Origin
Merrick, NY
Evening in Merrick on Wednesday
Local time
8:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
22m
Distance
15.5 mi
25 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 21m
★
6 AM
0h 23m
8 AM
0h 27m
10 AM
0h 24m
12 PM
0h 24m
3 PM
0h 25m
5 PM
0h 27m
8 PM
0h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Merrick, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Jamaica, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion from Merrick to Jamaica, New York, you are looking at a manageable 15.5-mile trip that typically takes about 22 minutes. Because of the short distance, this is an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stops. You will primarily navigate via the Sunrise Highway, the Belt Parkway, and the Van Wyck Expressway to reach your destination. Budgeting about $3 for fuel makes this a very economical transit within the Northeast region. While the drive is straightforward, it is best viewed as a functional connection between these two points rather than a sightseeing tour.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
7.7 miles from Merrick, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention as you navigate through the urban landscape. Only 22% of this route takes place on highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on local roads. Your longest stretch of uninterrupted driving occurs during the 10.4 miles spent on the Sunrise Highway. As you transition from local surface streets onto the Belt Parkway and the Van Wyck Expressway, the pace of the trip shifts significantly. Prepare for a mix of stop-and-go navigation and short bursts of highway speed that define this New York transit.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Merrick Avenue North is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY is easy. At 22m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Merrick Avenue North | — | — |
| Sunrise Highway | — | — |
| Belt Parkway West | — | — |
| Belt Parkway | — | — |
| I 678 North | — | — |
| Van Wyck Expressway | — | — |
| Liberty Avenue | — | — |
| Van Wyck Expressway East | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
Merrick Avenue North
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merrick, NY and Jamaica, NY.
1
Start on the route
85 ft
·
9 sec
·
the route
2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Merrick Avenue North
62 ft
·
3 sec
·
Merrick Avenue North
3
Turn left onto Sunrise Highway
10 mi
·
13 min
·
Sunrise Highway
4
Take the exit straight toward Belt Parkway West, Verrazano Bridge
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Belt Parkway West, Verrazano Bridge
5
Merge slight left onto Belt Parkway
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Belt Parkway
6
Keep slight left to continue on Belt Parkway
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Belt Parkway
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway
9
Keep slight left
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
10
Continue on Van Wyck Expressway
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway
11
Take the exit slight right toward Liberty Avenue
505 ft
·
15 sec
·
Liberty Avenue
12
Continue on Van Wyck Expressway East
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Van Wyck Expressway East
13
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Liberty Avenue
14
Turn right onto Inwood Street
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Inwood Street
15
Turn right onto Tuskegee Airmen Way
56 ft
·
3 sec
·
Tuskegee Airmen Way
16
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 22-minute drive, you have the advantage of total schedule flexibility. However, given that much of your journey relies on local roads rather than high-speed interstates, keep a close eye on local traffic patterns to avoid unnecessary delays. There are no planned stops on this route, so ensure you have everything you need before departing Merrick. A concrete tip for this specific drive is to stay alert for frequent turns, as the route requires constant navigation changes. By keeping your $3 fuel budget in mind, you can easily complete this trip in a single, efficient outing.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 7.7 miles from Merrick, NY, or about 11m into the drive.
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 15.5 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.7 miles or 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jamaica, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Merrick, NY.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Merrick, NY
This is one driving day of about 15.5 miles and 22m.
At 15.5 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.7 mi from Merrick, NY · 11m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 15.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 7.7 miles from Merrick, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jamaica, NY
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Jamaica, NY if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.55 one way
$5.10 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $2.76 | $5.52 |
| premium | $4.92 | $3.00 | $6.01 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.42 | $6.84 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
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
$3
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.63 | $0.74 |
| Efficient EV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.36 | $0.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.2 | 0 | $2.17 | $0.99 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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.
Destination
Jamaica, NY
Evening in Jamaica on Wednesday
Local time
8:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
10 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
22m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY covers 15.5 miles and takes about 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Merrick Avenue North, Sunrise Highway, Belt Parkway West. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 7.7 miles from Merrick, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.55 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY is easy. At 22m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Merrick, NY to Jamaica, NY does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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