Portland to Clinton Township is 126.8 miles and takes about 2 hours 23 minutes via I-69, I-75, and M-59, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Michigan, moving you across the Midwest region. Given its relatively short distance and straightforward path, it's a good option for a single-day trip. You can expect a consistent pace for most of the journey, making it an efficient way to travel between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
63.4 miles from Portland, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 69
51.5 mi
52m
I 75
38.7 mi
41m
M 59
16 mi
20m
I 96
11.2 mi
11m
Cass Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
East Grand River Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Romeo Plank Road
1.2 mi
1m
Moravian Drive
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 51.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portland, MI and Clinton Township, MI.
1
Start on East Bridge Street
83 ft·8 sec·East Bridge Street
2
Turn left onto Maple Street
477 ft·17 sec·Maple Street
3
Turn right onto East Grand River Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·East Grand River Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward I 96 East: Lansing
5
Merge onto I 96
11 mi·11 min·I 96
6
Take the exit
2.5 mi·2 min
Exit 89Toward I 69 East: Flint
7
Merge onto I 69
52 mi·52 min·I 69
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, DetroitUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
10
Merge onto I 75; US 23
1.9 mi·2 min·I 75; US 23
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
37 mi·39 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 77AToward M 59 East: UticaUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto M 59
16 mi·20 min·M 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto Romeo Plank Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Romeo Plank Road
Use the right lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto Romeo Plank Road
112 ft·2 sec·Romeo Plank Road
16
Continue on Romeo Plank Road
0.1 mi·11 sec·Romeo Plank Road
17
Enter roundabout onto Cass Avenue
123 ft·2 sec·Cass Avenue
18
Continue on Cass Avenue
1.6 mi·2 min·Cass Avenue
19
Turn right onto Moravian Drive
1.2 mi·2 min·Moravian Drive
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto White Oaks Drive
0.2 mi·52 sec·White Oaks Drive
21
Turn right onto Red Oaks Drive
289 ft·12 sec·Red Oaks Drive
22
Arrive at destination
Red Oaks Drive
Trip Plan
For this 2 hour 23 minute drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic closer to Clinton Township. With a total distance of 126.8 miles and a fuel cost estimated around $20, you won't need extensive stops. Consider planning a brief break around the halfway point, perhaps after completing the 51.5-mile stretch on I-69, to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you depart with a less-than-full tank, as service areas can vary.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 63.4 miles from Portland, MI, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.5 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 28 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.4 miles or 1h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clinton Township, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portland, 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 Portland, MI
This is one driving day of about 126.8 miles and 2h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Portland, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 69 for about 51.5 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 66.8 and 122.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
66.8 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
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 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
6
67.2 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
6
69.4 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
106.3 mi into trip|~1h 54m in
Take the exit toward M 59 East: Utica
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 77A
Toward M 59 East: Utica
6
122.5 mi into trip|~2h 15m in|Romeo Plank Road
Turn right onto Romeo Plank Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.82 one way
$39.65 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$21.77
$43.53
premium
$4.89
$24.40
$48.80
diesel
$5.61
$28.00
$55.99
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38
0
$13.31
$6.09
Efficient EV
31.7
0
$11.09
$5.07
EV Truck/SUV
50.7
0
$17.75
$8.12
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Portland, MI
Late night
in Portland on Tuesday
Local time
5:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clinton Township, MI
Late night
in Clinton Township on Tuesday
Local time
5:02 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
21 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
2h 23m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 80% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-69, I-75, and M-59. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the 126.8 miles, including a significant stretch of 51.5 miles on I-69 without needing to exit. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, be prepared for the transition as you approach your destination. The character is primarily about efficient travel rather than scenic detours.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.5 mi on I 69.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 66.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 126.8 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 66.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.4 miles (I 75): 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 Portland, MI and Clinton Township, MI, road signs point toward Detroit and M 59 East: Utica.
Detroit
66.8 mi in|~1h 11m
M 59 East: Utica
106.3 mi in|~1h 54m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 126.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 23m 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 51.5 miles on I 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Clinton Township, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 66.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Clinton Township, MI before heading back.
