Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 8m
Distance
53.5 mi
86 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Somerset, MI
fish socks
This straightforward 53.5-mile drive from Lansing to Somerset, Michigan, can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 8 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. The route is predominantly highway, with 83% of it on faster roads, so you'll spend most of your time cruising. With an estimated fuel cost of around $8, this trip is budget-friendly. The Midwest region provides a familiar backdrop for this journey, as you'll remain within the state of Michigan. Given its short duration and minimal stops recommended, this drive offers a convenient way to travel between these two points without needing an overnight stay.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 127 | 44.2 mi | 51m |
| East Michigan Avenue | 2.1 mi | 5m |
| Brooklyn Road | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| South Cooper Street | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| Chicago Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Lansing Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Louis Glick Highway | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Clinton Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing, MI and Somerset, MI.
Start on Townsend Street
Turn right onto West Allegan Street
Turn left onto Washington Square South
Enter roundabout onto East Michigan Avenue
Continue on East Michigan Avenue
Turn right onto South Howard Avenue
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto US 127
Turn left onto West Monroe Street
Turn right onto Clinton Road
Continue on Lansing Avenue
Continue on North Blackstone Street
Turn left onto I 94 BL; BUS US 127; M 50
Turn right onto BUS US 127; M 50
Continue on BUS US 127; M 50
Take the ramp onto US 127 Business; M 50
Merge onto US 127; M 50
Turn right onto US 12
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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.
A short stop after about 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 26.7 miles from Lansing, 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.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 2.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn right onto West Allegan Street
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto Washington Square South
Navigation decision point
Enter roundabout onto East Michigan Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Turn right onto South Howard Avenue
Navigation decision point
Keep slight left at fork toward I 496 EAST, US 127 SOUTH
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$8.36 one way
$16.73 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $9.18 | $18.37 |
| premium | $4.89 | $10.30 | $20.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $11.81 | $23.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$8
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.1 | 0 | $5.62 | $2.57 |
| Efficient EV | 13.4 | 0 | $4.68 | $2.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.4 | 0 | $7.49 | $3.42 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (68% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Lansing on Sunday
Local time
7:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Widespread Fog then Partly Sunny
Destination
Morning in Somerset on Sunday
Local time
7:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
45°F
Tompkins, MI
27 mi in
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this journey, with 83% of the drive taking place on higher-speed roads. You'll navigate using US 127 and East Michigan Avenue before transitioning to Brooklyn Road. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a solid 44.2 miles on US 127, allowing for consistent progress. This profile suggests a drive characterized by steady movement and minimal slowdowns, ideal for those prioritizing efficiency on their travels.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 127 and East Michigan Avenue. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Allegan Street.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 53.5 miles you will encounter 14 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: near the start (West Allegan Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Washington Square South): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (East Michigan Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 8m. Total distance: 53.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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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