Detroit to North Branch is 77.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 44 minutes via M 53, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, moving from the Midwest region to the Midwest region. The majority of the drive utilizes surface roads, offering a more local perspective than a pure interstate experience. With only one day recommended for this route, it's well-suited for a quick excursion or a straightforward commute. Consider this drive if you're looking for a direct path without extensive highway time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.6 miles from Detroit, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
M 53
24.2 mi
30m
North Van Dyke Road
19.4 mi
26m
Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
16.4 mi
18m
North Branch Road
5.3 mi
7m
Metropolitan Parkway
3.3 mi
4m
Van Dyke Avenue
2.2 mi
3m
East Big Beaver Road
2 mi
3m
South Cedar Street
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
M 53
— 24.2 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Detroit, MI and North Branch, MI.
1
Start on Cadillac Square
0.1 mi·28 sec·Cadillac Square
2
Continue on Cadillac Square
97 ft·3 sec·Cadillac Square
Toward M 3 NorthUse the left lane.
3
Turn slight left onto M 3
0.2 mi·38 sec·Randolph Street
4
Turn right onto Monroe Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Monroe Street
Use the right lane.
5
At end of road, turn left onto Chrysler Drive
34 ft·1 sec·Chrysler Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
7
Merge onto I 375
16 mi·18 min·Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Toward I 75 North: FlintUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward Rochester RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto Rochester Road
0.2 mi·18 sec·Rochester Road
Use the right lane.
10
Turn right onto East Big Beaver Road
2.0 mi·3 min·East Big Beaver Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on Metropolitan Parkway
3.1 mi·4 min·Metropolitan Parkway
12
Continue on Metropolitan Parkway
0.1 mi·22 sec·Metropolitan Parkway
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto M 53
2.2 mi·3 min·Van Dyke Avenue
Use the right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto M 53
24 mi·30 min·M 53
Toward M 53 North: Imlay CityUse the right lane.
15
Turn left onto M 53
5.6 mi·7 min·North Van Dyke Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on M 53
1.6 mi·2 min·South Cedar Street
17
Continue on M 53
0.6 mi·1 min·North Cedar Street
18
Continue on M 53
14 mi·18 min·North Van Dyke Road
19
Turn left onto M 90
5.3 mi·7 min·North Branch Road
20
Continue on M 90
0.7 mi·1 min·Huron Street
21
Arrive at destination
M 90
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1 hour 44 minute duration, this is a flexible same-day trip. You could easily depart Detroit mid-morning and arrive in North Branch with plenty of time to spare. Because the drive is under 100 miles and doesn't require overnight stays, you have the freedom to leave when it's most convenient. The longest stretch without a significant break is 24.2 miles on M 53, so plan a quick stop before or after that segment if you prefer. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, it’s an economical option for getting from point A to point B.
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 38.6 miles from Detroit, MI, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.2 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 17 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.6 miles or 51m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Branch, 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 77.2 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Detroit, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on M 53 for about 24.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 25.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip|~2m in|Chrysler Drive
At end of road, turn left onto Chrysler Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in|I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge onto I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway toward I 75 North: Flint
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
7
17.3 mi into trip|~21m in
Take the exit toward Rochester Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 67
Toward Rochester Road
6
17.7 mi into trip|~22m in|Rochester Road
Turn right onto Rochester Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
25.4 mi into trip|~34m in|M 53
Keep slight right at fork onto M 53 toward M 53 North: Imlay City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward M 53 North: Imlay City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.07 one way
$24.14 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$13.25
$26.50
premium
$4.89
$14.86
$29.71
diesel
$5.61
$17.04
$34.09
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.2
0
$8.11
$3.71
Efficient EV
19.3
0
$6.76
$3.09
EV Truck/SUV
30.9
0
$10.81
$4.94
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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 20, 2026
Origin
Detroit, MI
Morning
in Detroit on Tuesday
Local time
11:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
29°F
Mostly Clear
NW 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 3:15AM EDT until April 20 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:29AM EDT until April 20 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
Destination
North Branch, MI
Morning
in North Branch on Tuesday
Local time
11:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
33 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
1h 44m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 77.2-mile drive features a 25% highway share, meaning much of your time will be spent on surface roads. You'll experience the longest stretch of continuous driving on M 53, covering 24.2 miles. Expect to transition from freeway driving to more local streets as you progress. The profile indicates mostly surface roads, so anticipate navigating through towns and potentially encountering more traffic signals than you would on an interstate.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 24.2 mi on M 53.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near Chrysler Drive.
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 77.2 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.7 miles (Chrysler Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
On the drive from Detroit, MI to North Branch, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 53 North: Imlay City along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 77.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 24.2 miles on M 53. 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 North Branch, 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 0.7 miles (Chrysler Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.3 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 North Branch, MI before heading back.
