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Trip from Livonia, MI to Union, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 5m

Distance

165.2 mi

266 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 54m ★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 29m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 15m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
2h 59m

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 Wayne County, Michigan, United States

Livonia, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Union, MI, MI

Union, MI

Sebastián Casimiro

Trip Overview

This 165.2-mile drive from Livonia, MI to Union, MI is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 5 minutes. Primarily following I-94, US-131, and M-14, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's an economical option for a quick getaway. The drive is mostly highway-focused, making it efficient for reaching your destination without extensive detours. Consider this a practical choice if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated road trip within Michigan.

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

82.6 miles from Livonia, MI

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 97.2 mi 1h 44m
US-131 25.8 mi 29m
M 14 22.8 mi 24m
US-12 6.1 mi 8m
Riverside Drive 4.6 mi 6m
Jeffries Freeway 3.3 mi 3m
Constantine Bypass 3.1 mi 4m
Merriman Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 97.2 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Livonia, MI and Union, 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

Continue on M 14

17 mi · 18 min · M 14
10

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

5.4 mi · 5 min · M 14
Exit 45 Toward M 14: Ann Arbor Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto I 94

97 mi · 1 hr 44 min · I 94
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
13

Merge onto US 131

26 mi · 29 min · US-131
14

Continue on US 131

3.1 mi · 4 min · Constantine Bypass
15

Turn right onto Riverside Drive

4.6 mi · 6 min · Riverside Drive
16

Turn right onto US 12

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Chicago Road
17

Continue on US 12

0.3 mi · 22 sec · West Chicago Road
18

Continue on US 12

6.1 mi · 8 min · US-12
19

Arrive at destination

US 12

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour, 5-minute drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Union, MI without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. The $26 fuel cost suggests filling up before you depart Livonia is a good idea. A key consideration for this route is the 97.2-mile stretch on I-94; ensure you're comfortable with extended highway driving and have entertainment ready. This trip is well-suited for a single day, so you can enjoy your destination without needing an overnight stay.

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 82.6 miles from Livonia, MI, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.2 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.6 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 28m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, 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 165.2 miles and 3h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 94 for about 97.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Oak Park, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Park, MI

83 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

Chelsea, MI

Fuel and coffee

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

Battle Creek, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.6 miles from Livonia, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 118

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693884613

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

1.3 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Livonia, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

2 mi

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

2.1 mi

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 118

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693884613

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 59

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 59

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15177809558

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237760

Visit website

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

Gapi Coffee & Sweets at FireKeepers Casino Hotel

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 94.4

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+18773528777

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17343692494

Visit website

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345445450

Visit website

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17347807060

Visit website

Fortress Coffee and Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15173155156

Visit website

Rawaq Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17344368412

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 23.6

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 11.8

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Bow in the Clouds Preserve

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 118

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+12693241600

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 11.8

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 22.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Plymouth Road

Turn right onto Plymouth Road

Navigation decision point

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.
5
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in | Schoolcraft Road

Continue onto Schoolcraft Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
22.4 mi into trip | ~26m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14: Ann Arbor

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 45 Toward M 14: Ann Arbor

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.83 one way

$51.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.36 $56.71
premium $4.89 $31.79 $63.58
diesel $5.61 $36.47 $72.95

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.8 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 49.6 0 $17.35 $7.93
Efficient EV 41.3 0 $14.45 $6.61
EV Truck/SUV 66.1 0 $23.13 $10.57

Gas CO2

58 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 15, 2026

Origin

Livonia, MI

Night in Livonia on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Union, MI

Night in Union on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

3 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 5m 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 drive for about 80% of this 165.2-mile route. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 97.2 miles on I-94, so be prepared for sustained highway driving. As you transition from I-94 to US-131 and M-14, the road character remains largely consistent with efficient, high-speed travel. This isn't a winding, scenic byway, but rather a functional path designed for covering ground effectively. You'll experience smooth, direct driving for the majority of your journey.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.2 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US-131. 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 Plymouth Road.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 165.2 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 (Plymouth Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Merriman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Schoolcraft Road): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Livonia, MI to Union, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 14: Ann Arbor along the way.

M 14: Ann Arbor

22.4 mi in | ~26m | via M 14

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 5m. Total distance: 165.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97.2 miles on I 94. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Plymouth Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Merriman Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Schoolcraft Road): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Union, 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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