How far is Merritt Island, FL from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance from Merritt Island, FL to Palm Bay, FL is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 59m.
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.
City in Brevard County, Florida, United States of America
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 Palm Bay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merritt Island and Palm Bay.
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1
Start on Roberts Road
1.1 km · 4 min · Roberts Road
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2
Turn right onto Kennedy Parkway North
3.8 mi · 6 min · Kennedy Parkway North
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3
Continue on North Courtenay Parkway
6.9 mi · 11 min · North Courtenay Parkway
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4
Take the ramp right toward FL 528 West
1299 ft · 32 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Bennett Causeway
2.7 mi · 4 min · Bennett Causeway
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6
Continue on Beachline Expressway
1 km · 53 sec · Beachline Expressway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Clearlake Road
1718 ft · 59 sec
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8
Turn straight onto East Industry Road
1754 ft · 37 sec · East Industry Road
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9
Turn right
1082 ft · 23 sec
-
10
Continue straight
2.6 mi · 4 min
-
11
Continue straight
809 ft · 20 sec
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12
Take the ramp slight left toward I 95 South: Miami
1445 ft · 36 sec
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13
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 28 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward CR 516: Palm Bay
2022 ft · 52 sec
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15
Continue on CR 516: Palm Bay, Palm Bay Road
30 m · 5 sec
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16
Turn straight onto Palm Bay Road Northeast
4.3 mi · 8 min · Palm Bay Road Northeast
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Palm Bay Road Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merritt Island and Palm Bay.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 95 South
Merge slight left
25.7 mi · 00h 28m
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 Palm Bay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merritt Island to Palm Bay?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Rockledge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.7 miles from Merritt Island and 29.5 miles from Palm Bay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 19 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 4:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.92 one way or $15.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17 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 Palm Bay.
Stop Ideas Near Rockledge
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 Rockledge.
Kissimmee
Winter Park
Orlando Health/Amtrak
Sanford
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merritt Island and Palm Bay. Straight-line distance: 35.24 mi (56.71 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 Palm Bay
The most populous city in Brevard County, Florida.
| Population | 116,932 |
| Coordinates | 28.0344600, -80.5886600 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
End: Palm Bay Road Northeast (-80.58866, 28.03445)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 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 | $7.92 | $15.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $8.78 | $17.56 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $9.35 | $18.70 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $8.31 | $16.62 |
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.