Ferry to Macomb is 234.8 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I-96, I-69, and I-75, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, connecting two points in the Midwest region. Expect a straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a good candidate for a single-day excursion. The relatively short duration and clear route mean you can focus on getting there efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
117.4 miles from Ferry, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 96
88.7 mi
1h 35m
I 69
51.5 mi
52m
I 75
34.7 mi
37m
US 31
29.9 mi
31m
25 Mile Road
6.9 mi
10m
East Hayes Road
6.2 mi
8m
Tienken Road
3.5 mi
6m
West Stony Lake Road
2.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-96
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,862 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,464
Quietest
2 AM
~105 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.7×
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 Macomb, 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
89 mi·1 hr 35 min·I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the exit
2.5 mi·2 min
Exit 89Toward I 69 East: Flint
12
Merge onto I 69
52 mi·52 min·I 69
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, DetroitUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
15
Merge onto I 75; US 23
1.9 mi·2 min·I 75; US 23
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
33 mi·35 min·I 75
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 81Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, LapeerUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on I 75 BL
0.2 mi·27 sec·I 75 BL
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 BL
0.6 mi·57 sec·I 75 BL
Toward I 75 Business South: Pontiac
20
Turn left
88 ft·3 sec
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left
154 ft·7 sec
22
Continue on Shimmons Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Shimmons Road
23
At end of road, turn left onto Shimmons Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Shimmons Road
24
At end of road, turn left onto North Squirrel Road
0.3 mi·37 sec·North Squirrel Road
25
Turn right onto Tienken Road
3.5 mi·6 min·Tienken Road
Use the right lane.
26
Enter roundabout onto West Tienken Road
128 ft·3 sec·West Tienken Road
27
Continue on West Tienken Road
1.6 mi·3 min·West Tienken Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
28
Enter roundabout onto East Tienken Road
159 ft·5 sec·East Tienken Road
29
Continue on East Tienken Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Tienken Road
30
Enter roundabout onto Runyon Road
150 ft·3 sec·Runyon Road
31
Continue on Runyon Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Runyon Road
32
Continue on 25 Mile Road
6.0 mi·9 min·25 Mile Road
33
Enter roundabout onto 25 Mile Road
150 ft·4 sec·25 Mile Road
34
Continue on 25 Mile Road
0.9 mi·1 min·25 Mile Road
35
Enter roundabout
270 ft·7 sec
36
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated drive time, starting in the morning is your best bet to complete this trip within daylight hours. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break. The fuel cost estimate of $37 suggests planning for one fill-up might be sufficient, but always check your gauge. Pay attention to traffic as you approach the I-75 corridor, as it can become quite busy.
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 117.4 miles from Ferry, MI, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.4 miles or 2h 9m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macomb, 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 234.8 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 88.7 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 40.2 and 221.3 — 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
183.2 mi into trip|~3h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
6
183.5 mi into trip|~3h 18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
8
218.6 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer
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 81
Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer
6
221.3 mi into trip|~4h 3m in|Tienken Road
Turn right onto Tienken Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.67 one way
$69.35 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$38.28
$76.56
premium
$4.72
$43.60
$87.19
diesel
$4.80
$44.33
$88.67
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.4
0
$24.65
$11.27
Efficient EV
58.7
0
$20.55
$9.39
EV Truck/SUV
93.9
1
$32.87
$15.03
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny then Areas Of Smoke
NNW 12 to 16 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 11:19AM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 11:04AM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Macomb, MI
Morning
in Macomb on Monday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 15 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 11:19AM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 11:04AM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
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
6 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
4h 27m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 88% of your time on major highways. The longest continuous stretch on this route is 88.7 miles, primarily on I-96. After this, expect a shift to surface roads as you approach your destination in Macomb. The prevalence of highway driving means you'll encounter a good number of exits and interchanges, especially as you get closer to the Detroit metropolitan area.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.7 mi on I 96.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and I 69. 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 Effort10/10
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 234.8 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 183.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,099 ft592 ft
Total Climb
666 ft
Total Descent
753 ft
Highest Point
1,099 ft
~201.3 mi in
Elevation Range
506 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 Macomb, MI, road signs point toward Lansing, Detroit, M 24: Pontiac and Lapeer.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 234.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.7 miles on I 96. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Macomb, 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 18 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 183.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Macomb, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
