Origin
Coloma, MI
Late night in Coloma on Sunday
Local time
3:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Coloma, MI to Detroit, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
177.9 mi
286 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Coloma, MI
Pexels LATAM
Detroit, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 177.9-mile drive from Coloma to Detroit, Michigan, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 16 minutes. It's ideal as a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about overnight stops. The route is predominantly on major highways, making it an efficient way to travel across the Midwest region. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, this trip offers a budget-friendly option for getting from Southwest Michigan to the Detroit metropolitan area. You'll spend most of your time on I-94, so expect a consistent driving experience.
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
89 miles from Coloma, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 132 mi | 2h 21m |
| M 14 | 22.2 mi | 23m |
| Jeffries Freeway (Express) | 10.6 mi | 11m |
| I 96 | 9.2 mi | 9m |
| Fisher Freeway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Church Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Grand River Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Friday Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 132 mi, about 2h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Coloma, MI and Detroit, MI.
1
Start on West Center Street
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
West Center Street
2
Turn right onto South Church Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Church Street
3
Continue on Friday Road
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Friday Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
5
Merge onto I 94
132 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
I 94
6
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
M 14
Exit 171
Toward M 14: Plymouth
7
Keep right at fork onto M 14
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
8
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
15 mi
·
16 min
·
M 14
Exit 42
Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 96
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
11 mi
·
11 min
·
Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 75 North, M 10: Flint, Downtown
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 75 North: Flint
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 75
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Fisher Freeway
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 50
Toward Grand River Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on Fisher Drive West
442 ft
·
16 sec
·
Fisher Drive West
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto M 5
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Grand River Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn right onto Griswold Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Griswold Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto Michigan Avenue
341 ft
·
15 sec
·
Michigan Avenue
19
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
179 ft
·
6 sec
·
Woodward Avenue
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on Woodward Avenue
124 ft
·
8 sec
·
Woodward Avenue
21
Continue on Woodward Avenue
231 ft
·
14 sec
·
Woodward Avenue
22
Turn right onto Cadillac Square
126 ft
·
4 sec
·
Cadillac Square
23
Arrive at destination
Cadillac Square
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3-hour and 16-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic as you approach Detroit. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 132 miles, you can easily manage your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer highway segments, and plan a stop if needed. The $28 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always budget a little extra for unforeseen circumstances. Since this is a direct highway route, flexibility in your departure time is a key advantage.
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 89 miles from Coloma, MI, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132 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 39 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89 miles or 1h 37m 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 38m
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 Coloma, 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 Coloma, MI
This is one driving day of about 177.9 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Coloma, 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 132 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89 miles from Coloma, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 132 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 140.4 and 177.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
140.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m 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
164.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m 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
175.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m 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
176.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m 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
7
177.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 16m in
|
Woodward Avenue
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.81 one way
$55.63 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.54 | $61.07 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.24 | $68.47 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.28 | $78.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.68 | $8.54 |
| Efficient EV | 44.5 | 0 | $15.57 | $7.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.2 | 0 | $24.91 | $11.39 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Detroit, MI
Late night in Detroit on Sunday
Local time
3:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
4 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
3h 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 highway-centric experience on this route, with an impressive 86% of the drive taking place on major freeways. You'll primarily navigate on I-94, then transition to M-14 and the Jeffries Freeway (Express). The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a solid 132 miles on I-94, allowing for a consistent pace. This profile suggests a drive with minimal local road detours, emphasizing efficiency and speed over winding scenic byways. The road character remains largely consistent, focused on covering distance effectively.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 132 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 140.4 miles in near M 14.
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 17 significant decision points across 177.9 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 140.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.7 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 175.6 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Coloma, MI and Detroit, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
M 14: Plymouth
133.3 mi in
|
~2h 24m
|
via M 14
M 14 East
138 mi in
|
~2h 30m
|
via M 14
M 14 East: Plymouth
140.4 mi in
|
~2h 32m
|
via M 14
Livonia
140.4 mi in
|
~2h 32m
|
via M 14
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 177.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 132 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 140.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.7 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 175.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Detroit, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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