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Trip from Benton Heights, MI to Lansing, 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 16m

Distance

121.5 mi

196 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 7m ★
6 AM
2h 16m
8 AM
2h 35m
10 AM
2h 23m
12 PM
2h 21m
3 PM
2h 24m
5 PM
2h 34m
8 PM
2h 11m

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 Benton Heights, MI, MI

Benton Heights, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This trip from Benton Heights, MI to Lansing, MI covers 121.5 miles and takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's perfectly suited for a single day trip. You'll be spending about 95% of your time on major interstates like I-94, I-69, and I-496, making for a quick and efficient journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, this is an economical option for a quick getaway or a practical transfer between two points in the Midwest. Since there are no recommended stops, you can easily complete this drive in one go.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

60.7 miles from Benton Heights, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 73.6 mi 1h 18m
I 69 35.5 mi 38m
I 496 4.9 mi 5m
Red Arrow Highway 2.3 mi 3m
I 196 0.7 mi <1m
South Walnut Street 0.5 mi 1m
West Malcolm X Street 0.2 mi <1m
I 94 BL 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 73.6 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Benton Heights, MI and Lansing, MI.

1

Start on Red Arrow Highway

2.3 mi · 3 min · Red Arrow Highway
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
3

Merge onto I 196; US 31

0.7 mi · 42 sec · I 196; US 31
4

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 2 min
Toward I-94 EAST: Detroit
5

Merge onto I 94

74 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 94
Toward I 94: Detroit
6

Take the exit onto I 94 BL

0.2 mi · 21 sec · I 94 BL
Toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 69 North: Lansing
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 69 North
10

Merge onto I 69

35 mi · 38 min · I 69
11

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Exit 95 Toward I 496: Downtown Lansing
12

Continue on I 496

4.9 mi · 5 min · I 496
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Exit 6 Toward Downtown
14

Turn straight onto West Malcolm X Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Malcolm X Street
15

Turn left onto South Walnut Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Walnut Street
16

Turn right onto West Allegan Street

412 ft · 12 sec · West Allegan Street
17

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
18

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 16 minutes, this route offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart Benton Heights, MI, at your convenience, perhaps avoiding the morning rush hour if you're aiming for a less congested start. Since it's a highway-focused drive with no specific stops recommended, consider planning your fuel and rest breaks strategically. With the longest stretch being 73.6 miles, you'll want to ensure you have enough fuel before heading out, especially given the $19 estimated cost. You'll be covering 121.5 miles, so a single stop midway for a quick stretch might be all you need.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 60.7 miles from Benton Heights, MI, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.6 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 27 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 60.7 miles or 1h 7m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Benton Heights, 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 Heights, MI

This is one driving day of about 121.5 miles and 2h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Benton Heights, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 73.6 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

61 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.

Popular next leg

Battle Creek, MI to Lansing, MI

53 mi · 1h 2m

Pacing Suggestions

Paw Paw, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Battle Creek, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.7 miles from Benton Heights, 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 73.6 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

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, MI

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12699793918

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

1.8 mi

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalamazoo, Michigan

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 121.5

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

1.7 mi

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Battle Creek, MI

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12699793918

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237508

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 52.1

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693884613

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.1

Marshall, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12697814806

Visit website

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 43.4

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693534368

Visit website

Café Rica USA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm

+12694410205

Visit website

Tim Hortons

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 43.4

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+12693430910

Visit website

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 121.5

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.5

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Battlecreek Coffee Roasters

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 69.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.5

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12699791944

Visit website

The Urban Cup

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.5

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+15175745617

Hooked

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.5

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15177211330

Visit website

MI Boba

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 43.4

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12697437742

Visit website

Bow in the Clouds Preserve

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 52.1

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+12693241600

Visit website

Lillian Anderson Arboretum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 43.4

Kalamazoo, Michigan

+18002533602

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 77.8 and 120.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
77.8 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | I 94 BL

Take the exit onto I 94 BL toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing

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

Toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing
5
78.4 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 69 North: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 69 North: Lansing
5
78.8 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 69 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 69 North
5
114.8 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in

Take the exit toward I 496: Downtown Lansing

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 95 Toward I 496: Downtown Lansing
5
120.4 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in

Take the exit toward Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.00 one way

$37.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.86 $41.71
premium $4.89 $23.38 $46.76
diesel $5.61 $26.83 $53.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.4 0 $12.76 $5.83
Efficient EV 30.4 0 $10.63 $4.86
EV Truck/SUV 48.6 0 $17.01 $7.78

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 16, 2026

Origin

Benton Heights, MI

Late night in Benton Heights on Sunday

Local time

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Late night in Lansing on Sunday

Local time

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

13 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 16m 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 predominantly highway-focused drive for this route, with 95% of the journey taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.6 miles on I-94, so be prepared for sustained periods of higher speeds. This profile suggests a generally fast-paced drive, minimizing time spent on slower local roads. The primary arteries you'll be utilizing are I-94, I-69, and I-496, indicating a consistent, high-speed experience throughout most of the 121.5 miles.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.6 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77.8 miles in near I 94 BL.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 121.5 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 77.8 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 78.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 16m. Total distance: 121.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.6 miles on I 94. 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 Lansing, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 77.8 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 78.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lansing, 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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