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Trip from Dearborn, MI to Climax, MI

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 15m

Distance

121.5 mi

196 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 6m ★
6 AM
2h 15m
8 AM
2h 34m
10 AM
2h 22m
12 PM
2h 20m
3 PM
2h 23m
5 PM
2h 33m
8 PM
2h 10m

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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city in Wayne County, Michigan, USA

Dearborn, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Climax, MI, MI

Climax, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 121.5-mile drive from Dearborn, MI, to Climax, MI, is an efficient journey that can be completed in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused experience, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Midwest region. The route predominantly utilizes major expressways, making for a straightforward and predictable drive. You'll find this trip to be a practical choice for getting from point A to point B with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

60.7 miles from Dearborn, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Detroit Industrial Expressway 115.5 mi 2h 3m
Mercury Drive 2.2 mi 2m
Schaefer Road 1.5 mi 2m
North Main Street 0.8 mi 1m
South 44th Street 0.3 mi <1m
East M N Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
West Columbia Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
East Maple Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Detroit Industrial Expressway — 115.5 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 12

79 ft · 8 sec · Michigan Avenue
2

Turn right onto Schaefer Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Schaefer Road
Use the right lane.
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
4

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
5

Merge onto I 94

16 mi · 17 min · Detroit Industrial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94

99 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Detroit Industrial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 92 Toward M-37: Climax, Augusta
8

Turn left onto I 94 BL; M 37

0.2 mi · 15 sec · West Columbia Avenue
9

Continue on Mercury Drive

2.2 mi · 2 min · Mercury Drive
10

Continue on East M N Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · East M N Avenue
11

Turn left onto South 44th Street

0.3 mi · 37 sec · South 44th Street
12

Continue on North Main Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
13

Turn left onto East Maple Street

237 ft · 6 sec · East Maple Street
14

Arrive at destination

East Maple Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2 hour and 15 minute duration, this trip offers flexibility; you can depart at your convenience. There are no designated stops mentioned, so plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps after the longest stretch on the Detroit Industrial Expressway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $19 for the 121.5 miles. Since this is a highway-centric route, it's advisable to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before setting off to maximize efficiency and comfort.

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 60.7 miles from Dearborn, MI, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.5 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 27 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 60.7 miles or 1h 7m 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 48m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, MI

This is one driving day of about 121.5 miles and 2h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Dearborn, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Detroit Industrial Expressway for about 115.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chelsea, MI

61 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

Ann Arbor, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Michigan Center, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.7 miles from Dearborn, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Detroit Industrial Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 10min to go 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

0.5 mi

Zingerman's Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1.1 mi

Best coffee break

Haraz Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dearborn, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13134299888

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

0.1 mi

Hyperion Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ypsilanti, Michigan

1 mi

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237508

Visit website

Zingerman's Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17349296060

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Battle Creek, MI

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12699793918

Visit website

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17342229202

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15176299800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Dearborn, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13134299888

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12699791944

Visit website

Hyperion Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17345475329

Visit website

Qahwah House Coffee - East Dearborn

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Dearborn, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13139084521

Visit website

Black Diesel Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+17344368355

Visit website

Stirling Books & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 12–6 pm

+15176297560

Visit website

Sanaa Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345475696

Venue Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17348229821

Visit website

Zap Zone at BIG Best In Games - Ypsilanti

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+17349306670

Visit website

Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 12–5 pm

+13138983007

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Rolling Hills Water Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12–7 pm

+17344849676

Visit website

Airborne Adventure Park - Taylor, MI

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Taylor, Michigan

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17342252233

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 117.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Schaefer Road

Turn right onto Schaefer Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 94 West: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 94 West: Chicago
5
2 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway

Merge onto I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
18.5 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
117.6 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Take the exit toward M-37: Climax, Augusta

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 92 Toward M-37: Climax, Augusta

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.00 one way

$37.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.86 $41.71
premium $4.89 $23.38 $46.76
diesel $5.61 $26.83 $53.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 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 36.4 0 $12.76 $5.83
Efficient EV 30.4 0 $10.63 $4.86
EV Truck/SUV 48.6 0 $17.01 $7.78

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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 16, 2026

Origin

Dearborn, MI

Late night in Dearborn on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

WSW 13 mph 63% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 2:52PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued April 16 at 1:53PM EDT until April 17 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Destination

Climax, MI

Late night in Climax on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

65°F

Chelsea, MI

61 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

10 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

2h 15m 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 highway-focused experience for 95% of this 121.5-mile journey. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the Detroit Industrial Expressway, including one uninterrupted stretch of 115.5 miles. The route's character is largely defined by its high-speed, efficient travel. While there are brief transitions onto Mercury Drive and Schaefer Road, the dominant feeling is one of steady progress on well-maintained roadways. This drive is designed for covering distance smoothly rather than for leisurely exploration.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 115.5 mi on Detroit Industrial Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Detroit Industrial Expressway and Mercury Drive. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Schaefer Road.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 121.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 (Schaefer Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2 miles (I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting 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 2h 15m. Total distance: 121.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 115.5 miles on Detroit Industrial Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Schaefer Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2 miles (I 94 / Detroit Industrial Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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