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Trip from South Gull Lake, 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

2h 12m

Distance

113.8 mi

183 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 3m ★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m

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 South Gull Lake, MI, MI

South Gull Lake, MI

Kevin Carrera

city in Wayne County, Michigan, United States

Livonia, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 113.8-mile journey from South Gull Lake, MI, to Livonia, MI, is a straightforward one-day trip, estimated to take about 2 hours and 12 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-94 and M-14, with a portion on West Michigan Avenue, this drive is largely highway-focused. With a fuel cost estimated at $18, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a necessary commute. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, keeping the scenery familiar. This route is designed for efficiency, making it a practical choice when time is a consideration.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

56.9 miles from South Gull Lake, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 66.8 mi 1h 11m
M 14 22.2 mi 23m
West Michigan Avenue 6.1 mi 10m
East Michigan Avenue 5.1 mi 6m
M 89 4.3 mi 4m
I 96 3.8 mi 4m
North 40th Street 1.3 mi 3m
Merriman Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 66.8 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Gull Lake, MI and Livonia, MI.

1

Start on Midlake Drive

137 ft · 5 sec · Midlake Drive
2

Continue on Makin Street

0.1 mi · 35 sec · Makin Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto Burlington Drive

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Burlington Drive
4

Keep slight left at fork onto Burlington Drive

91 ft · 4 sec · Burlington Drive
5

Turn right onto Midland Drive

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Midland Drive
6

Turn left onto East C Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · East C Avenue
7

Turn right onto North 40th Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · North 40th Street
8

At end of road, turn left onto M 89

4.3 mi · 4 min · M 89
9

Continue on M 89

0.2 mi · 17 sec · M-89
10

Continue on M 89

6.1 mi · 10 min · West Michigan Avenue
11

Turn right onto M 89

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Washington Avenue
12

Turn left onto West Hamblin Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Hamblin Avenue
13

Continue on I 94 BL

352 ft · 8 sec · Hamblin Street
14

Turn right onto I 94 BL

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Michigan Avenue
15

Turn right onto I 94 BL

55 ft · 4 sec · I 94 BL
16

Continue on I 94 BL; M 96

0.1 mi · 7 sec · East Columbia Avenue
17

Merge onto I 94 BL; M 96

3.1 mi · 3 min · East Michigan Avenue
18

Turn sharp left onto I 94 BL; M 311

349 ft · 6 sec · 11 Mile Road
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
20

Merge onto I 94

67 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 94
21

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

4.7 mi · 5 min · M 14
Exit 171 Toward M 14: Plymouth
22

Keep right at fork onto M 14

2.4 mi · 2 min · M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
23

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

15 mi · 16 min · M 14
Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on I 96

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 96
25

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road

477 ft · 14 sec · Schoolcraft Road
27

Turn right onto Merriman Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Merriman Road
28

Turn right

98 ft · 9 sec
29

Turn right

31 ft · 2 sec
30

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic, especially as you near the Detroit metropolitan area. While there are no designated stops in the data, you'll want to plan for at least one fuel or rest break, particularly during the 66.8-mile stretch on I-94. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $18, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway segments.

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 56.9 miles from South Gull Lake, MI, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 25 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 56.9 miles or 1h 10m 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 49m

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 South Gull Lake, 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 South Gull Lake, MI

This is one driving day of about 113.8 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from South Gull Lake, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 66.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Jackson, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jackson, MI

57 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

Jackson, MI to Livonia, MI

60.1 mi · 1h 8m

Pacing Suggestions

Marshall, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jackson, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 56.9 miles from South Gull Lake, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.8 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

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 16.3

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237760

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Marshall, Michigan

1.7 mi

Pennfield Ice Cream & Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Battle Creek, Michigan

2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Livonia, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.8

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Michigan

0.8 mi

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Michigan

1.1 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 16.3

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237760

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.4

Marshall, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12697814806

Visit website

Pennfield Ice Cream & Coffee Shop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 16.3

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 4–9 pm

+12692821398

Café Rica USA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.3

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm

+12694410205

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.1

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 4:30 am–9 pm

+12692820451

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

Dunkin'

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 73.2

Chelsea, Michigan

Hours: 4:30 am–7 pm

+17345622004

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 16.3

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12697531164

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 113.8

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.7

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17344046349

Visit website

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.7

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

RoosRoast Liberty

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17343692494

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.7

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17342598580

Comet Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm

+17342220579

Visit website

Jabal Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17345445450

Visit website

Rawaq Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17344368412

Visit website

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Augusta, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12696712510

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 89.4

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 105.7

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Maybury Farm

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 105.7

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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 19.3 and 112.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
19.3 mi into trip | ~29m in

Take the exit toward I 94 East: Detroit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 94 East: Detroit
6
86.4 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14: Plymouth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 171 Toward M 14: Plymouth
6
91.1 mi into trip | ~1h 46m in | M 14

Keep right at fork onto M 14 toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
9
93.5 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
7
112.4 mi into trip | ~2h 9m 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

$17.79 one way

$35.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.53 $39.07
premium $4.89 $21.90 $43.80
diesel $5.61 $25.13 $50.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.1 0 $11.95 $5.46
Efficient EV 28.5 0 $9.96 $4.55
EV Truck/SUV 45.5 0 $15.93 $7.28

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

13 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 15, 2026

Origin

South Gull Lake, MI

Morning in South Gull Lake on Sunday

Local time

10:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Livonia, MI

Morning in Livonia on Sunday

Local time

10:53 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

47°F

Jackson, MI

57 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

1 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 12m 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 highway-focused experience for 62% of this 113.8-mile route. You'll spend a good amount of time on I-94, including a longest stretch of 66.8 miles, which can feel quite continuous. As you progress, you'll transition to M-14 and then West Michigan Avenue, offering a slight change in pace from the interstate. While not a particularly winding or technical drive, the shift in road types provides a subtle evolution to the journey as you approach Livonia.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.8 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and M 14. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 19.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 113.8 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 19.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 86.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 South Gull Lake, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East and M 14 East: Plymouth.

M 14: Plymouth

86.4 mi in | ~1h 41m | via M 14

M 14 East

91.1 mi in | ~1h 46m | via M 14

M 14 East: Plymouth

93.5 mi in | ~1h 49m | via M 14

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 113.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.8 miles on I 94. 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.

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 19.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 86.4 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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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