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Trip from Riverview, MI to Lansing, MI

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

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

104.4 mi

168 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 55m ★
6 AM
2h 4m
8 AM
2h 22m
10 AM
2h 10m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 11m
5 PM
2h 21m
8 PM
1h 59m

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 Riverview, MI, MI

Riverview, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 104.4-mile drive from Riverview, MI to Lansing, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, it's an economical option for a quick trip within the Midwest region. The route primarily utilizes I-96 and US-131, offering a direct path to your destination. Given its manageable distance and duration, this drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

52.2 miles from Riverview, MI

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 58.3 mi 1h 2m
US 131 20.7 mi 21m
South Cypress Avenue 8.7 mi 11m
West Grand River Avenue 5.7 mi 8m
22 Mile Road 3.9 mi 5m
North Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard 1.6 mi 3m
Croton Hardy Drive 1.1 mi 2m
East 72nd Street 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 58.3 mi, about 1h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Riverview, MI and Lansing, MI.

1

Start on Croton Hardy Drive

1.1 mi · 2 min · Croton Hardy Drive
2

Turn left

1.3 mi · 1 min
3

Continue on this road

420 ft · 6 sec · this road
4

Keep slight left at fork onto East 72nd Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · East 72nd Street
5

Turn right onto South Cypress Avenue

8.7 mi · 11 min · South Cypress Avenue
6

Continue on 22 Mile Road

3.9 mi · 5 min · 22 Mile Road
7

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward US 131 South: Grand Rapids
8

Merge onto US 131; M 46

21 mi · 21 min · US 131; M 46
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Exit 89A Toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 96; M 37

58 mi · 1 hr 2 min · I 96; M 37
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto I 96 BL

0.4 mi · 48 sec · I 96 BL
Exit 90 Toward BL I 96: Grand River Ave
12

Turn left onto I 96 BL

5.7 mi · 8 min · West Grand River Avenue
13

Turn right onto North Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
14

Continue on North Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
15

Continue on North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

0.3 mi · 39 sec · North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
16

Turn left onto CL

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Allegan Street
17

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
18

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

For this relatively short 104.4-mile drive, you have the advantage of flexibility with your departure time. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the peak rush hour in the Riverview area. Since the drive is only about 2 hours, you likely won't need to plan for extensive stops, though a quick fuel or restroom break is always wise. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading onto the 58.3-mile stretch of I-96, to ensure you have enough to reach Lansing comfortably within your $16 fuel budget.

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 52.2 miles from Riverview, MI, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.3 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 23 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.2 miles or 1h 2m 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 37m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Riverview, 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 Riverview, MI

This is one driving day of about 104.4 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Riverview, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 58.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and seat of Kent County, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grand Rapids, MI

52 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

Grand Rapids, MI to Lansing, MI

65.2 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Cedar Springs, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grand Rapids, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.2 miles from Riverview, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

That Early Bird

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.7

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16162588350

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portland, Michigan

0.9 mi

That Early Bird

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.7

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16162588350

Visit website

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 82

Portland, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15179754213

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

The Urban Cup

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+15175745617

Hooked

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15177211330

Visit website

Qahwah House Coffee - Grand Rapids

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 44.7

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16162449419

Visit website

Château Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104.4

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15175804913

Visit website

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 44.7

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16169571580

Visit website

Pinball Land

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 29.8

Rockford, Michigan

Hours: 2–8 pm

Visit website

Fish Ladder Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 37.3

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16164563696

Visit website

Grand Rapids Escape Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 44.7

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 4–8 pm

+16164019441

Visit website

Camelot Park

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 44.7

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+16164563232

Visit website

Fitzgerald Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 89.5

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15176277351

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 95.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

5
16.6 mi into trip | ~24m in | US 131; M 46

Merge onto US 131; M 46

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
37.2 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 89A Toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing
5
37.4 mi into trip | ~46m in | I 96; M 37

Merge onto I 96; M 37

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
95.8 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | I 96 BL

Take the exit onto I 96 BL toward BL I 96: Grand River Ave

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 90 Toward BL I 96: Grand River Ave

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.32 one way

$32.64 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.92 $35.84
premium $4.89 $20.09 $40.18
diesel $5.61 $23.05 $46.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.3 0 $10.96 $5.01
Efficient EV 26.1 0 $9.14 $4.18
EV Truck/SUV 41.8 0 $14.62 $6.68

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (68% 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

Riverview, MI

Late night in Riverview on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Late night in Lansing on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Rain Showers Likely

W 15 mph 59% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 8:36AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI

Flash Flood Watch

Flash Flood Watch issued April 18 at 8:13AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

54°F

Grand Rapids, MI

52 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

18 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 4m 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 drive that is predominantly on highways, with 76% of the journey taking place on these faster roads. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 58.3 miles on I-96, providing a consistent pace for a good portion of the trip. While primarily highway-focused, the route incorporates other main roads like US-131 and South Cypress Avenue, which may offer slight variations in scenery or traffic patterns as you transition. Overall, this drive offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.3 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and US 131. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 104.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 16.6 miles (US 131; M 46): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 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.

On the drive from Riverview, MI to Lansing, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 37 South: Lansing along the way.

M 37 South: Lansing

37.2 mi in | ~45m

About the Cities

Starting in Riverview, MI

Full guide →

Southern Wayne County is a region in Wayne County in the state of Michigan.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 4m. Total distance: 104.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 58.3 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 Lansing, 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 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 16.6 miles (US 131; M 46): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 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 Lansing, 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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