Ann Arbor to Solon is 242 miles and takes about 4h 49m via US 23 BUS and US 10, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward drive for a single day, with most of your time spent on highways. You'll be covering a good chunk of distance, so plan for a solid block of driving time. Consider this route if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently within the state, without needing extensive stops or a multi-day commitment.
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
121 miles from Ann Arbor, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 23 BUS
93.7 mi
1h 40m
US 10
56.9 mi
56m
Cadillac Drive
55.3 mi
1h 16m
County Road 633
10.9 mi
17m
North M-37 Highway
6.9 mi
9m
South West Silver Lake Road
3.7 mi
5m
South Solon Road
2.1 mi
2m
East Long Lake Road
2.1 mi
2m
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 Solon, 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: FlintUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 162BToward 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
55 mi·1 hr 16 min·Cadillac Drive
13
Enter roundabout onto M 37
26 ft·0 sec·North M-37 Highway
14
Continue on M 37
6.9 mi·9 min·North M-37 Highway
15
Turn left onto North 13 Road
0.7 mi·1 min·North 13 Road
16
Continue on CR 633
11 mi·17 min·County Road 633
17
Continue on CR 633
3.7 mi·5 min·South West Silver Lake Road
18
Turn left onto Secor Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Secor Road
19
Turn right onto East Long Lake Road
2.1 mi·2 min·East Long Lake Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto CR 610
0.1 mi·12 sec·North Long Lake Road
21
Turn right onto Strait Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Strait Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto Cedar Run Road
1.7 mi·2 min·Cedar Run Road
23
Turn right onto Tilton Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Tilton Road
24
At end of road, turn right onto M 72
0.2 mi·23 sec·East Traverse Highway
25
Turn left onto South Solon Road
2.1 mi·2 min·South Solon Road
26
Turn left onto CR 616
0.2 mi·16 sec·East White Road
27
Turn straight onto CR 616
336 ft·5 sec·East Hoxie Road
28
Continue on CR 616
0.3 mi·28 sec·East Alpine Road
29
Arrive at destination
CR 616
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 49m estimated drive time and 242 miles, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Aim to leave Ann Arbor in the morning to maximize daylight hours and arrive in Solon with plenty of time. The longest stretch without a major road change is 93.7 miles, so consider a quick stop for fuel or a stretch before or after this segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $43, be sure to check current prices before you depart. The route's profile is mostly highway, so traffic will likely be less of a concern than on more varied routes, but always check conditions before you leave.
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 121 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, or about 2h 11m 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 53 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121 miles or 2h 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 3h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Solon, 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 242 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 146.2 — 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
5
146.2 mi into trip|~2h 36m in|US 10
Take the exit onto US 10 toward US 10 WEST, TO M 115: Ludington, Cadillac
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 10 WEST, TO M 115: Ludington, Cadilla...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.74 one way
$71.48 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$39.45
$78.91
premium
$4.72
$44.93
$89.86
diesel
$4.80
$45.69
$91.39
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.6
0
$25.41
$11.62
Efficient EV
60.5
0
$21.18
$9.68
EV Truck/SUV
96.8
1
$33.88
$15.49
Gas CO2
85 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ann Arbor, MI
Morning
in Ann Arbor on Sunday
Local time
6:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 12 to 16 mph65% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 8:52AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:07AM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Solon, MI
Morning
in Solon on Sunday
Local time
6:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Areas Of Smoke
NW 10 to 15 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 8:52AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 6:07AM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
83°F
Edenville, MI
121 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
15 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 49m 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.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
National Lakeshore
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacula...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
$25
near mile 242
Danger: Prescribed fires Sunday, May 10, and Monday, May 11 - Platte Plains Area
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 62% of the total mileage on faster roads. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch of highway driving for 93.7 miles on US 23 BUS. After that, you'll transition to surface roads like US 10 and Cadillac Drive. Expect a fairly consistent driving experience with fewer exits and more open cruising for a significant portion of the trip. The shift from highway to surface roads will be noticeable as you approach your destination.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 23 BUS and US 10. You will hit about 21 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 Effort5/10
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 242 miles you will encounter 21 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,365 ft590 ft
Total Climb
822 ft
Total Descent
1,070 ft
Highest Point
1,365 ft
~190.2 mi in
Elevation Range
776 ft
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 Solon, MI, road signs point toward To M 115: Ludington, Cadillac and M 115: Cadillac.
Ann Arbor — often abbreviated as AA or A2 — is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities.
Ann Arbor is in Michigan 35 miles (56 km) north of the Ohio border and 45 miles (72 km) west of Detroit, near where the furthest exurban fringes give way to country and small towns. In 2019, the city had a population of about 120,000 people, and thousands of visitors come to town for football games and various festivals.
Top landmarks
•Detroit Observatory — astronomical observatory in Ann Arbor, United States of America
•Kelsey Museum of Archaeology — archaeology museum in Newberry Hall
•Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum — museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 242 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (62%). 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.
Yes — we found about 17 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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.
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.
Yes — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Solon, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
