That Early Bird
Early in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+16162588350
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 18m
Distance
174.4 mi
281 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Moorland, MI
Raul Kozenevski
Livonia, MI
Wikimedia Commons
This 174.4-mile drive from Moorland, MI to Livonia, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 18 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $27. The route primarily utilizes I 96 and I 275, making it a predominantly high-speed trip through the Midwest region of Michigan. With only one recommended stop, this drive is designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. It's a practical option if you're looking to get from point A to point B 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
87.2 miles from Moorland, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 144.5 mi | 2h 34m |
| South Ravenna Road | 7.2 mi | 10m |
| I 275 | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| 48th Avenue | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Jeffries Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| East Apple Avenue | 2 mi | 2m |
| Wilson Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| Merriman Road | 1 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Moorland, MI and Livonia, MI.
Start on South Moorland Road
Turn right onto M 46
Turn right onto B-35
Turn left onto B-35
At end of road, turn right onto B-35
Continue on B-35; B-72
Continue on B-35; B-72
Turn left onto Wilson Road
Turn right onto 48th Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 96
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Continue on I 275; I 96
Take the exit
Merge onto I 96
Take the exit
Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road
Turn right onto Merriman Road
Turn right
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Given the 3-hour and 18-minute duration, departing Moorland in the morning is ideal to avoid any potential rush hour congestion closer to Livonia. With a projected fuel cost of $27, ensure your tank is full before you begin. The longest stretch on I 96 is quite substantial, so plan your single stop strategically for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transitions between South Ravenna Road, I 96, and I 275 to ensure you're on the most efficient path. This route's directness means you have flexibility; stopping earlier or later is perfectly feasible.
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.
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 38 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.2 miles or 1h 41m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Livonia, MI than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Moorland, 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 Moorland, MI
This is one driving day of about 174.4 miles and 3h 18m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 87.2 miles from Moorland, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 144.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Coffee Stop
Novi, Michigan
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+12485333355
Haraz Coffee House
Livonia, Michigan
517 Coffee Company
Lansing, Michigan
Early in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+16162588350
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Livonia, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+12489578019
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Novi, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+12485333355
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Livonia, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17342366069
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Lansing, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+15175745573
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Portland, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm
+15179754213
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Novi, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+12484828747
Later in the drive, short detour
Fowlerville, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+15172199046
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Howell, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+15172958259
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+16169566815
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+16169571580
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Okemos, Michigan
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
+15173493866
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 4–8 pm
+16164019441
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm
+16164563232
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Farmington, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–9 pm
+12484767928
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Coopersville, Michigan
Hours: Closed
+16169977240
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Grand Ledge, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–6 pm
+15176277351
Visit websiteNear the start, ~12 min detour
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+16164563696
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.6 and 173 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the ramp toward I 96 East: Grand Rapids
Navigation decision point
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 East: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward I 96 East: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward Merriman Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$27.27 one way
$54.53 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.94 | $59.87 |
| premium | $4.89 | $33.56 | $67.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.51 | $77.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.31 | $8.37 |
| Efficient EV | 43.6 | 0 | $15.26 | $6.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.8 | 0 | $24.42 | $11.16 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Moorland on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Livonia on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
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
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
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.
This is an 88% highway-focused drive, meaning you'll be spending most of your time on faster-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 144.5 miles on I 96, offering a consistent cruising experience. While South Ravenna Road provides a brief change of pace, the overall character of the route is defined by its interstate nature. You can anticipate a smooth, predictable drive that prioritizes getting you to Livonia efficiently rather than offering winding scenic detours. It's the kind of drive where you can settle in and cover ground quickly.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and South Ravenna Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.6 miles in.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 174.4 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 16.6 miles: Navigation decision point; at 94.4 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Moorland, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit and Toledo.
M 5 North: Detroit
Toledo
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 18m. Total distance: 174.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). 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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