Livonia, MI to Petoskey, MI is 263.2 miles and takes about 4h 49m via I 75 and US 23, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route primarily stays within Michigan, traversing the Midwest region. With 84% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct trip for most of the way. It's a solid choice for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
131.6 miles from Livonia, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
117.8 mi
1h 57m
US 23
79.3 mi
1h 25m
Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
23 mi
24m
US 131 South
13.3 mi
18m
West Main Street
12.6 mi
16m
US-131
5 mi
7m
North US 131 Highway
3.6 mi
4m
Jeffries Freeway
3.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 117.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,952 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,330
Quietest
2 AM
~89 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Livonia, MI and Petoskey, MI.
1
Start on this road
74 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn right
87 ft·8 sec
3
Turn right onto Plymouth Road
149 ft·10 sec·Plymouth Road
4
Turn left onto Merriman Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Merriman Road
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto Schoolcraft Road
333 ft·12 sec·Schoolcraft Road
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on Schoolcraft Road
0.2 mi·36 sec·Schoolcraft Road
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 96 West
8
Merge onto I 96
3.3 mi·3 min·Jeffries Freeway
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 96 West, I 275 North: Flint, LansingUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 275; I 96
23 mi·24 min·Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·11 sec
Exit 148A; 147; 147BToward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spencer Road, FlintUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·54 sec
Exit 148BToward US 23 North: FlintUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto US 23
79 mi·1 hr 25 min·US 23
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23
63 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 75; US 23
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
55 mi·54 min·I 75
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 282Toward M 32: Gaylord, Alpena
17
Turn left onto I 75 BL; M 32
13 mi·16 min·West Main Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto US 131; M 32
3.6 mi·4 min·North US 131 Highway
19
Continue on US 131
13 mi·18 min·US 131 South
20
Continue on US 131
5.0 mi·7 min·US-131
21
Continue on US 131
1.0 mi·2 min·Spring Street
22
Continue on US 31
0.5 mi·1 min·West Mitchell Street
23
Continue on East Mitchell Street
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Mitchell Street
24
Turn right onto Howard Street
219 ft·6 sec·Howard Street
25
Arrive at destination
Howard Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 49m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning from Livonia will give you plenty of daylight to reach Petoskey. The $40 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 117.8-mile stretch on I 75. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility; however, if you prefer to break it up, consider a mid-point rest. The Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway is a significant portion of your route, so be aware of potential exit numbers and services along that segment.
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 131.6 miles from Livonia, MI, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.8 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 58 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.6 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Petoskey, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Livonia, 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 Livonia, MI
This is one driving day of about 263.2 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Livonia, 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 117.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 0.1 and 29 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Merriman Road
Turn left onto Merriman Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
1 mi into trip|~2m in|Schoolcraft Road
Turn right onto Schoolcraft Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
4.9 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward I 96 West, I 275 North: Flint, Lansing
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 96 West, I 275 North: Flint, Lansing
8
28.8 mi into trip|~34m 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
29 mi into trip|~34m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.90 one way
$87.81 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$47.72
$95.44
premium
$5.26
$54.49
$108.99
diesel
$6.18
$64.03
$128.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79
0
$27.64
$12.63
Efficient EV
65.8
0
$23.03
$10.53
EV Truck/SUV
105.3
1
$36.85
$16.84
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Livonia, MI
Morning
in Livonia on Saturday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Areas Of Frost
N 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:23AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
Destination
Petoskey, MI
Morning
in Petoskey on Saturday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
30°F
Slight Chance Snow Showers
N 5 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:23AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
39°F
West Branch, MI
132 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
6 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
4h 49m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 84% of the 263.2-mile trip on them. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 117.8 miles on I 75. Expect this to mean a good amount of consistent cruising. The route transitions to surface roads after the highway portion, offering a change of pace for the remaining miles.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.8 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 0.1 miles in near Merriman Road.
Driving Effort9/10
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 263.2 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 0.1 miles (Merriman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Schoolcraft Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,333 ft606 ft
Total Climb
1,134 ft
Total Descent
1,103 ft
Highest Point
1,333 ft
~225.6 mi in
Elevation Range
727 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Livonia, MI and Petoskey, MI, road signs point toward Flint, M 32: Gaylord and Alpena.
Petoskey is a gorgeous tourist town on the shores of Little Traverse Bay in Northwestern Michigan, USA. Renowned for its spectacular lakeshore views year-round, abundant shopping, nearness to ski slopes, world-class golf and an undeniable small-town charm. Petoskey is annually rated as one of the best small towns in America.
Top landmarks
•Ernest Hemingway Cottage — boyhood summer home of author Ernest Hemingway, on Walloon Lake in Michigan
•J. B. Allen House — private house located at 822 Grove Street in Petoskey, Michigan
•Chesapeake and Ohio Depot — railway station in Petoskey, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 263.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.8 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 Petoskey, 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 0.1 miles (Merriman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Schoolcraft Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Petoskey, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.
