Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Trip from Detroit, MI to Jerome, MI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 4, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 54m
Distance
85.2 mi
137 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 46m
★
6 AM
1h 54m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Detroit, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Jerome, MI
Gera Cejas
Trip Overview
Detroit, MI to Jerome, MI is 85.2 miles and takes about 1h 54m via West Michigan Avenue and US-12, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, primarily traversing Michigan. The route offers a mix of highway and surface roads, making it a straightforward drive for a single day. Consider this option if you're looking for a relatively short trip between two points in Michigan without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.6 miles from Detroit, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| West Michigan Avenue | 34.4 mi | 50m |
| Detroit Industrial Expressway | 28.7 mi | 30m |
| US-12 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| Chicago Road | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| Edsel Ford Freeway | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| John C Lodge Freeway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Jerome Road North | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| West Jefferson Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
West Michigan Avenue
— 34.4 mi, about 50m
Traffic on I-94
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,082 veh/hr typical · worst 4,934
Quietest
2 AM
~558 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 105 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 Detroit, MI and Jerome, MI.
1
Start on Cadillac Square
313 ft
·
14 sec
·
Cadillac Square
2
Turn right onto Bates Street
247 ft
·
7 sec
·
Bates Street
3
Turn right onto East Congress Street
0.1 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Congress Street
4
Turn left onto Griswold Street
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
Griswold Street
5
Turn right onto M 10
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Jefferson Avenue
6
Continue on M 10
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
John C Lodge Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 4B
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 94
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Edsel Ford Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 94
19 mi
·
20 min
·
Detroit Industrial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Detroit Industrial Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 181A
Toward US 12 West: Saline
Use the right lane.
12
Merge onto US 12
34 mi
·
50 min
·
West Michigan Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on US 12
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
US-12
14
Continue on US 12
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Chicago Road
15
Turn left onto Jerome Road North
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Jerome Road North
16
Arrive at destination
Jerome Road North
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip of under two hours, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Detroit in the morning allows you to arrive in Jerome with plenty of daylight. The $13 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you go. Given the relatively short duration, you might not need extensive rest stops, but it's always wise to take a break if you feel tired. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between West Michigan Avenue and US-12 to ensure you're on the most direct path.
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 42.6 miles from Detroit, MI, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.4 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 19 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.6 miles or 52m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jerome, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Detroit, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Detroit, MI
This is one driving day of about 85.2 miles and 1h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Detroit, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on West Michigan Avenue for about 34.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 42.6 miles from Detroit, 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Belleville Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 36.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Bates Street
Turn right onto Bates Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Griswold Street
Turn left onto Griswold Street
Navigation decision point
7
3.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 4B
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
6
26.7 mi into trip
|
~32m 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.
7
36.7 mi into trip
|
~43m in
Take the exit toward US 12 West: Saline
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 181A
Toward US 12 West: Saline
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.21 one way
$26.42 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $14.48 | $28.97 |
| premium | $4.93 | $16.53 | $33.06 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $18.78 | $37.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.6 | 0 | $8.95 | $4.09 |
| Efficient EV | 21.3 | 0 | $7.46 | $3.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.1 | 0 | $11.93 | $5.45 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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.
Origin
Detroit, MI
Morning in Detroit on Friday
Local time
6:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jerome, MI
Morning in Jerome on Friday
Local time
6:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
22 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
1h 54m 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?
About half of this 85.2-mile drive is on highways, with the other half on surface roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 34.4 miles on West Michigan Avenue. Expect to transition from faster-paced highway driving to more local surface roads as you approach your destination. The profile suggests a mixed experience, so be prepared for varying speed limits and traffic patterns.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.4 mi on West Michigan Avenue.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Bates Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85.2 miles you will encounter 10 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: at 0.1 miles (Bates Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Griswold Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,123 ft
579 ft
Total Climb
545 ft
Total Descent
20 ft
Highest Point
1,123 ft
~85.2 mi in
Elevation Range
545 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Detroit, MI
Full guide →“The D” · Founded 1701
Detroit is a major metropolis in the US state of Michigan that has had a profound impact on the world. From the advent of the automotive assembly line to the Motown sound, modern techno and rock music, Detroit continues to shape both American and global culture. The city has seen many of its historic buildings renovated, and is bustling with new developments and attractions that complement its world-class museums and theatres. After a long economic slump and decrease in population, Detroit has developed a reputation for crime and urban decline, but revitalization means that it is an exciting destination filled with technological advance and historic charm.
Top landmarks
- • Detroit Institute of Arts — art museum in Detroit, Michigan
- • Michigan Central Station — historic former railroad station in Detroit, Michigan
- • Fisher Building — skyscraper in Detroit, Michigan, United States, including the Fisher Theater
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 1h 54m. Total distance: 85.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 34.4 miles on West Michigan Avenue. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 Jerome, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Bates Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Griswold Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Jerome, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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