Merritt Island, FL → Key West, FL
273 mi · 5h 27m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Heavy showers in 27.1° — consider delaying
Merritt Island
81°
27.1°
92°
25.8°
83°
Key West
84°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 273 mi · 5h 27m
Weather
⛈️ Violent rain showers
92°F, wind 5 mph
Rest Stops
16
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Flying J Travel Center
- ● ONE9 Travel Center
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via US-1 → SR-520 → ... → Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike → Florida's Turnpike Thru Lanes
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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US-1 at Mile Marker 116
FL · SB
US-1 at Mile Marker 112
FL · SB
US-1 at Mile Marker 110
FL · SB
US-1 at Mile Marker 106
FL · SB
US 1 at Jo-Jean Way
FL · SB
US-1 at Mile Marker 80
FL · SB
US-1 at Mile Marker 79
FL · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
23 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 23
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Heavy rain expected near 25.8° - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
The 273-mile full-day drive from Merritt Island to Key West stays within FL and takes about 5h 27m without stops. We track 7 live traffic cameras, 23 rest areas and 3 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
81° / 79°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
88° / 76°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
87° / 76°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
91° / 78°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
96° / 80°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
97° / 80°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
97° / 82°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Merritt Island, FL
81°F
Wind: 9 mph
Key West, FL
84°F
Wind: 7 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Merritt Island, FL to Key West, FL
The 273-mile drive from Merritt Island, Florida to Key West, Florida takes approximately 5h 27m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route stays within Florida, connecting Merritt Island and Key West. A drive of 273 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Merritt Island to Key West
For medium-distance drives like this 273-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 273-mile drive from Merritt Island to Key West takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Merritt Island to Key West?
The drive is approximately 273 miles and takes about 5h 27m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Aug 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Merritt Island to Key West today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Merritt Island to Key West route?
Yes, there are 23 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 7 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-1. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
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🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
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