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Trip from Ada, MI to Rochester Hills, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

146 mi

235 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 37m

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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township in Kent County, Michigan, United States

Ada, MI

Wikimedia Commons

city in Oakland County, Michigan, United States

Rochester Hills, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ada to Rochester Hills covers 146 miles across the Michigan Midwest, typically taking about 2 hours and 43 minutes. Because this is a straightforward drive, you can easily complete the entire trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $22 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for your schedule. By utilizing a combination of I-96, I-69, and I-75, you will find this route is highly efficient for connecting these two communities. It serves as a reliable, direct transit path rather than a scenic tour, so it is best suited for those looking to reach their destination with minimal fuss. Whether you are heading out for business or visiting friends, the predictable nature of this highway-focused route ensures you have a solid grasp on your travel time.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

73 miles from Ada, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 51.5 mi 52m
I 75 38.7 mi 41m
I 96 36.1 mi 38m
M 59 3.2 mi 3m
Grand River Drive Southeast 3 mi 4m
Cascade Road Southeast 3 mi 4m
Snow Avenue Southeast 2.4 mi 3m
West Hamlin Road 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 51.5 mi, about 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ada, MI and Rochester Hills, MI.

1

Start on Ada Drive Southeast

317 ft · 11 sec · Ada Drive Southeast
2

Turn right onto Thornapple River Drive Southeast

511 ft · 24 sec · Thornapple River Drive Southeast
3

Continue on Thornapple River Drive Southeast

0.5 mi · 1 min · Thornapple River Drive Southeast
4

Turn left onto Buttrick Avenue Southeast

0.4 mi · 46 sec · Buttrick Avenue Southeast
5

Turn left onto Grand River Drive Southeast

3.0 mi · 4 min · Grand River Drive Southeast
6

Turn right onto Snow Avenue Southeast

2.4 mi · 3 min · Snow Avenue Southeast
7

Turn left onto Cascade Road Southeast

3.0 mi · 4 min · Cascade Road Southeast
8

Turn right onto Alden Nash Avenue Southeast

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Alden Nash Avenue Southeast
9

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 96 East: Lancing
10

Merge onto I 96

36 mi · 38 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

2.5 mi · 2 min
Exit 89 Toward I 69 East: Flint
12

Merge onto I 69

52 mi · 52 min · I 69
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
15

Merge onto I 75; US 23

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 75; US 23
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

37 mi · 39 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 77A Toward M 59 East: Utica Use the right lane.
18

Merge onto M 59

3.2 mi · 3 min · M 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Exit 44 Toward Crooks Road Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn left onto Crooks Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Crooks Road
Use the left / right lanes.
21

Turn right onto West Hamlin Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Hamlin Road
22

Enter roundabout onto South Livernois Road

214 ft · 4 sec · South Livernois Road
23

Continue on South Livernois Road

0.3 mi · 29 sec · South Livernois Road
24

Turn right onto Dressler Lane

196 ft · 13 sec · Dressler Lane
25

Turn left onto Downhill Lane

378 ft · 21 sec · Downhill Lane
26

Turn left onto Dickson Lane

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Dickson Lane
27

Arrive at destination

Dickson Lane

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. While the trip is short enough to drive straight through, planning for at least one stop will help you stay fresh behind the wheel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long 51.5-mile stretch on I-69, as services can be spaced out. Since you are spending $22 on gas, consider fueling up before you hit the main highway segments to avoid potential price fluctuations at busier interchanges. By keeping your pace steady and taking advantage of your single planned stop, you can ensure a stress-free arrival in Rochester Hills.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73 miles from Ada, MI, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.5 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 32 miles or 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73 miles or 1h 22m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rochester Hills, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ada, MI 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 Ada, MI

This is one driving day of about 146 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Ada, MI.
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 69 for about 51.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Michigan, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corunna, MI

73 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

Grand Ledge, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Haslett, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73 miles from Ada, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 Coffee Stop

Brody's Be Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ada, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portland, Michigan

2.9 mi

Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 83.4

Durand, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19895411550

Visit website

Cafe Immortelle

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 146

Troy, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12482509858

Visit website

Brody's Be Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Ada, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Fireside Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.9

Swartz Creek, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18106359196

Visit website

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 31.3

Portland, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15179754213

Visit website

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.3

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18104984909

Visit website

Battle Alley Coffee Co.

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 114.7

Holly, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12482450512

Visit website

Château Coffee Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.6

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15172537905

Visit website

Moka & Co

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15176790533

Visit website

Foster Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15176790303

Visit website

Independence Oaks County Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 125.1

Village of Clarkston, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–7:30 pm

+12486250877

Visit website

Fitzgerald Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 41.7

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15176277351

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 104.3

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 104.3

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 62.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 100.4 and 143.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
100.4 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in

Take the exit toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
6
100.8 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
6
103.1 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
139.9 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Take the exit toward M 59 East: Utica

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 77A Toward M 59 East: Utica
7
143.3 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Take the exit toward Crooks Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 44 Toward Crooks Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.83 one way

$45.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.06 $50.12
premium $4.89 $28.10 $56.19
diesel $5.61 $32.23 $64.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.8 0 $15.33 $7.01
Efficient EV 36.5 0 $12.77 $5.84
EV Truck/SUV 58.4 0 $20.44 $9.34

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026

Origin

Ada, MI

Night in Ada on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

77°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 18 mph 19% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 12 at 1:40PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 12 at 1:14PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Destination

Rochester Hills, MI

Night in Rochester Hills on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 9 to 14 mph 45% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 12 at 1:40PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 12 at 1:14PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

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

3 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

2h 43m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This journey is defined by its efficiency, with 87% of the trip spent on major highways. You will experience a steady, interstate-focused rhythm, which is ideal if you prefer to maintain a consistent speed. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs over 51.5 miles on I-69, requiring you to stay alert during this extended period of highway driving. As you transition between I-96, I-69, and I-75, the character of the road remains consistent, favoring speed and directness over winding scenic paths. Behind the wheel, you should prepare for a standard interstate experience where the focus is on covering ground quickly rather than navigating technical local turns.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.5 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 100.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 146 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 100.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,016 ft 639 ft

Total Climb

465 ft

Total Descent

286 ft

Highest Point

1,016 ft

~125.1 mi in

Elevation Range

378 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Ada, MI to Rochester Hills, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Detroit along the way.

Detroit

100.4 mi in | ~1h 50m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 146 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 51.5 miles on I 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Rochester Hills, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 100.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Rochester Hills, MI before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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