Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Merritt Island travel guide

Merritt Island Tourism | Merritt Island Guide

You're Going to Love Merritt Island

With a population of 34,743, Merritt Island is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Merritt Island has to offer.

When to visit Merritt Island

Merritt Island in December
Estimated hotel price
$98
1 night at 3-star hotel
Merritt Island in December
Estimated hotel price
$98
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Merritt Island

Plane

Although Merritt Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Melbourne (MLB), which is located 17 miles from Merritt Island. The shortest domestic flight to Merritt Island departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Merritt Island, followed by AccesRail. The train journey from Merritt Island to Tampa takes 1h 49m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Jacksonville, expect to pay about $27 for a 2h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Merritt Island is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 44 miles from Merritt Island. You’ll find branches of Rent-A-Wreck and Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Merritt Island, including Jet Set Express, Bus and FlixBus. From Tampa, the bus ride to Merritt Island takes 110 miles and will cost you around $34. From Lake Worth, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 165 miles.

Plane

Although Merritt Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Melbourne (MLB), which is located 17 miles from Merritt Island. The shortest domestic flight to Merritt Island departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Merritt Island, followed by AccesRail. The train journey from Merritt Island to Tampa takes 1h 49m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Jacksonville, expect to pay about $27 for a 2h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Merritt Island is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 44 miles from Merritt Island. You’ll find branches of Rent-A-Wreck and Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Merritt Island, including Jet Set Express, Bus and FlixBus. From Tampa, the bus ride to Merritt Island takes 110 miles and will cost you around $34. From Lake Worth, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 165 miles.

Airports near Merritt Island

MLBMelbourne
DABDaytona Beach
ORLOrlando All airports

Airlines serving Merritt Island

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,934 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,968 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Merritt Island

Where to stay in popular areas of Merritt Island

Most booked hotels in Merritt Island

See all
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 857 reviews)
$224+
View
Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 974 reviews)
$201+
View
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1237 reviews)
$206+
View
Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1232 reviews)
$163+
View
Hilton Melbourne, FL
4 stars
Good (7.8, 934 reviews)
$135+
View
Days Inn by Wyndham Melbourne
2 stars
Good (7.1, 1525 reviews)
$76+
View

Renting a car in Merritt Island

Renting a car in Merritt Island costs $52 per day, on average, or $155 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 32% more expensive than at Orlando.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Merritt Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Merritt Island is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Buick Encore or similar) are, on average, 39% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Merritt Island costs $52 per day, on average, or $155 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 32% more expensive than at Orlando.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Merritt Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Merritt Island is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Buick Encore or similar) are, on average, 39% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Merritt Island

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$50/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$53/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Merritt Island

Merritt Island Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Merritt Island city guide for the best Merritt Island travel tips. To help you organize your Merritt Island trip ideas, this Merritt Island visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.