Cedar Creek, MI to Detroit, MI is 136.9 miles and takes about 2h 44m via I 94, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, moving from the Midwest region to the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive that's well-suited for a single day, allowing you to get on the road and reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You'll primarily be on highways, making for efficient travel.
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
68.4 miles from Cedar Creek, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
66.8 mi
1h 11m
M 14
22.2 mi
23m
South State Highway 37
10.7 mi
15m
Jeffries Freeway (Express)
10.6 mi
11m
I 96
9.2 mi
9m
East Michigan Avenue
5.1 mi
6m
West Pifer Road
3.5 mi
4m
Michigan Avenue West
2.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 66.8 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Creek, MI and Detroit, MI.
1
Start on Cedar Creek Road
1.4 mi·5 min·Cedar Creek Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto West Pifer Road
3.5 mi·4 min·West Pifer Road
3
Turn right onto M 37
11 mi·15 min·South State Highway 37
4
Continue on M 37
0.7 mi·1 min·Bedford Road North
5
Turn left onto M 89
2.5 mi·4 min·Michigan Avenue West
6
Turn right onto M 89
0.2 mi·17 sec·South Washington Avenue
7
Turn left onto West Hamblin Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·West Hamblin Avenue
8
Continue on I 94 BL
352 ft·8 sec·Hamblin Street
9
Turn right onto I 94 BL
2.0 mi·2 min·East Michigan Avenue
10
Turn right onto I 94 BL
55 ft·4 sec·I 94 BL
11
Continue on I 94 BL; M 96
0.1 mi·7 sec·East Columbia Avenue
12
Merge onto I 94 BL; M 96
3.1 mi·3 min·East Michigan Avenue
13
Turn sharp left onto I 94 BL; M 311
349 ft·6 sec·11 Mile Road
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
15
Merge onto I 94
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 94
16
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi·5 min·M 14
Exit 171Toward M 14: Plymouth
17
Keep right at fork onto M 14
2.4 mi·2 min·M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
18
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.
19
Continue on I 96
9.2 mi·9 min·I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
11 mi·11 min·Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 75 North, M 10: Flint, Downtown
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 75 North: FlintUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 75
0.8 mi·1 min·Fisher Freeway
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 50Toward Grand River AvenueUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on Fisher Drive West
442 ft·16 sec·Fisher Drive West
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto M 5
0.5 mi·1 min·Grand River Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn right onto Griswold Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·Griswold Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn left onto Michigan Avenue
341 ft·15 sec·Michigan Avenue
29
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
179 ft·6 sec·Woodward Avenue
Use the right lane.
30
Continue on Woodward Avenue
124 ft·8 sec·Woodward Avenue
31
Continue on Woodward Avenue
231 ft·14 sec·Woodward Avenue
32
Turn right onto Cadillac Square
126 ft·4 sec·Cadillac Square
33
Arrive at destination
Cadillac Square
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 44 minutes, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Cedar Creek in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid peak traffic entering Detroit. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $21, you can be quite flexible with your timing. Pay attention to the I 94 and M 14 junctions, as these are key points where navigation is crucial.
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 68.4 miles from Cedar Creek, MI, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 30 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.4 miles or 1h 27m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Detroit, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedar Creek, 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 Cedar Creek, MI
This is one driving day of about 136.9 miles and 2h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Cedar Creek, 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 66.8 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.2 and 135.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
25.2 mi into trip|~40m in
Take the exit toward I 94 East: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
9
99.4 mi into trip|~2h 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
123.6 mi into trip|~2h 26m 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
7
134.6 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
7
135.7 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Take the exit toward Grand River Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 50
Toward Grand River Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.40 one way
$42.81 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.50
$47.00
premium
$4.89
$26.35
$52.69
diesel
$5.61
$30.23
$60.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.1
0
$14.37
$6.57
Efficient EV
34.2
0
$11.98
$5.48
EV Truck/SUV
54.8
0
$19.17
$8.76
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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 20, 2026
Origin
Cedar Creek, MI
Morning
in Cedar Creek on Tuesday
Local time
11:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Detroit, MI
Morning
in Detroit on Tuesday
Local time
11:43 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
18 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 44m 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 largely a highway-focused drive, with 72% of the route utilizing major roads like I 94 and M 14. You'll experience a significant stretch of 66.8 miles on I 94 without needing to exit, which means consistent speeds and minimal interruptions. While the profile suggests a highway-focused experience, keep an eye out for transitions as you approach Detroit, where local roads and increased traffic will become more prominent.
72% 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: 66.8 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 25.2 miles in.
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 24 significant decision points across 136.9 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 25.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 99.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.6 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): 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.
Between Cedar Creek, MI and Detroit, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
Detroit is a major metropolis in the US state of Michigan that has had a profound impact on the world. From the advent of the automotive assembly line to the Motown sound, modern techno and rock music, Detroit continues to shape both American and global culture. The city has seen many of its historic buildings renovated, and is bustling with new developments and attractions that complement its world-class museums and theatres. After a long economic slump and decrease in population, Detroit has developed a reputation for crime and urban decline, but revitalization means that it is an exciting destination filled with technological advance and historic charm.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 136.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66.8 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 Detroit, 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 25.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 99.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.6 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): 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 Detroit, MI before heading back.
