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Trip from Croton, MI to Flint, MI

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

Drive Time

2h 47m

Distance

128.2 mi

206 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 41m

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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township in Newaygo County, Michigan

Croton, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 128.2-mile drive from Croton, MI to Flint, MI, will take approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate via I-75, Howard City Edmore Road, and Gratiot Road, with about 28% of the journey on highways. Budget around $20 for fuel for this journey. The route offers a mix of driving experiences and is well-suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Given that both the origin and destination are within the Midwest region of Michigan, you can expect a familiar driving landscape.

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

64.1 miles from Croton, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 23.2 mi 24m
Howard City Edmore Road 21 mi 29m
Gratiot Road 16.7 mi 19m
West Monroe Road 11 mi 15m
East Monroe Road 10.4 mi 14m
UAW Freeway 10 mi 10m
Howard City Edmore Road Northeast 9.1 mi 12m
East 88th Street 4 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 23.2 mi, about 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Croton, MI and Flint, MI.

1

Start on Croton Hardy Drive

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Croton Hardy Drive
2

Turn left

1.3 mi · 1 min
3

Continue on this road

420 ft · 6 sec · this road
4

Keep slight right at fork onto South Elm Avenue

2.0 mi · 2 min · South Elm Avenue
5

Turn left onto M 82

4.0 mi · 5 min · East 88th Street
6

Continue on M 82

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 82
7

Continue on M 82

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Howard City Edmore Road
8

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward US 131 North: Cadillac
9

Merge onto US 131; M 46

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 131; M 46
10

Take the exit onto M 46

0.5 mi · 1 min · M 46
Toward M 46
11

Turn right onto M 46

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Edgar Road
12

Continue on M 46

21 mi · 29 min · Howard City Edmore Road
13

Continue on M 46

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Howard City-Edmore Road
14

Continue on M 46

1.3 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
15

Continue on M 46

9.1 mi · 12 min · Howard City Edmore Road Northeast
16

Continue on M 46

0.5 mi · 37 sec · Northwest Monroe Road
17

Continue on M 46

11 mi · 15 min · West Monroe Road
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 127 BUS; M 46

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Washington Avenue
19

Continue on M 46

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Washington Street
20

Continue on M 46

5.4 mi · 7 min · East Monroe Road
21

Continue on M 46

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Saginaw Street
22

Continue on M 46

5.0 mi · 7 min · East Monroe Road
23

Continue on M 46

1.2 mi · 1 min · Gratiot Road
24

Continue on M 46

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Saginaw Street
25

Continue on M 46

0.4 mi · 48 sec · East Saginaw Street
26

Continue on M 46

4.1 mi · 4 min · Gratiot Road
27

Continue on M 46

0.2 mi · 11 sec · North Saginaw Street
28

Continue on M 46

0.6 mi · 38 sec · West Saginaw Street
29

Continue on M 46

11 mi · 13 min · Gratiot Road
30

Continue on M 46

1.2 mi · 1 min · Gratiot Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
31

Turn right onto M 46

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Stephens Street
32

Continue on M 46

464 ft · 6 sec · Rust Street
33

Continue on M 46

1.6 mi · 2 min · Rust Avenue Bridge
34

Continue on M 46

0.3 mi · 23 sec · South Warren Avenue
35

Turn right onto M 46

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Holland Avenue
Use the right lane.
36

Enter roundabout

238 ft · 13 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
37

Continue

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
38

Merge onto I 75; US 23

23 mi · 24 min · I 75; US 23
39

Keep slight right at fork onto I 475

10.0 mi · 10 min · UAW Freeway
Exit 125 Toward I 475: Downtown Flint
40

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 7 Toward M 21
41

Continue on Chavez Drive

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Chavez Drive
42

Turn right onto M 21

0.2 mi · 31 sec · East Court Street
Use the right lane.
43

Turn left

68 ft · 6 sec
44

Turn right

93 ft · 6 sec
45

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this relatively short, 2-hour and 47-minute drive, you have the advantage of flexibility. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in both Croton and Flint. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the 128.2 miles as needed, perhaps after the longest stretch on I-75. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $20, and plan your refueling accordingly. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for the frequent turns that characterize the local road segments.

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 64.1 miles from Croton, MI, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.2 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 28 miles or 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.1 miles or 1h 30m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Croton, 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 Croton, MI

This is one driving day of about 128.2 miles and 2h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Croton, 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 23.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Nelson, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nelson, MI

64 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.

Popular next leg

Nelson, MI to Flint, MI

57.1 mi · 1h 12m

Pacing Suggestions

Edmore, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Breckenridge, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.1 miles from Croton, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Stardust Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 91.6

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19897936300

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 128.2

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 128.2

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Two Story Outhouse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 36.6

Cedar Lake, Michigan

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 128.2

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 119.1

Flint, Michigan

Hours: Closed

+18107367100

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 91.9 and 127.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
91.9 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in | M 46 / East Holland Avenue

Turn right onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
94 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Enter roundabout toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
6
117.5 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in | I 475 / UAW Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 475 / UAW Freeway toward I 475: Downtown Flint

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 125 Toward I 475: Downtown Flint
5
127.5 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in

Take the exit toward M 21

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 7 Toward M 21
6
127.9 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | M 21 / East Court Street

Turn right onto M 21 / East Court Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.04 one way

$40.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.01 $44.01
premium $4.89 $24.67 $49.34
diesel $5.61 $28.30 $56.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.5 0 $13.46 $6.15
Efficient EV 32.1 0 $11.22 $5.13
EV Truck/SUV 51.3 0 $17.95 $8.20

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 18, 2026

Origin

Croton, MI

Late night in Croton on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Flint, MI

Late night in Flint on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

W 17 mph 65% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 11:50AM EDT until April 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 11:31AM EDT until April 21 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI

46°F

Nelson, MI

64 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

20 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 47m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for much of this 128.2-mile route. While 28% of your travel will be on highways, the majority of the journey involves navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.2 miles on I-75, offering a brief period of faster travel before you transition back to more varied road conditions. This profile suggests a drive where you'll be actively managing turns and varying speeds, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.

Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.2 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 91.9 miles in near M 46 / East Holland Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 128.2 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 91.9 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 94 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.5 miles (I 475 / UAW Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Croton, MI to Flint, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 46 along the way.

M 46

11.9 mi in | ~16m | via M 46

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 47m. Total distance: 128.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 23.2 miles on I 75. 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 Flint, 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 91.9 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 94 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.5 miles (I 475 / UAW Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Flint, 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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