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Trip from Carson City, MI to Ann Arbor, MI

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 5m

Distance

109.3 mi

176 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 56m ★
6 AM
2h 5m
8 AM
2h 23m
10 AM
2h 12m
12 PM
2h 10m
3 PM
2h 13m
5 PM
2h 22m
8 PM
2h 0m

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 Carson City, MI, MI

Carson City, MI

Stephen Leonardi

Downtown Ann Arbor, MI, MI

Ann Arbor, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 109.3-mile drive from Carson City, MI, to Ann Arbor, MI, is easily manageable in about 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. Primarily utilizing I-96 and US-23, this highway-focused journey offers a practical way to travel between these two Midwest locations. With an estimated fuel cost of just $17, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a functional commute. You won't need to break this trip up, as it’s designed for a single, efficient travel day, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

54.7 miles from Carson City, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 40 mi 42m
US-127 32.6 mi 34m
US 23 14.1 mi 15m
Cleveland Road 13.6 mi 18m
South Bagley Road 3 mi 3m
US 23 BUS 2.4 mi 3m
I 496 0.9 mi 1m
North State Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 40 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Carson City, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.

1

Start on M 57

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
2

Continue on M 57

14 mi · 18 min · Cleveland Road
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward US 127 South: Lansing
4

Merge onto US 127

0.6 mi · 41 sec · US-127
5

Continue on US 127

3.0 mi · 3 min · South Bagley Road
6

Continue on US 127

32 mi · 33 min · US-127
7

Take the exit onto I 496

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 496
Exit 73A Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 96

40 mi · 42 min · I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Exit 148A-B Toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 148A Toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto US 23

14 mi · 15 min · US 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS

1.5 mi · 1 min · US 23 BUS
Exit 45 Toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 23 BUS
Exit 3 Toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn left onto Depot Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Depot Street
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right

119 ft · 6 sec
16

Continue on North State Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Arrive at destination

South State Street

Trip Plan

Given its short 2-hour duration and 109.3-mile length, this trip offers plenty of flexibility; leaving Carson City, MI, in the morning allows for a full day in Ann Arbor, MI. You’ll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 40-mile stretch on I-96, as services might be less frequent than on other parts of the route. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid peak commuter traffic in the Ann Arbor area. With a low fuel cost of around $17, you can easily top off your tank before you leave or upon arrival without significant expense.

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 54.7 miles from Carson City, MI, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40 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 24 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 54.7 miles or 1h 4m 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 41m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Carson City, 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 Carson City, MI

This is one driving day of about 109.3 miles and 2h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Carson City, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 40 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Haslett, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Haslett, MI

55 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

Laingsburg, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Haslett, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.7 miles from Carson City, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 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

Best coffee break · home stretch

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 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

Hooked

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.4 mi

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17342229202

Visit website

Zingerman's Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17349296060

Visit website

Dozer Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17349295217

Visit website

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17343692494

Visit website

Hooked

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

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

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15177211330

Visit website

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17347807060

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345445450

Visit website

Taste Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Mason, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15172200447

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee East Lansing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15176796959

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Zap Zone at BIG Best In Games - Ypsilanti

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 50.2 and 107.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
50.2 mi into trip | ~58m in | I 496

Take the exit onto I 496 toward I 96 East: Detroit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 73A Toward I 96 East: Detroit
8
91.1 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint

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 148A-B Toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint
8
91.4 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 148A Toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor
7
105.9 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in | US 23 BUS

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 45 Toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor
7
107.4 mi into trip | ~2h in | US 23 BUS

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 3 Toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.09 one way

$34.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.76 $37.52
premium $4.89 $21.03 $42.07
diesel $5.61 $24.13 $48.26

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 32.8 0 $11.48 $5.25
Efficient EV 27.3 0 $9.56 $4.37
EV Truck/SUV 43.7 0 $15.30 $7.00

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Carson City, MI

Morning in Carson City on Tuesday

Local time

11:21 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ann Arbor, MI

Morning in Ann Arbor on Tuesday

Local time

11:21 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°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

2 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

2h 5m 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 most of this 109.3-mile route, with 82% of it on major roads like I-96 and US-23. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is approximately 40 miles on I-96, providing a consistent pace. While largely a high-speed affair, be prepared for transitions as you navigate between these main arteries. The drive generally maintains a steady, efficient character, prioritizing direct travel over winding scenic byways.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and US-127. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 50.2 miles in near I 496.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 109.3 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 50.2 miles (I 496): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Carson City, MI to Ann Arbor, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Flint along the way.

Flint

91.1 mi in | ~1h 43m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 5m. Total distance: 109.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 5m 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 40 miles on I 96. 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 Ann Arbor, 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 50.2 miles (I 496): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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