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Trip from Port Sheldon, MI to Ann Arbor, 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 4m

Distance

160.8 mi

259 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 53m ★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m

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 Port Sheldon, MI, MI

Port Sheldon, MI

fish socks

Downtown Ann Arbor, MI, MI

Ann Arbor, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 160.8-mile drive from Port Sheldon to Ann Arbor, Michigan, is easily manageable in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey, with 84% of the route on interstates, making it a straightforward trip across the Midwest. Budget around $25 for fuel, and plan for one stop along the way. The route is primarily on I-96 and the Paul B. Henry Freeway, offering a consistent driving experience. This makes it a great option for a day trip, allowing you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time.

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

80.4 miles from Port Sheldon, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 100.7 mi 1h 47m
Port Sheldon Street 18.4 mi 26m
Paul B. Henry Freeway 17.3 mi 18m
US 23 14.1 mi 15m
8th Avenue 2.4 mi 3m
US 23 BUS 2.4 mi 3m
44th Street 1.1 mi 1m
Holly Drive 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 100.7 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Port Sheldon, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.

1

Start on Lakeshore Drive

296 ft · 4 sec · Lakeshore Drive
2

Continue on Butternut Drive

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Butternut Drive
3

Turn left onto Blair Street

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Blair Street
4

Turn slight right onto Holly Drive

0.7 mi · 1 min · Holly Drive
5

Turn left onto Port Sheldon Street

18 mi · 26 min · Port Sheldon Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on 44th Street

1.1 mi · 1 min · 44th Street
7

Turn right onto 8th Avenue

2.4 mi · 3 min · 8th Avenue
8

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward M 6 East: Lansing
9

Merge onto M 6

17 mi · 18 min · Paul B. Henry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Toward I-96 East: Lansing Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 96

50 mi · 53 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

51 mi · 54 min · I 96
Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Exit 148A-B Toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 148A Toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor Use the slight right lane.
15

Merge onto US 23

14 mi · 15 min · US 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS

1.5 mi · 1 min · US 23 BUS
Exit 45 Toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 23 BUS
Exit 3 Toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn left onto Depot Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Depot Street
Use the left lane.
19

Turn right

119 ft · 6 sec
20

Continue on North State Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · North State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Arrive at destination

South State Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over 3 hours, this drive from Port Sheldon to Ann Arbor is perfect for a spontaneous day trip. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your time at your destination or for any potential detours. The $25 fuel cost suggests a single fill-up might be sufficient, but check your tank before you depart. Given the longest stretch is over 100 miles, plan your single stop strategically for a break or to refuel if needed. A good tip for this route is to monitor traffic on I-96, especially if traveling during peak commute times, as it can impact your estimated 3-hour duration.

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 80.4 miles from Port Sheldon, MI, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.7 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 35 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 80.4 miles or 1h 35m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ann Arbor, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Port Sheldon, 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 Port Sheldon, MI

This is one driving day of about 160.8 miles and 3h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Port Sheldon, 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 96 for about 100.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Grand Ledge, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grand Ledge, MI

80 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

Caledonia, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grand Ledge, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 80.4 miles from Port Sheldon, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100.7 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

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1 mi

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

0.4 mi

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ann Arbor, Michigan

0.5 mi

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17342229202

Visit website

Zingerman's Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17349296060

Visit website

Dozer Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17349295217

Visit website

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17343692494

Visit website

Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17347807060

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345445450

Visit website

Black Diesel Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+17344368355

Visit website

Coffee Clubhouse LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 34.5

Kentwood, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+16168035450

Visit website

Venue Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17348229821

Visit website

Taste Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.4

Mason, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15172200447

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 160.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Fitzgerald Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 80.4

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15176277351

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 103.4

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Grand Rapids Escape Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 34.5

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 4–8 pm

+16164019441

Visit website

Frog Hollow

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 23

Wyoming, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16165303164

Visit website

Zap Zone at BIG Best In Games - Ypsilanti

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 160.8

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+17349306670

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 103.4

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Camelot Park

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 34.5

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+16164563232

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 41.2 and 157.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
41.2 mi into trip | ~53m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I-96 East: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I-96 East: Lansing
7
91.9 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 East: Detroit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 96 East: Detroit
8
142.6 mi into trip | ~2h 41m in

Take the exit toward US 23: Ann Arbor, 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-B Toward US 23: Ann Arbor, Flint
8
143 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 148A Toward US 23 South: Ann Arbor
7
157.4 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | US 23 BUS

Take the exit onto US 23 BUS toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.14 one way

$50.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.60 $55.20
premium $4.89 $30.94 $61.89
diesel $5.61 $35.50 $71.01

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.2 0 $16.88 $7.72
Efficient EV 40.2 0 $14.07 $6.43
EV Truck/SUV 64.3 0 $22.51 $10.29

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% 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 Jun 2, 2022

Origin

Port Sheldon, MI

Morning in Port Sheldon on Sunday

Local time

10:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ann Arbor, MI

Morning in Ann Arbor on Sunday

Local time

10:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°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

1 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 4m 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 largely highway-focused drive on this route, with 84% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I-96 and the Paul B. Henry Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 100.7 miles on I-96, offering a period of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. While the bulk of the drive is on fast-paced freeways, you'll begin and end on local roads, Port Sheldon Street and then transition onto the freeway system. This provides a mix of smooth highway travel with brief moments on more local thoroughfares.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100.7 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Port Sheldon Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 15 significant decision points across 160.8 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 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.9 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Port Sheldon, MI and Ann Arbor, MI, road signs point toward M 6 East: Lansing and Flint.

M 6 East: Lansing

23.5 mi in | ~33m

Flint

142.6 mi in | ~2h 41m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 4m. Total distance: 160.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 4m 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 100.7 miles on I 96. 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 Ann Arbor, 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 41.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.9 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Ann Arbor, 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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