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Trip from Flat Rock, MI to Flint, MI

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

Drive Time

1h 39m

Distance

86.5 mi

139 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 32m ★
6 AM
1h 39m
8 AM
1h 54m
10 AM
1h 45m
12 PM
1h 43m
3 PM
1h 45m
5 PM
1h 53m
8 PM
1h 35m

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 Flat Rock, MI, MI

Flat Rock, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

Connecting Flat Rock to Flint covers 86.5 miles, making this a straightforward journey that fits easily into a single day. You will spend about 1 hour and 39 minutes on the road, utilizing a combination of I-275, US-23, and I-96 to navigate the Midwest corridor. Budgeting approximately $13 for fuel should cover your trip comfortably, assuming standard vehicle efficiency. Since the entire route stays within Michigan, you won't experience significant regional transitions, keeping the travel environment consistent throughout. This drive is ideal for those looking for a quick, efficient connection between these two points without the need for an overnight stop. Whether you are heading out for business or visiting family, the predictability of this path makes it a reliable choice for your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.3 miles from Flat Rock, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 275 38.9 mi 41m
US 23 31.8 mi 34m
I 96 6 mi 6m
Will Carleton Road 4.1 mi 6m
Chevrolet-Buick Freeway 2.1 mi 2m
West Fifth Street 0.3 mi <1m
South Grand Traverse Street 0.3 mi <1m
Telegraph Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 275 — 38.9 mi, about 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Flat Rock, MI and Flint, MI.

1

Start on Seneca Street

382 ft · 19 sec · Seneca Street
2

Turn right onto East Huron River Drive

332 ft · 20 sec · East Huron River Drive
3

Turn left onto US 24

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Telegraph Road
4

Turn right onto Will Carleton Road

4.1 mi · 6 min · Will Carleton Road
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 275 North: Flint Use the right lane.
6

Merge onto I 275

39 mi · 41 min · I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 96

6.0 mi · 6 min · I 96
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 11 sec
Exit 148A; 147; 147B Toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spencer Road, Flint Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 54 sec
Exit 148B Toward US 23 North: Flint Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto US 23

32 mi · 34 min · US 23
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 69: Lansing, Port Huron Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward I 69: Lansing, Flint, Port Huron
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 69 East: Flint, Port Huron
14

Merge onto I 69

2.1 mi · 2 min · Chevrolet-Buick Freeway
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward Saginaw Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
16

Turn left onto South Grand Traverse Street

0.3 mi · 36 sec · South Grand Traverse Street
17

Turn right onto M 21

0.3 mi · 48 sec · West Fifth Street
18

Turn left onto Harrison Street

382 ft · 20 sec · Harrison Street
19

Turn left onto M 21

235 ft · 9 sec · East Court Street
20

Turn left

68 ft · 6 sec
21

Turn right

93 ft · 6 sec
22

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 39-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak rush hours on these major interstates will make for a smoother experience. Because the trip is relatively quick, you likely won't require formal rest stops, but keeping the $13 fuel budget in mind is a good practice before you leave. Since you are spending nearly the entire time on highways like US-23 and I-96, stay alert for lane changes and typical heavy-truck traffic common on these primary transit arteries. A helpful tip for this specific route is to check traffic reports for I-275 before you depart, as that initial 38.9-mile stretch can experience significant congestion during busy travel periods.

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 43.3 miles from Flat Rock, MI, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.9 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 19 miles or 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.3 miles or 49m 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 22m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Flat Rock, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Flat Rock, MI

This is one driving day of about 86.5 miles and 1h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Flat Rock, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 275 for about 38.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Northville, MI

43 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

Romulus, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

South Lyon, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.3 miles from Flat Rock, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 Coffee Stop

North End Coffee Cafe Bake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fenton, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.2

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+18102080665

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brighton, Michigan

1.3 mi

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Michigan

1.6 mi

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.9

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12489578019

Visit website

North End Coffee Cafe Bake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.2

Fenton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+18102080665

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 49.5

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18102272233

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.7

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17342598580

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.7

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

BakeCurry Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 30.9

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12484828747

Joe's Coffee & Tea Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.9

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12485333355

Visit website

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 49.5

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Kenz Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 18.5

Canton Township, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17348922597

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 86.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 86.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 68

Fenton, Michigan

Hours: 12–5 pm

+18102151088

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 30.9

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 80.4

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 86.5

Burton, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+18107367100

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 37.1

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 37.1

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+12483740200

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.4 and 82.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.4 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp toward I 275 North: Flint

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 275 North: Flint
8
49.8 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spencer Road, 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; 147; 147B Toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spe...
8
49.9 mi into trip | ~57m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 23 North: Flint

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 148B Toward US 23 North: Flint
7
82.5 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in

Take the exit toward I 69: Lansing, Port Huron

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 69: Lansing, Port Huron
7
82.7 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 69: Lansing, Flint, Port Huron

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 69: Lansing, Flint, Port Huron

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.52 one way

$27.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.85 $29.70
premium $4.89 $16.65 $33.29
diesel $5.61 $19.10 $38.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26 0 $9.08 $4.15
Efficient EV 21.6 0 $7.57 $3.46
EV Truck/SUV 34.6 0 $12.11 $5.54

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 17, 2026

Origin

Flat Rock, MI

Morning in Flat Rock on Sunday

Local time

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Flint, MI

Morning in Flint on Sunday

Local time

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Widespread Fog then Partly Sunny

SE 1 to 8 mph 0% chance 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

23 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 39m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 91% of your drive takes place on major interstates. The journey settles into a rhythm quickly, with your longest uninterrupted stretch lasting 38.9 miles along I-275. Because this is primarily an interstate transit, you should anticipate a consistent, fast-paced flow of traffic rather than technical or winding local roads. The character of the drive is utilitarian and efficient, designed to move you from Flat Rock to Flint with minimal deviation. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel at highway speeds, so prepare for a steady, monotonous pace that prioritizes speed over scenic detours.

91% 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: 38.9 mi on I 275.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 275 and US 23. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.5 miles you will encounter 19 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 4.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 49.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 86.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 38.9 miles on I 275. 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 Flint, 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 4.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 49.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Flint, MI before heading back.

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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