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Trip from Macomb, 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 59m

Distance

207 mi

333 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 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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Downtown Union, MI, MI

Union, MI

Sebastián Casimiro

Trip Overview

This 207-mile drive from Macomb, Michigan, to Union, Michigan, is a manageable one-day trip, taking just under 4 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing I-94, US-131, and M-14, it's a highway-focused journey through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $32, it's an economical option for a quick getaway. The route is designed for efficiency, making it ideal if you want to maximize your time at your destination. Consider this a straightforward path to get you where you need to go with minimal fuss.

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

103.5 miles from Macomb, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 97.2 mi 1h 44m
US-131 25.8 mi 29m
M 14 21.9 mi 23m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 20 mi 21m
Mound Road 7.3 mi 11m
US-12 6.1 mi 8m
Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway 5.8 mi 6m
Christopher Columbus Freeway 5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 97.2 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Macomb, MI and Union, MI.

1

Start on this road

104 ft · 2 sec · this road
2

Continue on Garfield Road

2.0 mi · 2 min · Garfield Road
3

Turn right onto 23 Mile Road

3.0 mi · 5 min · 23 Mile Road
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 40 sec
Toward M 53 South: Detroit Use the right lane.
5

Merge onto M 53

5.0 mi · 5 min · Christopher Columbus Freeway
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Exit 15 Toward Van Dyke Road North, 18 ½ Mile Road West Use the slight right lane.
7

Enter roundabout onto 18 1/2 Mile Road

184 ft · 7 sec · 18 1/2 Mile Road
8

Continue on 18 1/2 Mile Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · 18 1/2 Mile Road
9

Turn straight onto Mound Road

7.1 mi · 11 min · Mound Road
Use the right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto Mound Road

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Mound Road
11

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
12

Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
Toward I 696 West: Lansing Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto I 696

20 mi · 21 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 1 Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 96, I 275: Detroit, Toledo
17

Merge onto I 275; I 96

5.8 mi · 6 min · Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
18

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward M 14: Ann Arbor Use the slight right lane.
19

Merge onto M 14

17 mi · 17 min · M 14
20

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.
21

Merge onto I 94

97 mi · 1 hr 44 min · I 94
Toward I 94 West: Chicago
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
23

Merge onto US 131

26 mi · 29 min · US-131
24

Continue on US 131

3.1 mi · 4 min · Constantine Bypass
25

Turn right onto Riverside Drive

4.6 mi · 6 min · Riverside Drive
26

Turn right onto US 12

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Chicago Road
27

Continue on US 12

0.3 mi · 22 sec · West Chicago Road
28

Continue on US 12

6.1 mi · 8 min · US-12
29

Arrive at destination

US 12

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 59-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single day of travel. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Union and settle in. You'll have only one recommended stop, so plan it strategically for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a planned stop is 97.2 miles on I-94. The $32 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting your travel expenses for this straightforward trip.

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 103.5 miles from Macomb, MI, or about 2h 1m 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 46 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.5 miles or 2h 1m 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 13m

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 Macomb, 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 Macomb, MI

This is one driving day of about 207 miles and 3h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Macomb, 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.

city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chelsea, MI

104 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

Livonia, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Michigan Center, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.5 miles from Macomb, 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

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.5

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Albion, Michigan

1.2 mi

Foundry Bakehouse and Deli

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albion, Michigan

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Built & Brewed In Detroit Coffee Bar (Inside Michigan First Credit Union)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lathrup Village, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 29.6

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Stirling Books & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albion, Michigan

1.4 mi

RēNū Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Northville, Michigan

1.3 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.5

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 118.3

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15176299800

Visit website

Foundry Bakehouse and Deli

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 118.3

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+15176800092

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.6

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12693453540

Visit website

Tim Hortons

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 162.6

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+12693430910

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 103.5

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

Starbucks

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 162.6

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12693218713

Visit website

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 162.6

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12693884613

Visit website

Built & Brewed In Detroit Coffee Bar (Inside Michigan First Credit Union)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 29.6

Lathrup Village, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Stirling Books & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 118.3

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 12–6 pm

+15176297560

Visit website

RēNū Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 44.4

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–3:30 pm

+12483745955

Visit website

Chazzano Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 29.6

Berkley, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12486914256

Visit website

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 14.8

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

The Red Dot Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 44.4

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–7:30 pm

+12483083989

Visit website

Chocolatea

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.6

Portage, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12699032447

Visit website

BakeCurry Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.4

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12484828747

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 44.4

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 29.6

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

Ford Field Central Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Shelby Township, Michigan

+15867310300

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.1 and 64.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
5.1 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp toward M 53 South: Detroit

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward M 53 South: Detroit
8
10.2 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward Van Dyke Road North, 18 ½ Mile Road West

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 15 Toward Van Dyke Road North, 18 ½ Mile Road West
7
19.2 mi into trip | ~28m in | Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West

Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West toward I 696 West: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 696 West: Lansing
8
39.6 mi into trip | ~51m in

Take the exit toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo

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 1 Toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
8
64.2 mi into trip | ~1h 19m 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

$32.36 one way

$64.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $35.53 $71.06
premium $4.89 $39.84 $79.67
diesel $5.61 $45.70 $91.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.1 0 $21.73 $9.94
Efficient EV 51.8 0 $18.11 $8.28
EV Truck/SUV 82.8 1 $28.98 $13.25

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 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 18, 2026

Origin

Macomb, MI

Late night in Macomb on Sunday

Local time

1:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

S 10 mph 77% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 18 at 3:10AM EDT until April 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Flash Flood Watch

Flash Flood Watch issued April 18 at 3:10AM EDT until April 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Destination

Union, MI

Late night in Union on Sunday

Local time

1:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

65°F

Chelsea, MI

104 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

3 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

3h 59m 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, with 75% of this route being on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 97.2 miles on I-94, offering a consistent pace for much of the journey. While it’s largely an interstate drive, the inclusion of US-131 and M-14 provides some variation in scenery and speed. The character of the drive is efficient rather than particularly scenic, prioritizing getting you to Union smoothly.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 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?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US-131. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 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 23 significant decision points across 207 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 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.2 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Macomb, MI and Union, MI, road signs point toward Port Huron, Toledo and M 14: Ann Arbor.

Port Huron

19 mi in | ~28m

Toledo

40.9 mi in | ~53m

M 14: Ann Arbor

47 mi in | ~1h

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 207 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). 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.

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 Union, 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 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.2 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 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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