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Trip from Soda Springs, ID to Meridian, ID

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 58m

Distance

300.5 mi

484 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 45m ★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 8m
12 PM
5h 5m
3 PM
5h 9m
5 PM
5h 24m
8 PM
4h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Soda Springs, ID, ID

Soda Springs, ID

Abhishek Navlakha

city in Ada County, Idaho, United States

Meridian, ID

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Soda Springs, ID to Meridian, ID covers 300.5 miles and takes about 4h 58m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, I 86, West 2nd South Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 176.9 miles on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $47.62 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

150.3 miles from Soda Springs, ID

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway 176.9 mi 2h 48m
I 86 62.7 mi 59m
West 2nd South Street 33.9 mi 41m
Veterans Memorial Highway 23.9 mi 23m
South Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
North Main Street 0.4 mi 1m
I 15 Business 0.4 mi <1m
I 15 BUS 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway — 176.9 mi, about 2h 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Soda Springs, ID and Meridian, ID.

1

Start on US 30; ID 34

34 mi · 41 min · West 2nd South Street
2

Take the exit onto I 15 Business; US 30

0.4 mi · 21 sec · I 15 Business; US 30
3

Merge onto I 15; US 30; US 91

24 mi · 23 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
4

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 13 sec
5

Continue on I 15 BUS

0.2 mi · 14 sec · I 15 BUS
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 72 Toward I 86 West
7

Continue on I 86

63 mi · 59 min · I 86
8

Continue on I 84; US 30

177 mi · 2 hr 48 min · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 44 Toward ID 69 South: Meridian, Kuna Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

310 ft · 9 sec
Use the right lane.
11

Turn slight right onto ID 69

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South Meridian Road
12

Continue on South Main Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
13

Continue on North Main Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Arrive at destination

North Main Street

Trip Plan

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 150.3 miles from Soda Springs, ID, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 176.9 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 66 miles or 1h 13m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 150.3 miles or 2h 32m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meridian, ID than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Soda Springs, ID 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 Soda Springs, ID

This is one driving day of about 300.5 miles and 4h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Soda Springs, ID.
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 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway for about 176.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Cassia County, Idaho, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Burley, ID

150 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

Pocatello, ID

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kimberly, ID

Meal break

The midpoint is around 150.3 miles from Soda Springs, ID, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 176.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Epi's A Basque Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meridian, Idaho

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $40 to $50 mile 300.5

Hours: 5–8 pm

Visit website

Smokin Iron BBQ Restaurant & Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meridian, Idaho

0.8 mi

Gonzalez Mexican & American Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Soda Springs, Idaho

0.6 mi

Epi's A Basque Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $40 to $50 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 5–8 pm

Visit website

Smokin Iron BBQ Restaurant & Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12088679994

Visit website

Gonzalez Mexican & American Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Soda Springs, Idaho

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12085471043

Visit website

La Cabanita Mex 4

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12085792387

Visit website

Golden China Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Soda Springs, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12085479905

Big Daddy's BBQ

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12084307178

Visit website

Terri's Cafè

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+12088871133

Visit website

Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 300.5

Meridian, Idaho

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12088955880

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 171.7

Jerome, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Soda Springs, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 128.8

Heyburn, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 171.7

Twin Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 171.7

Twin Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 64.4

Chubbuck, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 85.9

American Falls, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 64.4

Pocatello, Idaho

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Twin Falls Visitor Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 171.7

Twin Falls, Idaho

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12087333974

Visit website

Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 300.5

Boise, Idaho

+12083211166

Visit website

Minidoka County Historical Society Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 128.8

Rupert, Idaho

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12084360336

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 33.9 and 299.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

3
33.9 mi into trip | ~41m in | I 15 Business; US 30

Take the exit onto I 15 Business; US 30

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

3
34.3 mi into trip | ~41m in | I 15; US 30; US 91 / Veterans Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 15; US 30; US 91 / Veterans Memorial Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining

5
58.7 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 86 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 72 Toward I 86 West
8
298.8 mi into trip | ~4h 54m in

Take the exit toward ID 69 South: Meridian, Kuna

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 44 Toward ID 69 South: Meridian, Kuna
6
299.2 mi into trip | ~4h 54m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.62 one way

$95.24 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 105 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $49.91 $99.83
premium $4.53 $53.60 $107.21
diesel $5.61 $66.35 $132.69

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: 105.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 90.1 1 $31.55 $14.42
Efficient EV 75.1 0 $26.29 $12.02
EV Truck/SUV 120.2 1 $42.07 $19.23

Gas CO2

105 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 14, 2026

Origin

Soda Springs, ID

Afternoon in Soda Springs on Saturday

Local time

1:11 PM

MDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Meridian, ID

Afternoon in Meridian on Saturday

Local time

1:11 PM

MDT

Current temp

36°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Areas Of Fog

WNW 3 mph 23% chance 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

22 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 58m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument

During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the sab...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 196.9
Caution: Use Caution with "Fossil Beds Information" Signs
Caution: If You Can't Reach Us By Phone, Please Email Us
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

300.5 mi in 4h 58m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 176.9 mi on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 33.9 miles in near I 15 Business; US 30.

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 58m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 33.9 miles (I 15 Business; US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 34.3 miles (I 15; US 30; US 91 / Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 58.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 300.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (21%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 176.9 miles on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through ID can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.

The main spots that need attention: at 33.9 miles (I 15 Business; US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 34.3 miles (I 15; US 30; US 91 / Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 58.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes — Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Meridian, ID, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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