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Trip from Gladwin, MI to Livonia, 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

2h 57m

Distance

157.3 mi

253 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 33 min
4 AM
2h 47m ★
6 AM
2h 58m
8 AM
3h 20m
10 AM
3h 6m
12 PM
3h 4m
3 PM
3h 7m
5 PM
3h 19m
8 PM
2h 51m

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

city in Wayne County, Michigan, United States

Livonia, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Gladwin, MI to Livonia, MI is 157.3 miles and takes about 2h 57m via I 75, US 23, and US 10, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This straightforward trip keeps you within Michigan, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Expect a primarily highway-focused drive that makes for a quick and efficient journey between these two points. If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss drive to get you where you need to go without much fuss, this route fits the bill.

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

78.6 miles from Gladwin, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 47.3 mi 50m
US 23 30.9 mi 33m
US 10 30.5 mi 30m
M-18 16.9 mi 24m
I 96 14.9 mi 15m
I 275 6.1 mi 6m
Jeffries Freeway 3.3 mi 3m
Merriman Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 47.3 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gladwin, MI and Livonia, 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 right at fork onto US 23

31 mi · 33 min · US 23
Toward US 23: Ann Arbor
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
13

Merge onto I 96

15 mi · 15 min · I 96
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 34 sec
Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 29 sec
16

Continue on I 275; I 96

6.1 mi · 6 min · I 275; I 96
17

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the slight left lane.
18

Merge onto I 96

3.3 mi · 3 min · Jeffries Freeway
Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road

477 ft · 14 sec · Schoolcraft Road
21

Turn right onto Merriman Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Merriman Road
22

Turn right

98 ft · 9 sec
23

Turn right

31 ft · 2 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a drive duration of under 3 hours, this trip is easily accomplishable in a single day, offering flexibility for your departure time. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the earliest rush hour if heading into Livonia. Since the longest uninterrupted stretch is 47.3 miles on I 75, plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps stopping around the halfway point or just before that longest segment. The estimated fuel cost of $25 suggests it's a budget-friendly excursion, so you won't need to worry too much about gas prices along the way.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 78.6 miles from Gladwin, MI, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.3 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 35 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.6 miles or 1h 30m 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 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Livonia, 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 157.3 miles and 2h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 47.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flint, MI

79 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Millington, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.6 miles from Gladwin, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

Best coffee break · home stretch

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Livonia, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

Joe's Coffee & Tea Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Novi, Michigan

1.4 mi

BakeCurry Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Novi, Michigan

1.3 mi

Stardust Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19897936300

Visit website

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12489578019

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

Joe's Coffee & Tea Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12485333355

Visit website

BakeCurry Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12484828747

Apothecary Espresso and Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

Visit website

Ground Control Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+12489872013

Visit website

Thread Creek Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Howell, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18107469302

Visit website

North End Coffee Cafe Bake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Fenton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+18102080665

Visit website

The Red Dot Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–7:30 pm

+12483083989

Visit website

Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

University Center, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+19899647125

Visit website

Airborne Adventure Park - Saginaw, MI

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 4–8 pm

+19895960022

Visit website

Dahlia Hill Society

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Midland, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19896310100

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Fenton, Michigan

Hours: 12–5 pm

+18102151088

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 49.8 and 155.8 — 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
5
97.4 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in | US 23

Keep slight right at fork onto US 23 toward US 23: Ann Arbor

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 23: Ann Arbor
8
144.1 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in

Take the exit toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo
6
151.2 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in

Take the exit toward I 96 East: Detroit

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7
155.8 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit toward Merriman Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.59 one way

$49.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.00 $54.00
premium $4.89 $30.27 $60.54
diesel $5.61 $34.73 $69.46

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: 55 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 47.2 0 $16.52 $7.55
Efficient EV 39.3 0 $13.76 $6.29
EV Truck/SUV 62.9 0 $22.02 $10.07

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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

6:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Livonia, MI

Morning in Livonia on Tuesday

Local time

6:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

7 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

2h 57m 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?

This drive is predominantly on highways, with 85% of the journey utilizing major routes like I 75, US 23, and US 10. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the trip, including a significant stretch of 47.3 miles on I 75 without needing to divert. The character is largely that of a highway-focused drive, meaning you can anticipate relatively smooth sailing and predictable conditions for the majority of the 157.3 miles. It's designed for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.

85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 47.3 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 23. 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 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 18 significant decision points across 157.3 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 (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 144.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Gladwin, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit and Toledo.

M 5 North: Detroit

144.1 mi in | ~2h 40m

Toledo

144.1 mi in | ~2h 40m

About the Cities

Arriving in Livonia, MI

Full guide →

Livonia is a city in Wayne County in the state of Michigan.

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 2h 57m. Total distance: 157.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 47.3 miles on I 75. 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 Livonia, 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 (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 144.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Livonia, 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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