This 260-mile drive from Conway, MI to Macomb, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 4 hours and 49 minutes. It's perfectly suited for a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, it's an economical option for a Midwest road trip. You'll primarily be on I-75 and M-68, with a short section on 25 Mile Road, making for a predictable travel experience. This route offers a practical way to get from point A to point B without significant detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
130 miles from Conway, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
227.7 mi
3h 53m
M-68
9.1 mi
13m
25 Mile Road
6.9 mi
10m
Merritt Street
5.1 mi
8m
Tienken Road
3.5 mi
6m
West Tienken Road
1.6 mi
3m
Shimmons Road
1.1 mi
3m
Runyon Road
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 227.7 mi, about 3h 53m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 41 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,882 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,736
Quietest
2 AM
~90 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.9×
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 Conway, MI and Macomb, MI.
1
Start on Heydey Street
244 ft·13 sec·Heydey Street
2
Turn right onto West Conway Road
0.1 mi·24 sec·West Conway Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 31
5.1 mi·8 min·Merritt Street
4
Turn right onto M 68
0.5 mi·45 sec·Chicago Street
5
Continue on M 68
8.8 mi·13 min·M-68
6
Turn left onto M 68
0.9 mi·1 min·South Straits Highway
7
Turn right onto M 68
0.3 mi·31 sec·M-68
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 75 South
9
Merge onto I 75
60 mi·59 min·I 75
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
124 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 75
Toward I 75: Saginaw, Detroit
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23
11 mi·11 min·I 75; US 23
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
33 mi·35 min·I 75
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 81Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, LapeerUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on I 75 BL
0.2 mi·27 sec·I 75 BL
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 BL
0.6 mi·57 sec·I 75 BL
Toward I 75 Business South: Pontiac
16
Turn left
88 ft·3 sec
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left
154 ft·7 sec
18
Continue on Shimmons Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Shimmons Road
19
At end of road, turn left onto Shimmons Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Shimmons Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto North Squirrel Road
0.3 mi·37 sec·North Squirrel Road
21
Turn right onto Tienken Road
3.5 mi·6 min·Tienken Road
Use the right lane.
22
Enter roundabout onto West Tienken Road
128 ft·3 sec·West Tienken Road
23
Continue on West Tienken Road
1.6 mi·3 min·West Tienken Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
24
Enter roundabout onto East Tienken Road
159 ft·5 sec·East Tienken Road
25
Continue on East Tienken Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Tienken Road
26
Enter roundabout onto Runyon Road
150 ft·3 sec·Runyon Road
27
Continue on Runyon Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Runyon Road
28
Continue on 25 Mile Road
6.0 mi·9 min·25 Mile Road
29
Enter roundabout onto 25 Mile Road
150 ft·4 sec·25 Mile Road
30
Continue on 25 Mile Road
0.9 mi·1 min·25 Mile Road
31
Enter roundabout
270 ft·7 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4 hour and 49 minute duration, you have flexibility with your departure time. Aiming for an early start will allow you to avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you approach the Macomb area. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically, perhaps after the longest stretch on I-75. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the longest uninterrupted stretch on I-75 is substantial; it's wise to refuel before embarking on this segment if your tank is low. The $41 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always good to have a little extra.
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 130 miles from Conway, MI, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 227.7 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 57 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130 miles or 2h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macomb, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Conway, 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 Conway, MI
This is one driving day of about 260 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Conway, 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 75 for about 227.7 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 0 and 246.5 — 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|West Conway Road
Turn right onto West Conway Road
Navigation decision point
5
15.7 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the ramp toward I 75 South
Navigation decision point
Toward I 75 South
6
75.9 mi into trip|~1h 25m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75: Saginaw, Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75: Saginaw, Detroit
8
243.7 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer
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 81
Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer
6
246.5 mi into trip|~4h 26m in|Tienken Road
Turn right onto Tienken Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.40 one way
$76.79 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$42.39
$84.78
premium
$4.72
$48.27
$96.55
diesel
$4.80
$49.09
$98.19
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78
0
$27.30
$12.48
Efficient EV
65
0
$22.75
$10.40
EV Truck/SUV
104
1
$36.40
$16.64
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Conway, MI
Afternoon
in Conway on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:56AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:01AM EDT until July 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Destination
Macomb, MI
Afternoon
in Macomb on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 7 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:56AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:01AM EDT until July 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
80°F
Worth, MI
130 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 49m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 an 88% highway-focused drive for most of this 260-mile route. The majority of your time will be spent on I-75, including one uninterrupted stretch of 227.7 miles. While the bulk of the journey is on high-speed roads, there's a brief transition to M-68 and 25 Mile Road closer to your destination. This means you'll experience a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip, with only minor changes in road type towards the end.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 227.7 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and M-68. You will hit about 24 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Conway Road.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 260 miles you will encounter 24 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 (West Conway Road): Navigation decision point; at 15.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 75.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,289 ft592 ft
Total Climb
1,137 ft
Total Descent
1,117 ft
Highest Point
1,289 ft
~74.3 mi in
Elevation Range
698 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Conway, MI and Macomb, MI, road signs point toward Detroit, M 24: Pontiac and Lapeer.
Detroit
75.9 mi in|~1h 25m|via I 75
M 24: Pontiac
243.7 mi in|~4h 18m
Lapeer
243.7 mi in|~4h 18m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 260 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 227.7 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Macomb, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Conway Road): Navigation decision point; at 15.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 75.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Macomb, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
