This 197.2-mile journey from Merritt Island to Pembroke Pines is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 96% of the drive on major roads like Florida's Turnpike and I-95. You can expect a fuel cost of around $31 for this drive, which is mostly spent on the Turnpike. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path, this trip works well as a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You'll be traveling within the state of Florida for the entire duration.
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
98.6 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
Florida's Turnpike
102.2 mi
1h 52m
I 95
72.9 mi
1h 18m
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
Roberts Road
0.7 mi
3m
Beachline Expressway
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 102.2 mi, about 1h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merritt Island, FL and Pembroke Pines, 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
102 mi·1 hr 52 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
22
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
24
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 50-minute drive, starting your trip earlier in the day is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach South Florida. With a total distance of 197.2 miles, there's no need to split this journey, giving you flexibility. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch is over 100 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment to manage your $31 fuel budget effectively.
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 98.6 miles from Merritt Island, FL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.2 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 43 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.6 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, 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 197.2 miles and 3h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 102.2 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 15 and 195.9 — 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
7
195.9 mi into trip|~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.39 one way
$62.78 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$34.15
$68.29
premium
$4.72
$36.67
$73.34
diesel
$5.61
$43.54
$87.08
Estimated Tolls: $7.16
Florida's Turnpike
(102.2 mi)$7.16
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
$31
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69 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
59.2
0
$20.71
$9.47
Efficient EV
49.3
0
$17.26
$7.89
EV Truck/SUV
78.9
0
$27.61
$12.62
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 17, 2026
Origin
Merritt Island, FL
Morning
in Merritt Island on Sunday
Local time
9:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Sunday
Local time
9:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 6 mph20% 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.
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
9 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 50m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 197.2-mile trip, with 96% of your time spent on major arteries. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 102.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. This means much of your drive will involve consistent speeds on well-maintained highways, offering a straightforward travel experience. While the majority is highway, keep in mind the initial and final segments may involve navigating local roads like North Courtenay Parkway as you enter and exit your start and end points.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.2 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 197.2 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 Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 50m. Total distance: 197.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.16 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
