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Trip from Shields, MI to Macomb, 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 53m

Distance

92.1 mi

148 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 54m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 49m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Shields, MI, MI

Shields, MI

Engin Akyurt

Trip Overview

Shields, MI to Macomb, MI is 92.1 miles and takes about 1h 53m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Michigan, making it a convenient local journey. You'll primarily be on interstate highways, so expect a straightforward drive focused on getting you to your destination efficiently. With only a 1h 53m estimated duration, this route is ideal for a same-day excursion without feeling rushed. Consider this a practical option if you need to cover ground between these two points without extensive planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

46 miles from Shields, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 66.9 mi 1h 11m
25 Mile Road 6.9 mi 10m
Tienken Road 3.5 mi 6m
Gratiot Road 2.9 mi 3m
East Holland Avenue 2 mi 2m
Rust Avenue Bridge 1.6 mi 2m
West Tienken Road 1.6 mi 3m
Gratiot Avenue 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 66.9 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Shields, MI and Macomb, MI.

1

Start on this road

114 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto M 46

2.9 mi · 3 min · Gratiot Road
3

Continue on M 46

1.2 mi · 1 min · Gratiot Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4

Turn right onto M 46

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Stephens Street
5

Continue on M 46

464 ft · 6 sec · Rust Street
6

Continue on M 46

1.6 mi · 2 min · Rust Avenue Bridge
7

Continue on M 46

0.3 mi · 23 sec · South Warren Avenue
8

Turn right onto M 46

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Holland Avenue
Use the right lane.
9

Enter roundabout

238 ft · 13 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
10

Continue

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
11

Merge onto I 75; US 23

23 mi · 24 min · I 75; US 23
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23

11 mi · 11 min · I 75; US 23
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

33 mi · 35 min · I 75
14

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 81 Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer Use the slight right lane.
15

Continue on I 75 BL

0.2 mi · 27 sec · I 75 BL
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 BL

0.6 mi · 57 sec · I 75 BL
Toward I 75 Business South: Pontiac
17

Turn left

88 ft · 3 sec
Use the left lane.
18

Turn left

154 ft · 7 sec
19

Continue on Shimmons Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Shimmons Road
20

At end of road, turn left onto Shimmons Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Shimmons Road
21

At end of road, turn left onto North Squirrel Road

0.3 mi · 37 sec · North Squirrel Road
22

Turn right onto Tienken Road

3.5 mi · 6 min · Tienken Road
Use the right lane.
23

Enter roundabout onto West Tienken Road

128 ft · 3 sec · West Tienken Road
24

Continue on West Tienken Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · West Tienken Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
25

Enter roundabout onto East Tienken Road

159 ft · 5 sec · East Tienken Road
26

Continue on East Tienken Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Tienken Road
27

Enter roundabout onto Runyon Road

150 ft · 3 sec · Runyon Road
28

Continue on Runyon Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Runyon Road
29

Continue on 25 Mile Road

6.0 mi · 9 min · 25 Mile Road
30

Enter roundabout onto 25 Mile Road

150 ft · 4 sec · 25 Mile Road
31

Continue on 25 Mile Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · 25 Mile Road
32

Enter roundabout

270 ft · 7 sec
33

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short drive time of under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with when to depart. Leaving in the morning or early afternoon should allow ample time to reach Macomb, MI, well before evening. Since the longest stretch on I 75 is over 66 miles, plan for a potential fuel stop before you get too low, though your estimated $14 fuel cost suggests this shouldn't be a major concern. Pay attention to signage as you transition off I 75 onto local roads; these can sometimes have more varied speed limits and intersections.

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 46 miles from Shields, MI, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.9 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 20 miles or 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 46 miles or 51m 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 22m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Shields, MI

This is one driving day of about 92.1 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Shields, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 66.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Waterford, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waterford, MI

46 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

Buena Vista, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lake Fenton, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 46 miles from Shields, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.9 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

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18104984909

Visit website

Stardust Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 6.6

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19897936300

Visit website

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18104984909

Visit website

Fireside Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 39.5

Swartz Creek, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18106359196

Visit website

Battle Alley Coffee Co.

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 59.2

Holly, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12482450512

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 39.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 39.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Independence Oaks County Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 65.8

Village of Clarkston, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–7:30 pm

+12486250877

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 39.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Ford Field Central Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 85.5

Shelby Township, Michigan

+15867310300

Visit website

Michigan Heroes Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 19.7

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19896528005

Visit website

Airborne Adventure Park - Saginaw, MI

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 6.6

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 4–8 pm

+19895960022

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.6 and 78.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
6.6 mi into trip | ~8m in | M 46 / East Holland Avenue

Turn right onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
8.6 mi into trip | ~10m in

Enter roundabout toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
8
75.8 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer

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 81 Toward I 75 Business, M 24: Pontiac, Lapeer
5
76.6 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | I 75 BL

Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 BL toward I 75 Business South: Pontiac

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 75 Business South: Pontiac
6
78.5 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in | Tienken Road

Turn right onto Tienken Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.40 one way

$28.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $15.81 $31.62
premium $4.89 $17.72 $35.45
diesel $5.61 $20.33 $40.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.6 0 $9.67 $4.42
Efficient EV 23 0 $8.06 $3.68
EV Truck/SUV 36.8 0 $12.89 $5.89

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 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 15, 2026

Origin

Shields, MI

Late night in Shields on Sunday

Local time

1:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Macomb, MI

Late night in Macomb on Sunday

Local time

1:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

2 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

1h 53m 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 drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 74% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 75. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 66.9 miles on I 75, which means consistent speed and minimal traffic disruptions. While the majority of the route is on the interstate, you'll also navigate some local roads like 25 Mile Road and Tienken Road as you approach your destination. This transition from high-speed highway to more community-oriented streets is characteristic of many Michigan drives.

74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.9 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and 25 Mile Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 miles in near M 46 / East Holland Avenue.

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 92.1 miles you will encounter 21 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 6.6 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.8 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 Shields, MI and Macomb, MI, road signs point toward M 24: Pontiac and Lapeer.

M 24: Pontiac

75.8 mi in | ~1h 23m

Lapeer

75.8 mi in | ~1h 23m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 53m. Total distance: 92.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.9 miles on I 75. 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 Macomb, 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 6.6 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.8 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 Macomb, 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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Explore More

Return Trip

Macomb, MI to Shields, MI

Plan the drive back the other way.

92.6 mi 1h 53m

Explore more options from Shields, MI or browse trips ending in Macomb, MI.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MI road trips.