Connecting Benton Harbor to Clinton Township is a straightforward trek across Michigan, spanning approximately 204.5 miles. You can expect a total drive time of about 3 hours and 53 minutes, making this a very manageable single-day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. With a fuel budget of roughly $31, the route is economically efficient for most travelers. You will navigate primarily through the Midwest, transitioning from the lakeshore area toward the more densely populated eastern side of the state. Because the trip is under four hours, it offers plenty of flexibility for your schedule. It is a practical, no-nonsense journey perfect for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours or complicated logistics.
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
102.3 miles from Benton Harbor, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
137.4 mi
2h 27m
M 14
22.2 mi
23m
I 96
9.2 mi
9m
Groesbeck Highway
7.4 mi
12m
Walter P Reuther Freeway
6.8 mi
7m
Jeffries Freeway (Express)
5.3 mi
5m
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
4.6 mi
4m
M 8
2.2 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 137.4 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Benton Harbor, MI and Clinton Township, MI.
1
Start on 6th Street
165 ft·9 sec·6th Street
2
Turn right onto Territorial Road
379 ft·14 sec·Territorial Road
3
Turn right onto 5th Street
288 ft·13 sec·5th Street
4
Enter roundabout onto I 94 BL
158 ft·8 sec·East Main Street
5
Continue on I 94 BL
1.8 mi·3 min·East Main Street
6
Turn left onto I 94 BL
1.3 mi·1 min·BL I-94
7
Continue on US 31; BL I 94
0.2 mi·24 sec·US-31/BL I-94
Use the left lane.
8
Take the exit onto I 94 BL
0.2 mi·23 sec·I 94 BL
Toward US-31 NORTH, I-94 EAST: DetroitUse the left lane.
9
Merge onto US 31
0.4 mi·29 sec·US-31
Toward US-31 NORTH, I-94 EAST: Holland, Detroit
10
Merge onto I 94; US 31
0.6 mi·35 sec·I-94/US-31
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
137 mi·2 hr 27 min·I 94
Toward I 94: DetroitUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi·5 min·M 14
Exit 171Toward M 14: Plymouth
13
Keep right at fork onto M 14
2.4 mi·2 min·M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
14
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
15 mi·16 min·M 14
Exit 42Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, LivoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 96
9.2 mi·9 min·I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
5.3 mi·5 min·Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 186BToward Davison AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on M 8
2.2 mi·5 min·M 8
19
Continue on M 8
1.3 mi·1 min·Davison Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 75: Flint, ToledoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 75 North: FlintUse the slight left lane.
22
Merge onto I 75
4.6 mi·4 min·North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 61Toward I 696: Lansing, Port HuronUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I-75 North to I-696 East
0.4 mi·52 sec·I-75 North to I-696 East
Toward I 696 East: Port HuronUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on I 696
6.8 mi·7 min·Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 26Toward M 97: Groesbeck HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn straight onto East 11 Mile Road
0.5 mi·59 sec·East 11 Mile Road
28
Turn left onto M 97
7.4 mi·12 min·Groesbeck Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
29
Turn left onto Harrington Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Harrington Street
Use the left lane.
30
At end of road, turn left onto Moravian Drive
0.1 mi·17 sec·Moravian Drive
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto White Oaks Drive
0.2 mi·52 sec·White Oaks Drive
32
Turn right onto Red Oaks Drive
289 ft·12 sec·Red Oaks Drive
33
Arrive at destination
Red Oaks Drive
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the nearly four-hour transit time. Since the route is heavily reliant on major highways, monitor local traffic reports before you leave, especially when approaching the busier stretches near your destination. Leaving during off-peak hours can help you avoid congestion common on these high-traffic arteries. Given that your longest stretch is 137.4 miles on I-94, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to keep your $31 gas budget on track. Because this is a one-day trip, feel free to depart whenever is most convenient, as the relatively short duration gives you the luxury of an early start or a relaxed morning departure.
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 102.3 miles from Benton Harbor, MI, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.4 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 45 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.3 miles or 1h 52m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clinton Township, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Benton Harbor, 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 Benton Harbor, MI
This is one driving day of about 204.5 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Benton Harbor, 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 137.4 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.5 and 188 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
3.5 mi into trip|~6m in|I 94 BL
Take the exit onto I 94 BL toward US-31 NORTH, I-94 EAST: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US-31 NORTH, I-94 EAST: Detroit
7
4.6 mi into trip|~8m in|I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 94: Detroit
9
149.1 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|M 14
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42
Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
7
173.4 mi into trip|~3h 8m in|I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express) toward I 96 Express: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown
8
188 mi into trip|~3h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 61
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.97 one way
$63.94 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$35.10
$70.21
premium
$4.89
$39.35
$78.71
diesel
$5.61
$45.15
$90.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.3
0
$21.47
$9.82
Efficient EV
51.1
0
$17.89
$8.18
EV Truck/SUV
81.8
1
$28.63
$13.09
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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 15, 2026
Origin
Benton Harbor, MI
Late night
in Benton Harbor on Sunday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clinton Township, MI
Late night
in Clinton Township on Sunday
Local time
4:02 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
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 53m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 82% of your time spent on major interstates and expressways. You will spend the bulk of your journey on I-94, I-96, and M-14, which keeps your pace steady and consistent throughout the day. The most significant leg is the 137.4-mile stretch along I-94, which serves as the backbone of your transit. While you won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding backroads, the transition between these major corridors creates a predictable flow. Expect a high-speed, efficient driving experience that favors quick transit over meandering scenic routes, allowing you to cover the 204.5 miles with minimal gear shifting.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137.4 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and M 14. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in near I 94 BL.
Driving Effort10/10
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 204.5 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 3.5 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Benton Harbor, MI and Clinton Township, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia, Toledo and Port Huron.
M 14: Plymouth
142 mi in|~2h 35m|via M 14
M 14 East
146.7 mi in|~2h 40m|via M 14
M 14 East: Plymouth
149.1 mi in|~2h 42m|via M 14
Livonia
149.1 mi in|~2h 42m|via M 14
Toledo
182.5 mi in|~3h 22m
Port Huron
188 mi in|~3h 29m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 204.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 137.4 miles on I 94. 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 Clinton Township, 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 3.5 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Clinton Township, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
