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Trip from Charlotte, MI to Dearborn, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

103 mi

166 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 51m ★
6 AM
2h 0m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 6m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 7m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 55m

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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county seat of Eaton County, Michigan, United States

Charlotte, MI

Wikimedia Commons

city in Wayne County, Michigan, USA

Dearborn, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 103-mile drive from Charlotte, MI to Dearborn, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in under two hours. With a projected fuel cost of around $16, it's an economical option for a day trip, making it ideal for a quick getaway or a convenient transfer between locations within the Midwest. The primary roads you'll be using are I-96, BL I-69, and the Walter P Reuther Freeway, ensuring a predominantly high-speed experience. Since there are no designated stops in the data, you'll have plenty of flexibility to add your own breaks as needed. This route is well-suited for a single 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

51.5 miles from Charlotte, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 65 mi 1h 9m
BL I 69 9.2 mi 10m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 8.9 mi 10m
Southfield Freeway 8.2 mi 11m
John C Lodge Freeway 4.1 mi 4m
Ford Road 2.1 mi 3m
Lansing Road 1.7 mi 2m
Lansing Street 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 65 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Charlotte, MI and Dearborn, MI.

1

Start on I 69 BL; M 50

123 ft · 5 sec · South Cochran Avenue
2

Turn right onto I 69 BL

0.2 mi · 19 sec · East Lawrence Avenue
3

Continue on I 69 BL

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lansing Street
4

Continue on I 69 BL

483 ft · 8 sec · Lansing Road
5

Take the ramp onto BL I 69

9.2 mi · 10 min · BL I 69
Toward I 69 North: Lansing
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward Lansing Road
7

Keep slight left at fork

520 ft · 13 sec
Toward Lansing Road
8

Turn right onto Lansing Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Lansing Road
9

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I-96 EAST: Detroit
10

Merge onto I 96

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Continue on I 696

8.9 mi · 10 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Toward I 696 East, M 5 East: Port Huron Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto M 10

4.1 mi · 4 min · John C Lodge Freeway
13

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 14C Toward M 39 Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto M 39

8.2 mi · 11 min · Southfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Exit 7 Toward M 153 Use the slight right lane.
16

Continue on South M 39 Service Drive

0.3 mi · 38 sec · South M 39 Service Drive
17

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward Ford Road
18

Turn straight onto M 153

2.1 mi · 3 min · Ford Road
19

Turn right onto Schaefer Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Schaefer Road
Use the right lane.
20

Turn right onto US 12

79 ft · 1 sec · Michigan Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

US 12

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 59-minute duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, offering significant flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave either early in the morning to beat any potential traffic as you approach Dearborn, or later in the afternoon if you prefer to maximize your morning. With no mandatory stops, you can plan your own breaks for fuel or a quick stretch whenever you feel the need. The estimated fuel cost of $16 makes it easy to budget for, and you'll likely find ample service areas along the main highway stretches. A specific tip for this route: pay attention to signage for BL I-69 as it will guide you through the final approach into Dearborn.

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 51.5 miles from Charlotte, MI, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65 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 23 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.5 miles or 57m 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 33m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Charlotte, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Charlotte, MI

This is one driving day of about 103 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Charlotte, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 65 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and county seat of Livingston County, Michigan, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Howell, MI

52 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

Haslett, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Howell, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.5 miles from Charlotte, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65 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 Coffee Stop

Haraz Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dearborn, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 103

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13134299888

Visit website

Qahwah House Coffee - East Dearborn

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dearborn, Michigan

1.2 mi

Black Iron Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Howell, Michigan

1.1 mi

Haraz Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 103

Dearborn, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13134299888

Visit website

Qahwah House Coffee - East Dearborn

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103

Dearborn, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13139084521

Visit website

Black Iron Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 51.5

Howell, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15172958259

Visit website

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.9

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Good Deeds Coffee Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 44.2

Fowlerville, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15172199046

Visit website

517 Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 14.7

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15175745573

Visit website

Built & Brewed In Detroit Coffee Bar (Inside Michigan First Credit Union)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 88.3

Lathrup Village, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Apothecary Espresso and Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 80.9

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 80.9

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 29.4

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 22.1

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 103

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 12–5 pm

+13138983007

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 73.6

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 73.6

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+12483740200

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 0 and 102.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | I 69 BL / East Lawrence Avenue

Turn right onto I 69 BL / East Lawrence Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
10.8 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Lansing Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward Lansing Road
7
91 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in

Take the exit toward M 39

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 14C Toward M 39
7
99.8 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward M 153

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 7 Toward M 153
6
102.5 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | Schaefer Road

Turn right onto Schaefer Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.10 one way

$32.21 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.68 $35.36
premium $4.89 $19.82 $39.64
diesel $5.61 $22.74 $45.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.9 0 $10.82 $4.94
Efficient EV 25.8 0 $9.01 $4.12
EV Truck/SUV 41.2 0 $14.42 $6.59

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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

Charlotte, MI

Late night in Charlotte on Sunday

Local time

4:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dearborn, MI

Late night in Dearborn on Sunday

Local time

4:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°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

14 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

1h 59m 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-intensive experience, with 93% of the drive taking place on major freeways. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 65 miles on I-96, so settle in for some consistent cruising. The route is characterized by its efficiency, prioritizing speed and directness over winding backroads. While largely a freeway-focused profile, the transition onto local designations like BL I-69 and the Walter P Reuther Freeway means you'll experience the typical urban approach as you near Dearborn. This drive is about covering ground smoothly, with minimal distractions from slower-paced roads.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and BL I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near I 69 BL / East Lawrence Avenue.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 103 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 69 BL / East Lawrence Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Charlotte, MI and Dearborn, MI, road signs point toward M 5 East: Port Huron and M 39.

M 5 East: Port Huron

78 mi in | ~1h 26m | via I 696

M 39

91 mi in | ~1h 41m

About the Cities

Arriving in Dearborn, MI

Full guide →

Dearborn is a city in Wayne County in the state of Michigan. This article also covers the adjacent community of Dearborn Heights.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 103 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 65 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 Dearborn, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 69 BL / East Lawrence Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Dearborn, 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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Plan the drive back the other way.

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