Meridian, ID to Kellogg, ID is 480.3 miles and takes about 8h 50m via Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, US 395, and I 90, with a fuel budget near $80 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though an overnight is recommended. This route stays within the Mountain West region, offering a predominantly scenic drive. With a recommended two-day pace, you'll experience a mix of highway cruising and surface road travel. Plan for about two stops along the way to break up the driving.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
240.1 miles from Meridian, ID
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
231.9 mi
4h 8m
US 395
131.7 mi
2h 23m
I 90
71.7 mi
1h 20m
McNary Highway
20.4 mi
21m
Umatilla-Stanfield Highway
8.2 mi
9m
Lewis and Clark Trail
4.9 mi
6m
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
3.3 mi
4m
South Main Street
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
— 231.9 mi, about 4h 8m
Traffic on I-84
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 256 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,178 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,577
Quietest
2 AM
~141 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 105 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meridian, ID and Kellogg, ID.
1
Start on North Main Street
56 ft·5 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn right onto East Pine Avenue
528 ft·25 sec·East Pine Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Meridian Road
1.1 mi·2 min·North Meridian Road
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
5
Merge onto I 84; US 30; ID 55
232 mi·4 hr 8 min·Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto US 395
0.3 mi·41 sec·US 395
Toward US 395 North: Stanfield, Hermiston
7
Continue on US 395
1.2 mi·1 min·Umatilla-Stanfield Highway
8
Continue on US 395
2.0 mi·2 min·South Main Street
9
Continue on US 395
3.2 mi·3 min·Umatilla-Stanfield Highway
10
Turn right onto Southeast 4th Street
1.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 4th Street
11
Turn left onto East Theater Lane
0.3 mi·41 sec·East Theater Lane
12
Turn right onto US 395
0.5 mi·38 sec·North 1st Street
13
Continue on US 395
3.8 mi·4 min·Umatilla-Stanfield Highway
14
Turn left onto US 395; US 730
0.7 mi·48 sec·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Take the exit onto US 395
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 395
Toward I 82 West, US 395 North: Kennewick, Yakima
16
Merge onto I 82; US 395
20 mi·21 min·McNary Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
3.3 mi·4 min·Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco, Spokane
18
Continue on US 395
1.1 mi·2 min·South US 395
19
Continue on US 395
4.9 mi·6 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 395
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 395
Toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, FinleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 395
Toward US 395
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
131 mi·2 hr 20 min·US 395
Toward US 395 North: SpokaneUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
72 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 90; US 2; US 395
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Toward Wardner
25
Turn left onto North Division Street
416 ft·20 sec·North Division Street
26
Turn left onto West Cameron Avenue
73 ft·2 sec·West Cameron Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
West Cameron Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour 50-minute drive time, splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended to avoid fatigue. Aim to start your first day early to maximize daylight, especially if traveling during shorter daylight months. The longest continuous drive segment is over 230 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. Consider an overnight stay around the halfway point to make the drive more manageable and enjoyable.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 240.1 miles from Meridian, ID, or about 4h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 231.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 106 miles or 1h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 240.1 miles or 4h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 240.1 miles or 4h 20m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kellogg, ID than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Meridian, ID so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Meridian, ID
Aim for roughly 240 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Kellogg, ID
Aim for roughly 240 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 106 miles from Meridian, ID.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway for about 231.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 247.3 and 277.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
247.3 mi into trip|~4h 30m in|US 395
Take the exit onto US 395 toward I 82 West, US 395 North: Kennewick, Yakima
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 82 West, US 395 North: Kennewick, Yaki...
6
267.8 mi into trip|~4h 52m in|US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco, Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco,...
7
277.2 mi into trip|~5h 6m in|US 395
Take the exit onto US 395 toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, Finley
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Stree...
6
277.3 mi into trip|~5h 6m in|US 395
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395 toward US 395
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 395
7
277.6 mi into trip|~5h 7m in|US 395
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 toward US 395 North: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 395 North: Spokane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$90.92 one way
$181.83 round trip
$4.81/gal25.4 MPG avg168 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.12
$96.78
$193.56
premium
$5.37
$101.58
$203.16
diesel
$6.40
$120.93
$241.85
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$91
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$221–$331
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 168 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $50 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
144.1
1
$50.43
$23.05
Efficient EV
120.1
1
$42.03
$19.21
EV Truck/SUV
192.1
2
$67.24
$30.74
Gas CO2
168 kg
EV CO2
56 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Meridian, ID
Afternoon
in Meridian on Monday
Local time
4:04 PM
MDT
Current temp
45°F
Mostly Clear
SE 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Kellogg, ID
Afternoon
in Kellogg on Monday
Local time
3:04 PM
PDT
Current temp
38°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 1 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
8h 50m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features 43% highway travel, with the longest stretch of 231.9 miles on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. You'll transition from highway to surface roads after this significant segment. Expect a mixed driving experience with periods of open cruising and potentially more varied road conditions as you move between major highways and other routes.
43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 231.9 mi on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 247.3 miles in near US 395.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 480.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 247.3 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267.8 miles (US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.2 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,318 ft370 ft
Total Climb
3,322 ft
Total Descent
3,623 ft
Highest Point
3,318 ft
~102.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,948 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Meridian, ID and Kellogg, ID, road signs point toward Hermiston, Yakima, Pasco, Spokane and Finley.
The longest stretch is about 231.9 miles on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 240 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 37 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Kellogg, ID before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. There are 37 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through ID can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 247.3 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267.8 miles (US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.2 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.8 hours each way, a round trip means 17.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kellogg, ID before the return drive.
