This 162.7-mile drive from Clinton Township, MI to Mendon, MI will take approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. Focusing heavily on interstate travel with a 65% highway share, this route is designed for efficient transit between two points in the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, you can anticipate a straightforward journey. While there's only one recommended stop, the longest stretch without a break is 72.5 miles on I-94, so plan accordingly for comfort. This drive offers a direct path, prioritizing speed and ease for your 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
81.4 miles from Clinton Township, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
72.5 mi
1h 17m
Walter P Reuther Freeway
23.7 mi
25m
M 14
21.9 mi
23m
M-66
9.8 mi
14m
State Highway 60
8.8 mi
13m
South Groesbeck Highway
7.3 mi
11m
Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
5.8 mi
6m
Mendon Road
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 72.5 mi, about 1h 17m
Traffic on I-696
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,139 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,957
Quietest
2 AM
~310 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton Township, MI and Mendon, MI.
1
Start on Red Oaks Drive
289 ft·17 sec·Red Oaks Drive
2
Turn left onto White Oaks Drive
0.2 mi·55 sec·White Oaks Drive
3
At end of road, turn left onto Moravian Drive
0.1 mi·16 sec·Moravian Drive
4
Turn right onto Harrington Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Harrington Street
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto M 97
7.3 mi·11 min·South Groesbeck Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn right onto East 11 Mile Road
0.5 mi·59 sec·East 11 Mile Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 696 West
8
Merge onto I 696
24 mi·25 min·Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 1Toward I 96 East, I 275: ToledoUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·22 sec
Toward I 96, I 275: Detroit, Toledo
12
Merge onto I 275; I 96
5.8 mi·6 min·Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward M 14: Ann ArborUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto M 14
17 mi·17 min·M 14
15
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
5.4 mi·5 min·M 14
Exit 45Toward M 14: Ann ArborUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 94
72 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 94
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward M 66: Sturgis
18
Merge onto I 194; M 66
0.4 mi·32 sec·Sojourner Truth Downtown Parkway
19
Continue on M 66
2.3 mi·2 min·M-66
20
Continue on M 66
2.1 mi·3 min·M 66
21
Continue on M 66
7.5 mi·11 min·M-66
22
Continue on M 66
0.3 mi·25 sec·3 Mile Road
23
Continue on M 66
1.0 mi·1 min·North Capital Avenue
24
Continue on M 66
0.5 mi·44 sec·State Highway 66
25
Continue on M 66
0.7 mi·1 min·Athens Road
26
Turn right onto M 60
3.2 mi·4 min·Mendon Road
27
Continue on M 60
8.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 60
28
Continue on M 60
0.3 mi·28 sec·East Main Street
29
Turn left onto South Nottawa Street
191 ft·7 sec·South Nottawa Street
30
Turn right
131 ft·9 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 14-minute duration, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Mendon, MI, with a comfortable pace. The estimated fuel cost of $25 means you won't need excessive budgeting for gas. While only one stop is noted, consider a brief rest break during the 72.5-mile stretch on I-94, especially if you're sensitive to long periods behind the wheel. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility; leaving a bit later might also be an option. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, particularly around metropolitan areas, as you navigate the Walter P. Reuther Freeway.
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 81.4 miles from Clinton Township, MI, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.5 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 36 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.4 miles or 1h 35m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mendon, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton Township, 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 Clinton Township, MI
This is one driving day of about 162.7 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Clinton Township, 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 72.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 32.8 and 57.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
32.8 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
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 1
Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
6
33.2 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
6
34 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 96, I 275: Detroit, Toledo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 96, I 275: Detroit, Toledo
6
40.1 mi into trip|~50m in
Take the exit toward M 14: Ann Arbor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward M 14: Ann Arbor
8
57.3 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|M 14
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14: Ann Arbor
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 45
Toward M 14: Ann Arbor
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.05 one way
$54.10 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg57 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$29.47
$58.93
premium
$5.18
$33.20
$66.40
diesel
$5.35
$34.27
$68.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48.8
0
$17.08
$7.81
Efficient EV
40.7
0
$14.24
$6.51
EV Truck/SUV
65.1
0
$22.78
$10.41
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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 May 26, 2026
Origin
Clinton Township, MI
Afternoon
in Clinton Township on Wednesday
Local time
4:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
S 2 to 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 26 at 3:53AM EDT until May 26 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Destination
Mendon, MI
Afternoon
in Mendon on Wednesday
Local time
4:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 26 at 3:53AM EDT until May 26 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
84°F
Northfield, MI
81 mi in
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 14m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 162.7-mile journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on interstates like I-94 and the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, making up 65% of the total drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 72.5 miles on I-94, offering a consistent pace. While the profile is highway-centric, transitions between these major roads are part of the experience. This route is built for covering ground efficiently rather than for extensive sightseeing along the way.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.5 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and Walter P Reuther Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 32.8 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 20 significant decision points across 162.7 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 32.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
994 ft607 ft
Total Climb
425 ft
Total Descent
199 ft
Highest Point
994 ft
~93 mi in
Elevation Range
387 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clinton Township, MI and Mendon, MI, road signs point toward Toledo, M 14: Ann Arbor and M 66: Sturgis.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 14m. Total distance: 162.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72.5 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Mendon, 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 32.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Mendon, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
