This 198.4-mile drive from Merritt Island, Florida, to Hollywood, Florida, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 53 minutes on the road, with the majority of your travel on I-95 and Florida's Turnpike. With a fuel cost estimated around $32, this trip is budget-friendly for a quick getaway or transition. The route stays within Florida, moving you from one part of the state to another. It's a practical choice for those looking for an efficient way to cover the distance with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
99.2 miles from Merritt Island, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
88 mi
1h 35m
Florida's Turnpike
84.9 mi
1h 32m
North Courtenay Parkway
6.9 mi
10m
Kennedy Parkway North
3.8 mi
5m
FL 524
3 mi
4m
Bennett Causeway
2.7 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Hollywood Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 88 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merritt Island, FL and Hollywood, FL.
1
Start on Roberts Road
0.7 mi·3 min·Roberts Road
2
Turn right onto Kennedy Parkway North
3.8 mi·5 min·Kennedy Parkway North
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on SR 3
6.9 mi·10 min·North Courtenay Parkway
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward FL 528 West
5
Merge onto FL 528; SR A1A
2.7 mi·3 min·Bennett Causeway
6
Continue on FL 528
0.6 mi·53 sec·Beachline Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·58 sec
Exit 45AToward Clearlake RoadUse the slight right lane.
8
Turn straight onto FL 524
0.3 mi·37 sec·East Industry Road
9
Turn right onto FL 524
0.2 mi·22 sec·FL 524
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on FL 524
2.6 mi·3 min·FL 524
11
Continue on FL 524
0.2 mi·19 sec·FL 524
Use the left lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 South: MiamiUse the left lane.
13
Merge onto I 95
73 mi·1 hr 18 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
16
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
19
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
85 mi·1 hr 32 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
251 ft·15 sec
Toward East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard
22
Turn left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Turn left onto Northwest 16th Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Northwest 16th Avenue
24
Turn right onto North Andrews Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North Andrews Avenue
25
Turn left onto SR 814
497 ft·16 sec·West Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left lane.
26
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
27
Merge onto I 95
15 mi·17 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 20Toward SR 820: Hollywood BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto SR 820
0.6 mi·1 min·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on SR 820
391 ft·5 sec·SR 820
31
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 820
0.5 mi·38 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
Use the right lane.
32
Arrive at destination
SR 820
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 53-minute duration, starting your trip from Merritt Island in the morning is advisable to avoid potential afternoon traffic closer to Hollywood. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in how you pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 88-mile stretch on I-95, as services might be less frequent. Planning your fuel stops strategically before entering longer highway segments will ensure a smooth journey.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 99.2 miles from Merritt Island, FL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 44 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.2 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollywood, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Merritt Island, FL 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Merritt Island, FL
This is one driving day of about 198.4 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Merritt Island, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 88 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 15 and 178.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
15 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward Clearlake Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 45A
Toward Clearlake Road
8
91.9 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
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.
Exit 129
Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
7
92.3 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
8
93.1 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
8
178.5 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Take the exit toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther King Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 67
Toward Coconut Creek Parkway, Martin Luther Kin...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.58 one way
$63.16 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$34.35
$68.71
premium
$4.72
$36.89
$73.78
diesel
$5.61
$43.80
$87.61
Estimated Tolls: $5.94
Florida's Turnpike
(84.9 mi)$5.94
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.5
0
$20.83
$9.52
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.36
$7.94
EV Truck/SUV
79.4
0
$27.78
$12.70
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Merritt Island, FL
Morning
in Merritt Island on Sunday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hollywood, FL
Morning
in Hollywood on Sunday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live 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.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 53m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
$25
Caution: Pavement Project- Playalinda District
Park Closure: Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll find this drive to be predominantly highway-focused, with 94% of the route utilizing major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 88 miles on I-95, meaning you'll have ample opportunity to maintain a steady pace. While primarily a highway experience, you'll also utilize Florida's Turnpike and North Courtenay Parkway, offering slight variations in the road environment. Overall, prepare for a consistent driving experience with long stretches of open highway.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 198.4 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 15 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Merritt Island, FL and Hollywood, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
Hollywood is a city in Florida, located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. With a population of 153,000 people (2022), Hollywood is a relatively small city that retains an old, laid-back, Florida feel to it compared to the larger cities in the area.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 198.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.94 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Hollywood, FL 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 15 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Hollywood, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
