Saint Charles Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Saint Charles Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Meridian and Salmon.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Salmon River Scenic Byway
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
59.9 mi · 01h 20m
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.
Rain Showers leaving Meridian and Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms near Salmon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Meridian to Salmon?
The road trip is about 250 miles (402.3 km) and usually takes 05h 59m 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?
Stanley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 124.9 miles from Meridian and 125.1 miles from Salmon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 163.9 miles (263.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 86.1 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 5:02 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.34 one way or $68.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 78.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Meridian and Light Rain Likely then Showers And Thunderstorms near Salmon.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Meridian and Salmon. Straight-line distance: 163.86 mi (263.7 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 Salmon
City in Lemhi County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 3,169 |
| Coordinates | 45.1757500, -113.8959000 |
| Altitude | 1202 |
| Country | United States |
End: Salmon (-113.8959, 45.17575)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 402 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $34.34 | $68.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $37.32 | $74.63 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $40.12 | $80.24 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $47.73 | $95.47 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.