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Trip from Detroit, MI to Union, MI

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

Drive Time

3h 25m

Distance

182.7 mi

294 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 14m ★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 19m

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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Downtown Detroit, MI, MI

Detroit, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Union, MI, MI

Union, MI

Sebastián Casimiro

Trip Overview

This 182.7-mile drive from Detroit, MI to Union, MI, is a solid option for a single-day road trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 25 minutes. You'll primarily be on highways, with 82% of the journey utilizing them, making it a straightforward, highway-focused experience. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is about $29. Given the relatively short duration and highway nature, it’s very manageable as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The drive is designed for efficient travel between these two Michigan points.

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

91.4 miles from Detroit, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 97.2 mi 1h 44m
US-131 25.8 mi 29m
M 14 22.8 mi 24m
Jeffries Freeway (Express) 14.5 mi 15m
US-12 6.1 mi 8m
Jeffries Freeway 4.8 mi 5m
Riverside Drive 4.6 mi 6m
Constantine Bypass 3.1 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 97.2 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Detroit, MI and Union, 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

0.8 mi · 1 min · John C Lodge Freeway
7

Take the exit

318 ft · 7 sec
Exit 2A Toward I 75: Toledo, Flint Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 2 min
Toward I 75 South: Toledo Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 96 West: Lansing Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 96

4.8 mi · 5 min · Jeffries Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

14 mi · 15 min · Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on M 14

17 mi · 18 min · M 14
13

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

5.4 mi · 5 min · M 14
Exit 45 Toward M 14: Ann Arbor Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 94

97 mi · 1 hr 44 min · I 94
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
16

Merge onto US 131

26 mi · 29 min · US-131
17

Continue on US 131

3.1 mi · 4 min · Constantine Bypass
18

Turn right onto Riverside Drive

4.6 mi · 6 min · Riverside Drive
19

Turn right onto US 12

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Chicago Road
20

Continue on US 12

0.3 mi · 22 sec · West Chicago Road
21

Continue on US 12

6.1 mi · 8 min · US-12
22

Arrive at destination

US 12

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 25-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Detroit to maximize your time at your destination. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 97.2 miles on I-94, you can easily complete this trip without needing to split it. Plan for a fuel stop before you leave Detroit or be mindful of the $29 fuel cost, as services can be spread out on longer highway segments. The highway-focused nature means you can maintain a consistent pace, but always be aware of changing traffic conditions, especially as you approach more populated areas.

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 91.4 miles from Detroit, MI, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.2 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 40 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 91.4 miles or 1h 41m 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 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, 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.

+

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 Detroit, MI

This is one driving day of about 182.7 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Detroit, 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 94 for about 97.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Michigan Center, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Michigan Center, MI

91 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Michigan Center, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 91.4 miles from Detroit, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.2 miles.

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.

Top Restaurant

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, MI

0.6 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Detroit, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.5

Battle Creek, MI

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12699793918

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.5

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237508

Visit website

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.5

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+13132282880

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Marshall, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12697814806

Visit website

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13133383515

Visit website

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18888669091

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.1

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17344046349

Visit website

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.1

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.5

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12699791944

Visit website

Anna’s Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13133649143

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13138161440

Visit website

Detroit Rolling Pub

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–10:30 pm

+13137105156

Visit website

Beacon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668250

Visit website

Detroit Riverwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13133960217

Visit website

Ze Mound

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

Windsor Sculpture Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Windsor, Ontario

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15192531812

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 39.2

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

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 1.4 and 39.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 75: Toledo, Flint

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 2A Toward I 75: Toledo, Flint
7
1.5 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 South: Toledo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 South: Toledo
7
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 96 West: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 96 West: Lansing
6
8 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
39.9 mi into trip | ~46m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14: Ann Arbor

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 45 Toward M 14: Ann Arbor

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.56 one way

$57.13 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 64 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.36 $62.72
premium $4.89 $35.16 $70.32
diesel $5.61 $40.34 $80.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 54.8 0 $19.18 $8.77
Efficient EV 45.7 0 $15.99 $7.31
EV Truck/SUV 73.1 0 $25.58 $11.69

Gas CO2

64 kg

EV CO2

21 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 15, 2026

Origin

Detroit, MI

Night in Detroit on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Union, MI

Night in Union on Saturday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 25m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with a significant 82% of the drive being on interstates and major roads like I-94, US-131, and M-14. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 97.2 miles on I-94, offering a good period of consistent cruising. While largely highway-focused, the route transitions between these main arteries, providing some variation in the driving landscape. It’s designed for steady progress rather than winding backroads.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.2 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US-131. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 182.7 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 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Union, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 14: Ann Arbor along the way.

M 14: Ann Arbor

39.9 mi in | ~46m | via M 14

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 182.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97.2 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Union, 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 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Union, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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