Ferry to Ann Arbor is 205.8 miles and takes about 3h 47m via I 96 and US 23, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a mostly highway experience for this drive, making it a straightforward connection between two points. It's a route that prioritizes efficiency, getting you to your destination with minimal fuss. Consider this if you're looking for a direct path with a predictable travel time.
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
102.9 miles from Ferry, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 96
147.1 mi
2h 37m
US 31
29.9 mi
31m
US 23
14.1 mi
15m
East Hayes Road
6.2 mi
8m
US 23 BUS
2.4 mi
3m
West Stony Lake Road
2.3 mi
3m
South 132nd Avenue
0.9 mi
1m
North State Street
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 147.1 mi, about 2h 37m
Traffic on I-96
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 66 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,180 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,789
Quietest
2 AM
~134 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Ferry, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.
1
Start on Main Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto South 132nd Avenue
0.9 mi·1 min·South 132nd Avenue
3
Turn right onto M 20
6.2 mi·8 min·East Hayes Road
4
Continue on M 20
2.3 mi·3 min·West Stony Lake Road
5
Continue on M 20
0.2 mi·18 sec·Garfield Road
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
7
Merge onto US 31
24 mi·24 min·US 31
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 31
6.3 mi·6 min·US 31
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 110AToward I 96: Grand Rapids, LansingUse the straight / right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 96
96 mi·1 hr 43 min·I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
51 mi·54 min·I 96
Toward I 96 East: DetroitUse the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Exit 148A-BToward US 23: Ann Arbor, FlintUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 148AToward US 23 South: Ann ArborUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto US 23
14 mi·15 min·US 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto US 23 BUS
1.5 mi·1 min·US 23 BUS
Exit 45Toward M 14 West: Ann ArborUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 23 BUS
0.9 mi·1 min·US 23 BUS
Exit 3Toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann ArborUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto Depot Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Depot Street
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right
119 ft·6 sec
19
Continue on North State Street
0.6 mi·1 min·North State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Arrive at destination
South State Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 47-minute drive, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential traffic, especially as you approach Ann Arbor. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; however, it's wise to fuel up before starting, as the longest stretch on I 96 is 147.1 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $32, and planning a stop around the halfway point for a quick break is advisable. Since the entire trip can comfortably be done in a single day, you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations.
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 102.9 miles from Ferry, MI, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 147.1 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 45 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.9 miles or 1h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ann Arbor, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ferry, 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 Ferry, MI
This is one driving day of about 205.8 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Ferry, 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 96 for about 147.1 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 40.2 and 202.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
40.2 mi into trip|~46m in
Take the exit toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 110A
Toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
7
136.8 mi into trip|~2h 30m in|I 96
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 East: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
8
187.6 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Take the exit toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 148A-B
Toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint
8
187.9 mi into trip|~3h 25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 148A
Toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor
7
202.3 mi into trip|~3h 40m in|US 23 BUS
Take the exit onto US 23 BUS toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 45
Toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.39 one way
$60.78 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.55
$67.10
premium
$4.72
$38.21
$76.42
diesel
$4.80
$38.86
$77.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.7
0
$21.61
$9.88
Efficient EV
51.5
0
$18.01
$8.23
EV Truck/SUV
82.3
1
$28.81
$13.17
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ferry, MI
Morning
in Ferry on Monday
Local time
7:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 9 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:01AM EDT until July 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 10:41PM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Ann Arbor, MI
Morning
in Ann Arbor on Monday
Local time
7:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 8 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:01AM EDT until July 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 10:41PM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
87°F
Grand Rapids, MI
103 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
2 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 47m 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 drive is predominantly on highways, with 94% of the 205.8 miles covered by them. You'll experience a long stretch of uninterrupted highway driving for 147.1 miles on I 96. The transition to surface roads will occur later in the trip, likely around the end of your time on US 23. Given the high highway percentage, anticipate a consistent cruising speed with frequent exits and entrances as you navigate.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 147.1 mi on I 96.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and US 31. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 40.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 205.8 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 40.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.8 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 187.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
936 ft636 ft
Total Climb
367 ft
Total Descent
206 ft
Highest Point
936 ft
~176.4 mi in
Elevation Range
300 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ferry, MI and Ann Arbor, MI, road signs point toward Lansing and Flint.
Ann Arbor — often abbreviated as AA or A2 — is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities.
Ann Arbor is in Michigan 35 miles (56 km) north of the Ohio border and 45 miles (72 km) west of Detroit, near where the furthest exurban fringes give way to country and small towns. In 2019, the city had a population of about 120,000 people, and thousands of visitors come to town for football games and various festivals.
Top landmarks
•Detroit Observatory — astronomical observatory in Ann Arbor, United States of America
•Kelsey Museum of Archaeology — archaeology museum in Newberry Hall
•Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum — museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 205.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 147.1 miles on I 96. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Ann Arbor, 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 40.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.8 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 187.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Ann Arbor, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
