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Trip from Potterville, MI to Livonia, MI

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

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

85 mi

137 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 29m ★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 42m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 32m

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 Potterville, MI, MI

Potterville, MI

fish socks

city in Wayne County, Michigan, United States

Livonia, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Potterville, MI to Livonia, MI is 85 miles and takes about 1h 36m via I-96 and I-275, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, connecting two points in the Midwest. It's a fairly direct drive, mostly on major highways, making it a straightforward option for getting from one place to the other. You'll encounter a highway-focused profile for most of the 85 miles, so expect consistent speeds and limited diversions. This route is best suited for a single-day journey, with minimal time commitment.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

42.5 miles from Potterville, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 65 mi 1h 9m
I 275 6.1 mi 6m
Jeffries Freeway 3.3 mi 3m
I 69 3.2 mi 3m
Lansing Road 1.6 mi 2m
Merriman Road 1 mi 1m
Potterville Street 0.5 mi <1m
Hartel Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 65 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Potterville, MI and Livonia, MI.

1

Start on M 100

0.5 mi · 58 sec · Potterville Street
2

Continue on M 100

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Hartel Road
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
4

Merge onto I 69

3.2 mi · 3 min · I 69
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward Lansing Road
6

Keep slight left at fork

520 ft · 13 sec
Toward Lansing Road
7

Turn right onto Lansing Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Lansing Road
8

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I-96 EAST: Detroit
9

Merge onto I 96

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 34 sec
Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 29 sec
12

Continue on I 275; I 96

6.1 mi · 6 min · I 275; I 96
13

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the slight left lane.
14

Merge onto I 96

3.3 mi · 3 min · Jeffries Freeway
Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road

477 ft · 14 sec · Schoolcraft Road
17

Turn right onto Merriman Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Merriman Road
18

Turn right

98 ft · 9 sec
19

Turn right

31 ft · 2 sec
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, this drive offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart at any time of day, though leaving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon might help you avoid peak traffic. Since the longest stretch is 65 miles on I-96, consider filling up your fuel tank before you depart Potterville to ensure you have ample gas for the entire 85-mile journey, as dedicated fuel stops are not a major feature of this particular highway-focused route. With no planned stops, you can make this a quick, direct trip.

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 42.5 miles from Potterville, MI, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65 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 19 miles or 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42.5 miles or 48m 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 20m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Potterville, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Potterville, MI

This is one driving day of about 85 miles and 1h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Potterville, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 65 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and county seat of Livingston County, Michigan, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Howell, MI

43 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.

Popular next leg

Howell, MI to Livonia, MI

40.9 mi · 48m

Pacing Suggestions

Haslett, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Howell, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.5 miles from Potterville, 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 65 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 Coffee Stop

Taste Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mason, Michigan

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.2

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15172200447

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Livonia, Michigan

0.7 mi

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brighton, Michigan

0.9 mi

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12489578019

Visit website

Taste Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.2

Mason, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15172200447

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 54.6

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Joe's Coffee & Tea Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 72.9

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12485333355

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 54.6

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18102272233

Visit website

BakeCurry Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.9

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12484828747

Coffee Barrel

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 12.1

Holt, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+15176949000

Visit website

RēNū Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.9

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–3:30 pm

+12483745955

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 18.2

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 72.9

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 18.2

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 66.8

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 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 83.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
4.7 mi into trip | ~6m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Lansing Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward Lansing Road
5
6.8 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 96

Merge onto I 96

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
71.9 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo
6
78.9 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 96 East: Detroit

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7
83.6 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward Merriman Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.29 one way

$26.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.59 $29.18
premium $4.89 $16.36 $32.71
diesel $5.61 $18.77 $37.53

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.5 0 $8.92 $4.08
Efficient EV 21.3 0 $7.44 $3.40
EV Truck/SUV 34 0 $11.90 $5.44

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Potterville, MI

Morning in Potterville on Sunday

Local time

7:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Livonia, MI

Morning in Livonia on Sunday

Local time

7:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°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

1h 36m 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?

This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 91% of the journey utilizing major freeways like I-96, I-275, and the Jeffries Freeway. You'll experience a consistent pace for the majority of the trip, including a longest stretch of 65 miles on I-96 without needing to exit. The character of the drive is dominated by these high-speed corridors, suggesting a smooth but potentially less varied experience behind the wheel. Expect limited opportunities for spontaneous stops as the focus is on efficient travel.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85 miles you will encounter 15 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: at 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 6.8 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 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 Potterville, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo and Detroit.

M 5 North: Detroit

71.9 mi in | ~1h 19m

Toledo

71.9 mi in | ~1h 19m

Detroit

80.2 mi in | ~1h 30m | via I 96

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 85 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 65 miles on I 96. 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 Livonia, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 6.8 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Livonia, MI before heading back.

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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