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Trip from Gladwin, MI to Detroit, MI

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 2m

Distance

162.1 mi

261 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 51m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 24m
8 PM
2h 56m

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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city in the U.S. state of Michigan

Gladwin, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Detroit, MI, MI

Detroit, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 162.1-mile drive from Gladwin, MI, to Detroit, MI, is easily manageable as a day trip, typically taking around 3 hours and 2 minutes. Focusing heavily on highways, with 87% share, this route is designed for efficient travel. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is about $25, making it a budget-friendly option for exploring the Midwest. You'll primarily navigate via I-75 and US-10, with a brief section on M-18, offering a direct path into the heart of Michigan's largest metropolitan area. It's a practical choice if you're looking for a no-fuss drive.

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

81 miles from Gladwin, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 110.3 mi 1h 58m
US 10 30.5 mi 30m
M-18 16.9 mi 24m
Ross Street 1 mi 1m
East Cedar Avenue 1 mi 1m
Walter P. Chrysler Freeway 0.7 mi 1m
East Congress Street 0.5 mi 1m
Woodward Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 110.3 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on M 61

1.0 mi · 1 min · East Cedar Avenue
2

Turn left onto M 18

6.8 mi · 9 min · M-18
3

Continue on M 18

1.0 mi · 1 min · Ross Street
4

Continue on M 18

10 mi · 15 min · M-18
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
6

Merge onto US 10

31 mi · 30 min · US 10
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Exit 140A Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Saginaw
8

Merge onto I 75; US 23

36 mi · 38 min · I 75; US 23
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23

11 mi · 11 min · I 75; US 23
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

63 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 375

0.7 mi · 1 min · Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward Jefferson Avenue East Use the slight right lane.
13

Turn straight onto Chrysler Drive

133 ft · 8 sec · Chrysler Drive
14

Turn right onto East Congress Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Congress Street
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right onto Woodward Avenue

449 ft · 19 sec · Woodward Avenue
16

Turn right onto Cadillac Square

126 ft · 4 sec · Cadillac Square
17

Arrive at destination

Cadillac Square

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, this route from Gladwin to Detroit is ideal for a single-day excursion. You have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, but departing earlier in the morning, perhaps before 9 AM, can help you avoid the heaviest traffic as you approach Detroit. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 110.3 miles, you can easily manage your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before entering the busier Detroit area, and plan your refueling stops accordingly to stay within your estimated $25 budget.

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 81 miles from Gladwin, MI, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.3 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 36 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81 miles or 1h 32m 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 28m

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 Gladwin, 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 Gladwin, MI

This is one driving day of about 162.1 miles and 3h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Gladwin, 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 75 for about 110.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flint, MI

81 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

Midland, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flint, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81 miles from Gladwin, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Immortelle

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Troy, Michigan

1.9 mi

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

1.8 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Immortelle

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Troy, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12482509858

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

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

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+13132282880

Visit website

Stardust Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19897936300

Visit website

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

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

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18888669091

Visit website

Anna’s Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

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

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13138161440

Visit website

Alba

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13134624797

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12483077161

Visit website

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18104984909

Visit website

Detroit Rolling Pub

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668250

Visit website

Detroit Riverwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13133960217

Visit website

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 3–10 pm

+12482914305

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12488507182

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 49.8 and 161.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
49.8 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Saginaw

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

Exit 140A Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Saginaw
6
97.4 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
160.5 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
161.2 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in

Take the exit toward Jefferson Avenue East

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Jefferson Avenue East
6
161.4 mi into trip | ~3h in | East Congress Street

Turn right onto East Congress Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.34 one way

$50.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.83 $55.65
premium $4.89 $31.19 $62.39
diesel $5.61 $35.79 $71.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.6 0 $17.02 $7.78
Efficient EV 40.5 0 $14.18 $6.48
EV Truck/SUV 64.8 0 $22.69 $10.37

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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 19, 2026

Origin

Gladwin, MI

Morning in Gladwin on Tuesday

Local time

6:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Detroit, MI

Morning in Detroit on Tuesday

Local time

6:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°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

24 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

3h 2m 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 highway-focused experience for the majority of this 162.1-mile trip, with 87% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 110.3 miles on I-75, allowing for significant mileage to be covered without frequent turns. This means you'll spend most of your time on high-speed, multi-lane roads, characteristic of interstates designed for efficient travel between cities. While not known for its scenic byways, the drive is predictable and allows you to maintain a consistent pace.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110.3 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 49.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 162.1 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 49.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.5 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Detroit, MI

Full guide →

Detroit is a major metropolis in the US state of Michigan that has had a profound impact on the world. From the advent of the automotive assembly line to the Motown sound, modern techno and rock music, Detroit continues to shape both American and global culture. The city has seen many of its historic buildings renovated, and is bustling with new developments and attractions that complement its world-class museums and theatres. After a long economic slump and decrease in population, Detroit has developed a reputation for crime and urban decline, but revitalization means that it is an exciting destination filled with technological advance and historic charm.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 2m. Total distance: 162.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 110.3 miles on I 75. 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 49.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.5 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 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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