Origin
Ann Arbor, MI
Night in Ann Arbor on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ann Arbor, MI to Fife Lake, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 6m
Distance
217.7 mi
350 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 53m
★
6 AM
4h 6m
8 AM
4h 32m
10 AM
4h 15m
12 PM
4h 13m
3 PM
4h 17m
5 PM
4h 31m
8 PM
3h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ann Arbor, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Fife Lake, MI
Oriel Frankie Ashcroft
Trip Overview
Ann Arbor to Fife Lake is 217.7 miles and takes about 4 hours 6 minutes via US 23 BUS and US 10, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, moving from Michigan's Lower Peninsula north towards more rural landscapes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey, making it a solid choice for a single-day drive when you want to get to your destination efficiently. You'll encounter a substantial amount of highway driving, so be prepared for that pace.
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
108.8 miles from Ann Arbor, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 23 BUS | 93.7 mi | 1h 40m |
| US 10 | 56.9 mi | 56m |
| Cadillac Drive | 34.5 mi | 47m |
| M 55 | 23.3 mi | 25m |
| US 131 | 5 mi | 6m |
| North Main Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| M 14 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| West State Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 23 BUS
— 93.7 mi, about 1h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor, MI and Fife Lake, MI.
1
Start on South State Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
South State Street
2
Turn left onto I 94 BL; US 23 BUS
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Huron Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto US 23 BUS
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
4
Take the ramp onto US 23 BUS
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 23 BUS
Toward M 14 East, US 23: Flint, Detroit
5
Merge onto M 14; US 23 BUS
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
M 14; US 23 BUS
6
Keep left at fork onto US 23 BUS
94 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
US 23 BUS
Toward US 23 North: Flint
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 162B
Toward US 10 West: Midland
8
Continue on US 10
11 mi
·
11 min
·
US 10
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
38 mi
·
38 min
·
US 10
Toward US 10: Clare
10
Take the exit onto US 10
7.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 10
Toward US 10 WEST, TO M 115: Ludington, Cadillac
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward M 115: Cadillac
12
Turn right onto M 115
34 mi
·
47 min
·
Cadillac Drive
13
Take the exit onto M 55
23 mi
·
25 min
·
M 55
Toward US 31 North, M 55 East
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on US 131
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
US 131
15
Continue on West State Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West State Street
16
Arrive at destination
West State Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour duration, leaving Ann Arbor in the morning should allow you to reach Fife Lake with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $34, you can plan for minimal interruptions. The longest stretch is nearly 94 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you have the flexibility to depart when it's most convenient for you.
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 108.8 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.7 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 48 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 1h 59m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fife Lake, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor, MI
This is one driving day of about 217.7 miles and 4h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Ann Arbor, 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 US 23 BUS for about 93.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.8 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 23 BUS if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 188.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street
Turn left onto I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
3.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 23 BUS
Keep left at fork onto US 23 BUS toward US 23 North: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 23 North: Flint
5
96.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 10 West: Midland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 162B
Toward US 10 West: Midland
5
108.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
|
US 10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 toward US 10: Clare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 10: Clare
8
188.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 32m in
|
M 55
Take the exit onto M 55 toward US 31 North, M 55 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 31 North, M 55 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.03 one way
$68.07 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $37.37 | $74.74 |
| premium | $4.89 | $41.89 | $83.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.07 | $96.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.86 | $10.45 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.05 | $8.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.1 | 1 | $30.48 | $13.93 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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
Fife Lake, MI
Night in Fife Lake on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
31°F
Midland, MI
109 mi in
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
9 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 6m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 71% of it on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 93.7 miles on US 23 BUS, offering a good amount of uninterrupted driving time. The route generally follows major roadways like US 10, suggesting a consistent and often fast-paced travel experience. While largely highway, expect some transitions as you navigate through various sections of Michigan.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.7 mi on US 23 BUS.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 23 BUS and US 10. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 217.7 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.1 miles (US 23 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ann Arbor, MI and Fife Lake, MI, road signs point toward To M 115: Ludington, Cadillac, M 115: Cadillac and M 55 East.
To M 115: Ludington
146.2 mi in
|
~2h 36m
|
via US 10
Cadillac
146.2 mi in
|
~2h 36m
|
via US 10
M 115: Cadillac
153.8 mi in
|
~2h 44m
M 55 East
188.8 mi in
|
~3h 32m
|
via M 55
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 217.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93.7 miles on US 23 BUS. 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.
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 Fife Lake, 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 0.3 miles (I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.1 miles (US 23 BUS): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Fife Lake, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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