Origin
Portland, OR
Afternoon in Portland on Friday
Local time
12:10 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portland, OR to Merlin, OR
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 50m
Distance
240.8 mi
387 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 37m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 57m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 16m
8 PM
4h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Merlin, OR
Bejan Adrian
Trip Overview
This 240.8-mile drive from Portland, Oregon, to Merlin, Oregon, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 50 minutes. It's an ideal candidate for a single-day road trip, with a fuel cost estimated at $48. The route predominantly utilizes I-5, making up 97% of the drive, so expect a consistent pace. Since both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, the scenery will likely maintain a familiar feel throughout. This trip is best suited for those prioritizing efficient travel over frequent scenic detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
120.4 miles from Portland, OR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 240.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 97% of the journey taking place on major interstates. The bulk of your travel, a continuous stretch of 233 miles, will be on I-5, offering a consistent and fast-paced drive. While the profile is 'highway-focused,' you will encounter brief segments on Pleasant Valley Road and Monument Drive, which might offer a slight change of pace before you rejoin the main interstate. The character of the drive remains largely about covering ground efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 5 is the longest continuous segment at about 233 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Pleasant Valley Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near Northwest 13th Avenue.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 50m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Northwest 13th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (Southwest Taylor Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Northwest 13th Avenue
Turn left onto Northwest 13th Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Southwest Taylor Street
Turn right onto Southwest Taylor Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 405 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 405 South
5
1.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 405 / Stadium Freeway
Merge onto I 405 / Stadium Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 5
Merge onto I 5
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 5 | 233 mi | 4h 34m |
| Pleasant Valley Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Monument Drive | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Stadium Freeway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Northwest Couch Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Northwest 13th Avenue | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| Merlin Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Southwest Taylor Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 233 mi, about 4h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portland, OR and Merlin, OR.
1
Start on this road
110 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Northwest Couch Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest Couch Street
3
Turn left onto Northwest 13th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 13th Avenue
4
Turn right onto Southwest Taylor Street
29 ft
·
1 sec
·
Southwest Taylor Street
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 405 South
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Merge onto I 405
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Stadium Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 5
233 mi
·
4 hr 34 min
·
I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward Hugo
9
Turn right onto Monument Drive
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Monument Drive
10
Turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Pleasant Valley Road
11
Turn left onto Merlin Avenue
402 ft
·
17 sec
·
Merlin Avenue
12
Arrive at destination
Merlin Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 50-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays and to reach Merlin with daylight to spare. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 233 miles on I-5, so plan for a fuel and rest stop before or around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $48, and it's always wise to top off when you see a convenient station on the interstate.
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 120.4 miles from Portland, OR, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 233 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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.4 miles or 2h 25m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Merlin, OR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR
This is one driving day of about 240.8 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Portland, OR.
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 5 for about 233 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 120.4 mi from Portland, OR · 2h 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 120.4 miles from Portland, OR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 233 miles.
Arriving in Merlin, OR
The final approach into Merlin, OR usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Merlin, OR.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.97 one way
$95.94 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $50.77 | $101.53 |
| premium | $5.59 | $53.00 | $106.01 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.17 | $106.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.2 | 0 | $25.28 | $11.56 |
| Efficient EV | 60.2 | 0 | $21.07 | $9.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.3 | 1 | $33.71 | $15.41 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Merlin, OR
Afternoon in Merlin on Friday
Local time
12:10 PM
PDT
Current temp
44°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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 50m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Portland, OR to Merlin, OR covers 240.8 miles and takes about 4h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, Pleasant Valley Road, Monument Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 120.4 miles from Portland, OR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 4h 50m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Northwest 13th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles (Southwest Taylor Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Portland, OR to Merlin, OR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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