How far is Merritt Island, FL from Orlando, FL?
The driving distance from Merritt Island, FL to Orlando, FL is about 54 miles (86.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.9 miles (69.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 00h 58m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Unincorporated community in Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Merritt Island and Orlando.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merritt Island and Orlando.
-
1
Start on Roberts Road
1.1 km · 4 min · Roberts Road
-
2
Turn right onto Kennedy Parkway North
1.6 km · 1 min · Kennedy Parkway North
-
3
Turn slight right
1128 ft · 49 sec
-
4
Turn straight onto NASA Parkway
5 mi · 7 min · NASA Parkway
-
5
Continue on NASA Causeway
2.5 mi · 4 min · NASA Causeway
-
6
Continue on Columbia Boulevard
4.1 mi · 6 min · Columbia Boulevard
-
7
Turn left onto Cheney Highway
5.5 mi · 7 min · Cheney Highway
-
8
Continue on East Colonial Drive
16.5 mi · 22 min · East Colonial Drive
-
9
Continue on East Colonial Drive
570 ft · 22 sec · East Colonial Drive
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward FL 408 Toll West: Orlando, Ocoee
2132 ft · 52 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto East-West Expressway
11.2 mi · 13 min · East-West Expressway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward Rosalind Avenue
2769 ft · 1 min
-
13
Turn left onto East South Street
2001 ft · 1 min · East South Street
-
14
Turn sharp left
31 m · 4 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merritt Island and Orlando.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Colonial Drive
Continue on East Colonial Drive
16.5 mi · 00h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Merritt Island and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Orlando.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merritt Island to Orlando?
The road trip is about 54 miles (86.9 km) and usually takes 00h 58m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Christmas is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24 miles from Merritt Island and 30 miles from Orlando.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.9 miles (69.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.88 one way or $15.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Merritt Island and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Orlando.
Stop Ideas Near Christmas
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 Christmas.
Winter Park
Orlando Health/Amtrak
Sanford
Kissimmee
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merritt Island and Orlando. Straight-line distance: 42.93 mi (69.09 km).
#1 Merritt Island
Census designated place in Brevard County, Florida, United States
| Population | 34,743 |
| Coordinates | 28.5391700, -80.6720000 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Orlando
The most populous city in Florida and the center of the Orlando metropolitan area.
| Population | 289,457 |
| Coordinates | 28.5383400, -81.3792400 |
| Altitude | 30 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Street (-81.379244, 28.538325)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $7.88 | $15.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $8.73 | $17.46 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $9.30 | $18.60 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $8.26 | $16.53 |
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 Florida · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.