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Trip from Ann Arbor, MI to Union, 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 41m

Distance

141.4 mi

228 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 31m ★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 3m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 2m
8 PM
2h 35m

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 Ann Arbor, MI, MI

Ann Arbor, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Union, MI, MI

Union, MI

Sebastián Casimiro

Trip Overview

This 141.4-mile drive from Ann Arbor, MI, to Union, MI, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-94, US-131, and US-12, offering a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $22, it’s an economical option for a quick getaway. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. This drive is well-suited for those looking for a direct and uncomplicated trip within Michigan.

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

70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 98.4 mi 1h 45m
US-131 25.8 mi 29m
US-12 6.1 mi 8m
Riverside Drive 4.6 mi 6m
Constantine Bypass 3.1 mi 4m
East Huron Street 1.3 mi 3m
Jackson Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
West Chicago Road 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 98.4 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor, MI and Union, 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

1.3 mi · 3 min · East Huron Street
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on I 94 BL

0.9 mi · 1 min · Jackson Avenue
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 94 West: Jackson
5

Merge onto I 94

98 mi · 1 hr 45 min · I 94
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
7

Merge onto US 131

26 mi · 29 min · US-131
8

Continue on US 131

3.1 mi · 4 min · Constantine Bypass
9

Turn right onto Riverside Drive

4.6 mi · 6 min · Riverside Drive
10

Turn right onto US 12

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Chicago Road
11

Continue on US 12

0.3 mi · 22 sec · West Chicago Road
12

Continue on US 12

6.1 mi · 8 min · US-12
13

Arrive at destination

US 12

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 41 minutes for this 141.4-mile trip, you have flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving Ann Arbor in the morning to maximize your day in Union, or depart later for a more relaxed start. With only one recommended stop, plan for a quick break if needed, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on I-94. The estimated fuel cost is $22, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing to avoid unexpected stops. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you navigate the I-94 corridor.

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 70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.4 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 31 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 70.7 miles or 1h 19m 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 9m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, 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 141.4 miles and 2h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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 I 94 for about 98.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Calhoun County, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Battle Creek, MI

71 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

Michigan Center, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Battle Creek, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.4 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

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1 mi

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

0.4 mi

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

0.5 mi

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17342229202

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.2

Three Rivers, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12698887247

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 101

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693534368

Visit website

Tim Hortons

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 101

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+12693430910

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12693453540

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 50.5

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15176299800

Visit website

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17343692494

Visit website

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17347807060

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345445450

Visit website

Black Diesel Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+17344368355

Visit website

Venue Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17348229821

Visit website

Gapi Coffee & Sweets at FireKeepers Casino Hotel

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 70.7

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+18773528777

Visit website

Rawaq Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17344368412

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Zap Zone at BIG Best In Games - Ypsilanti

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+17349306670

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 101.4 — 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.
3
2.4 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 94 West: Jackson

Navigation decision point

Toward I 94 West: Jackson
3
2.7 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 94

Merge onto I 94

Merge point - match speed before joining

4
101.1 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in

Take the exit toward US 131 South: Three Rivers

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
3
101.4 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in | US 131 / US-131

Merge onto US 131 / US-131

Merge point - match speed before joining

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.11 one way

$44.21 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.27 $48.54
premium $4.89 $27.21 $54.42
diesel $5.61 $31.22 $62.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.4 0 $14.85 $6.79
Efficient EV 35.4 0 $12.37 $5.66
EV Truck/SUV 56.6 0 $19.80 $9.05

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (65% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Ann Arbor, MI

Late night in Ann Arbor on Sunday

Local time

12:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Union, MI

Late night in Union on Sunday

Local time

12:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

16 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 41m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 92% of this 141.4-mile route. The majority of your journey will be on interstates and major highways, designed for efficiency. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 98.4 miles on I-94, allowing for a consistent pace. While predominantly highway, the transition to US-131 and US-12 will introduce you to different road characteristics as you approach your destination. This drive offers a blend of high-speed travel and slightly more varied highway conditions.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.4 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US-131. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 41m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 141.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.4 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Union, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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