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Trip from Hazel Park, MI to Lansing, 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

1h 32m

Distance

83.2 mi

134 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 26m ★
6 AM
1h 33m
8 AM
1h 47m
10 AM
1h 38m
12 PM
1h 36m
3 PM
1h 38m
5 PM
1h 46m
8 PM
1h 28m

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 Hazel Park, MI, MI

Hazel Park, MI

Muhammad Rasyad

Trip Overview

This straightforward 83.2-mile drive from Hazel Park, MI, to Lansing, MI, is easily manageable as a day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. With 97% of the journey on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I-96, Walter P Reuther Freeway, and Ransom E Olds Freeway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $13, making it an economical option for a quick regional hop within the Midwest. You won't need to break this up, so you can enjoy the convenience of a single-day excursion. The overall feel is that of a functional, highway-focused drive connecting two Michigan cities.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

41.6 miles from Hazel Park, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 56.8 mi 1h
Walter P Reuther Freeway 18 mi 19m
Ransom E Olds Freeway 5.3 mi 5m
I-75 North to I-696 East 0.5 mi 1m
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway 0.5 mi <1m
South Walnut Street 0.4 mi 1m
West 9 Mile Road <0.1 mi <1m
West Allegan Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 56.8 mi, about 1h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hazel Park, MI and Lansing, MI.

1

Start on John R Road

411 ft · 15 sec · John R Road
2

Turn right onto West 9 Mile Road

428 ft · 15 sec · West 9 Mile Road
3

Turn right onto North Chrysler Drive

89 ft · 1 sec · North Chrysler Drive
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 75 North
5

Merge onto I 75

0.5 mi · 31 sec · North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 61 Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I-75 North to I-696 East

0.5 mi · 1 min · I-75 North to I-696 East
Toward I 696 West: Lansing Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 696

18 mi · 19 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 96

18 mi · 19 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

39 mi · 41 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 106B Toward I 496, US 127 North: Downtown Lansing
12

Merge onto I 496; US 127

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 496

2.4 mi · 2 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 6 Toward Downtown
15

Turn right onto South Walnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Walnut Street
16

Turn right onto West Allegan Street

412 ft · 12 sec · West Allegan Street
17

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
18

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of just over 1.5 hours, this trip offers excellent flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and be in Lansing before lunch, or head out in the afternoon. With no recommended stops, you can choose to make this a quick point-to-point drive or add your own brief breaks as needed. Keep an eye on fuel levels, though with a $13 estimated cost and relatively short distance, you likely won't need to worry about finding a gas station mid-route. A practical tip: since the bulk of the drive is on I-96, ensure you're aware of potential rush hour traffic around the Detroit metropolitan area if you're leaving during peak commuting times.

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 41.6 miles from Hazel Park, MI, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.8 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 18 miles or 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 41.6 miles or 46m 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 17m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Hazel Park, MI

This is one driving day of about 83.2 miles and 1h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Hazel Park, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 56.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

suburb of Detroit, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brighton, MI

42 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.

Popular next leg

Brighton, MI to Lansing, MI

46.5 mi · 53m

Pacing Suggestions

Farmington Hills, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brighton, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 41.6 miles from Hazel Park, 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

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Black Iron Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Howell, Michigan

1 mi

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Black Iron Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Howell, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15172958259

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18102272233

Visit website

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Chazzano Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Berkley, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12486914256

Visit website

Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Farmington Hills, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12485627708

Visit website

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 3–10 pm

+12482914305

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12488507182

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

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 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 76.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the exit toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron

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 61 Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
7
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in | I-75 North to I-696 East

Keep slight left at fork onto I-75 North to I-696 East toward I 696 West: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 696 West: Lansing
5
1.6 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway

Merge onto I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
37.5 mi into trip | ~41m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
76.4 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 496, US 127 North: Downtown Lansing

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

Exit 106B Toward I 496, US 127 North: Downtown Lansing

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.01 one way

$26.01 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.28 $28.56
premium $4.89 $16.01 $32.02
diesel $5.61 $18.37 $36.74

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25 0 $8.74 $3.99
Efficient EV 20.8 0 $7.28 $3.33
EV Truck/SUV 33.3 0 $11.65 $5.32

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (66% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Hazel Park, MI

Morning in Hazel Park on Tuesday

Local time

9:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Morning in Lansing on Tuesday

Local time

9:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 14 mph 88% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 18 at 12:05AM EDT until April 18 at 1:30AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 12:01AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

46°F

Brighton, MI

42 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

9 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

1h 32m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 97% of the drive utilizing major freeways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 56.8 miles on I-96, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. You'll navigate through sections of the Walter P Reuther Freeway and Ransom E Olds Freeway as well, all contributing to a smooth and efficient journey. This isn't a route known for winding backroads; rather, it's designed for direct travel between your origin and destination.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.8 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Walter P Reuther Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 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 83.2 miles you will encounter 16 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 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I-75 North to I-696 East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Lansing, MI

Full guide →

Lansing is a pleasant city, and as Michigan's state capital, it is home to many government offices. Downtown Lansing has a historic shopping district amidst the campus of Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

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 1h 32m. Total distance: 83.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 56.8 miles on I 96. 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 Lansing, 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 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I-75 North to I-696 East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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