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Trip from Fennville, MI to Detroit, 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 24m

Distance

172.8 mi

278 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Fennville, MI, MI

Fennville, MI

fish socks

Downtown Detroit, MI, MI

Detroit, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 172.8-mile drive from Fennville, MI, to Detroit, MI, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. You'll primarily navigate on I-94 and M-14, with some local road sections contributing to the total journey. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest route is around $26. With only one recommended stop, this drive offers a straightforward path, making it a practical option for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently within Michigan.

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

86.4 miles from Fennville, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 66.8 mi 1h 11m
M 14 22.2 mi 23m
Lincoln Road 13.4 mi 16m
Jeffries Freeway (Express) 10.6 mi 11m
I 96 9.2 mi 9m
M 89 9 mi 10m
124th Avenue 8.1 mi 11m
West Michigan Avenue 6.1 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 66.8 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fennville, MI and Detroit, MI.

1

Start on Sherman Street

135 ft · 6 sec · Sherman Street
2

Turn right onto M 89

0.4 mi · 48 sec · East Main Street
3

Continue on M 89

8.1 mi · 11 min · 124th Avenue
4

Turn right onto M 40; M 89

5.8 mi · 7 min · Lincoln Road
5

Continue on M 40; M 89

0.5 mi · 33 sec · Western Avenue
6

Continue on M 40; M 89

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Cutler Street
7

Turn right onto M 40; M 89

0.1 mi · 9 sec · North Cedar Street
8

Enter roundabout onto M 89

191 ft · 3 sec · Marshall Street
9

Continue on M 89

1.5 mi · 1 min · Marshall Street
10

Continue on M 89

7.6 mi · 8 min · Lincoln Road
11

Continue on M 89

1.6 mi · 1 min · West Allegan Street
12

Continue on M 89

1.5 mi · 1 min · M-89
13

Continue on M 89

0.9 mi · 1 min · Allegan Street
14

Continue on M 89; M 43

0.8 mi · 2 min · East Bridge Street
15

Continue on M 89; M 43

4.5 mi · 6 min · Jackson Road
16

Continue on M 89; M 43

1.1 mi · 1 min · M 89; M 43
17

Continue on M 89; M 43

3.2 mi · 3 min · East Richplain Drive
18

Continue on M 89; M 43

1.2 mi · 1 min · East C Avenue
19

Turn right onto M 89

1.0 mi · 1 min · North 32nd Street
20

Turn left onto M 89

0.5 mi · 33 sec · East D Avenue
21

Continue on M 89

8.0 mi · 9 min · M 89
22

Continue on M 89

0.2 mi · 17 sec · M-89
23

Continue on M 89

6.1 mi · 10 min · West Michigan Avenue
24

Turn right onto M 89

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Washington Avenue
25

Turn left onto West Hamblin Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Hamblin Avenue
26

Continue on I 94 BL

352 ft · 8 sec · Hamblin Street
27

Turn right onto I 94 BL

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Michigan Avenue
28

Turn right onto I 94 BL

55 ft · 4 sec · I 94 BL
29

Continue on I 94 BL; M 96

0.1 mi · 7 sec · East Columbia Avenue
30

Merge onto I 94 BL; M 96

3.1 mi · 3 min · East Michigan Avenue
31

Turn sharp left onto I 94 BL; M 311

349 ft · 6 sec · 11 Mile Road
32

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
33

Merge onto I 94

67 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 94
34

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

4.7 mi · 5 min · M 14
Exit 171 Toward M 14: Plymouth
35

Keep right at fork onto M 14

2.4 mi · 2 min · M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
36

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

15 mi · 16 min · M 14
Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Continue on I 96

9.2 mi · 9 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

11 mi · 11 min · Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 75 North, M 10: Flint, Downtown
40

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 75 North: Flint Use the slight left lane.
41

Merge onto I 75

0.8 mi · 1 min · Fisher Freeway
42

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 50 Toward Grand River Avenue Use the slight right lane.
43

Continue on Fisher Drive West

442 ft · 16 sec · Fisher Drive West
Use the straight lane.
44

Turn right onto M 5

0.5 mi · 1 min · Grand River Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
45

Turn right onto Griswold Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Griswold Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
46

Turn left onto Michigan Avenue

341 ft · 15 sec · Michigan Avenue
47

Turn right onto Woodward Avenue

179 ft · 6 sec · Woodward Avenue
Use the right lane.
48

Continue on Woodward Avenue

124 ft · 8 sec · Woodward Avenue
49

Continue on Woodward Avenue

231 ft · 14 sec · Woodward Avenue
50

Turn right onto Cadillac Square

126 ft · 4 sec · Cadillac Square
51

Arrive at destination

Cadillac Square

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, starting your journey from Fennville in the morning allows ample time to reach Detroit without feeling rushed. The $26 fuel cost is modest, but it’s always wise to ensure you have a full tank before departing, especially considering the longest stretch is 66.8 miles on I-94. Plan for your single recommended stop strategically along I-94 to break up the drive. Pay close attention to the transitions between the main highways like I-94 and M-14, and the local roads like Lincoln Road, as these are where you'll need to be most aware of your navigation.

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 86.4 miles from Fennville, MI, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 38 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.4 miles or 1h 47m 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 47m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fennville, 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 Fennville, MI

This is one driving day of about 172.8 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Fennville, 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 66.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Oak Park, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Park, MI

86 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

Kalamazoo, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Michigan Center, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.4 miles from Fennville, 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 66.8 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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.8

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

1.8 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 172.8

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Mezzo Coffee House & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Otsego, Michigan

0.2 mi

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+13132282880

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 49.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 4:30 am–9 pm

+12692820451

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.7

Plainwell, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12698952090

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 98.8

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15177809558

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 98.8

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

Joe and Rosie Coffee and Tea

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.4

Dexter, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17342532344

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.8

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13133383515

Visit website

Mezzo Coffee House & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.7

Otsego, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+12696941545

Visit website

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18888669091

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 148.1

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17344046349

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 148.1

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17342598580

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 148.1

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

Anna’s Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13133649143

Visit website

Detroit Rolling Pub

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–10:30 pm

+13137105156

Visit website

Beacon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668250

Visit website

Detroit Riverwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13133960217

Visit website

Ze Mound

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.8

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

Windsor Sculpture Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 172.8

Windsor, Ontario

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15192531812

Visit website

Willistead Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 172.8

Windsor, Ontario

Hours: 7 am–9:30 pm

+15192532300

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 27

5 decision points cluster between mile 61.2 and 171.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
61.2 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 94 East: Detroit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 94 East: Detroit
9
135.3 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
7
159.6 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)

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

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 96 Express: Downtown
7
170.5 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Flint

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 75 North: Flint
7
171.7 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in

Take the exit toward Grand River Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 50 Toward Grand River Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.02 one way

$54.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.66 $59.32
premium $4.89 $33.25 $66.51
diesel $5.61 $38.15 $76.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.8 0 $18.14 $8.29
Efficient EV 43.2 0 $15.12 $6.91
EV Truck/SUV 69.1 0 $24.19 $11.06

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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

Fennville, MI

Evening in Fennville on Sunday

Local time

7:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Detroit, MI

Evening in Detroit on Sunday

Local time

7:33 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

11 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

3h 24m 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 turn-heavy local drive with 51% of the route on highways. While there's a substantial 66.8-mile stretch on I-94, the overall character involves navigating through various road types, including M-14 and Lincoln Road. This means you'll experience a mix of faster-paced highway driving and more intricate local road sections as you make your way across Michigan. The road will feel like it's constantly changing, requiring your attention to different speed limits and turning maneuvers.

Only 51% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.8 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 61.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 172.8 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 61.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 135.3 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.6 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): 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.

Between Fennville, MI and Detroit, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.

M 14: Plymouth

128.2 mi in | ~2h 32m | via M 14

M 14 East

132.9 mi in | ~2h 37m | via M 14

M 14 East: Plymouth

135.3 mi in | ~2h 40m | via M 14

Livonia

135.3 mi in | ~2h 40m | via M 14

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 172.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.8 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 Detroit, 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 61.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 135.3 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.6 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): 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 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Detroit, 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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Explore more options from Fennville, MI or browse trips ending in Detroit, MI.

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