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Trip from South Monroe, MI to Lansing, MI

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

106.7 mi

172 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 56m ★
6 AM
2h 5m
8 AM
2h 22m
10 AM
2h 11m
12 PM
2h 9m
3 PM
2h 12m
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 South Monroe, MI, MI

South Monroe, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 106.7-mile drive from South Monroe, MI, to Lansing, MI, is a straightforward, single-day trip, clocking in at about 2 hours and 4 minutes of pure driving time. Primarily utilizing US 23 and I-96, with a brief stint on South Custer Road, this route keeps you on well-maintained highways for about 82% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, it's an economical option for a quick regional hop within the Midwest. Given its manageable length and highway focus, it's perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

53.3 miles from South Monroe, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 23 42.5 mi 45m
I 96 40.1 mi 43m
South Custer Road 11.9 mi 16m
Ransom E Olds Freeway 5.3 mi 5m
South Telegraph Road 1.3 mi 2m
East Monroe Street 1 mi 1m
East Dunbar Road 0.8 mi 1m
Tecumseh Street 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 23 — 42.5 mi, about 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

266 ft · 12 sec · this road
2

Turn right

0.1 mi · 34 sec
3

At end of road, turn left onto M 125

0.3 mi · 38 sec · South Dixie Highway
4

Turn left onto East Dunbar Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Dunbar Road
5

Turn right onto US 24

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Telegraph Road
6

Turn left onto M 50

12 mi · 16 min · South Custer Road
7

Continue on M 50

1.0 mi · 1 min · East Monroe Street
8

Continue on M 50

0.7 mi · 1 min · Tecumseh Street
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 23 North: Ann Arbor
10

Merge onto US 23

28 mi · 29 min · US 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 23

15 mi · 15 min · US 23
Toward US 23 North: Brighton, Flint Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Exit 60B Toward I 96 West: Lansing Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Road
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 96 West: Lansing
15

Merge onto I 96

1.2 mi · 1 min · I 96
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

39 mi · 41 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 106B Toward I 496, US 127 North: Downtown Lansing
18

Merge onto I 496; US 127

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 496

2.4 mi · 2 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 6 Toward Downtown
21

Turn right onto South Walnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Walnut Street
22

Turn right onto West Allegan Street

412 ft · 12 sec · West Allegan Street
23

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
24

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour, 106.7-mile trip, flexibility is your best friend. You can easily tackle this drive in one go, but if you prefer to break it up, consider a mid-morning departure to avoid early rush hour traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, you won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops, though it's always wise to keep an eye on your gauge. The longest stretch without a major road change is 42.5 miles on US 23, so plan any brief stretches or snack breaks before or after that segment to maximize your time on the road.

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 53.3 miles from South Monroe, MI, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.5 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 23 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 53.3 miles or 1h 4m 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 41m

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 South Monroe, 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 Monroe, MI

This is one driving day of about 106.7 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from South Monroe, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 23 for about 42.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in southwestern Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan

Mid-route town

Meal stop

South Lyon, MI

53 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

Saline, MI

Fuel and coffee

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

Brighton, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 53.3 miles from South Monroe, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best coffee break · home stretch

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brighton, Michigan

0.9 mi

RoosRoast Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17342229202

Visit website

Misfit Society Coffee Club

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17342632228

Visit website

The Drip House Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+17348004135

Visit website

Zingerman's Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17349296060

Visit website

Dozer Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17349295217

Visit website

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Brighton Coffee House and Theater

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18102272233

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Socotra Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+17349295672

Visit website

Black Iron Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Howell, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15172958259

Visit website

Taste Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Mason, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15172200447

Visit website

The Michigan Museum of Horror

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Monroe, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+17347902424

Visit website

Rolling Hills Water Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12–7 pm

+17344849676

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Zap Zone at BIG Best In Games - Ypsilanti

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+17349306670

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Family and Friends Funland

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Monroe, Michigan

Hours: 4–7 pm

+17342422600

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 44.1 and 61 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
44.1 mi into trip | ~54m in | US 23

Keep slight right at fork onto US 23 toward US 23 North: Brighton, Flint

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 23 North: Brighton, Flint
7
58.8 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Take the exit toward I 96 West: Lansing

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 60B Toward I 96 West: Lansing
6
59.2 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Road

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

Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Ro...
6
59.5 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 96 West: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 96 West: Lansing
6
61 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.68 one way

$33.36 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.32 $36.63
premium $4.89 $20.53 $41.07
diesel $5.61 $23.56 $47.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 37.3 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 32 0 $11.20 $5.12
Efficient EV 26.7 0 $9.34 $4.27
EV Truck/SUV 42.7 0 $14.94 $6.83

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 20, 2026

Origin

South Monroe, MI

Morning in South Monroe on Tuesday

Local time

9:16 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Morning in Lansing on Tuesday

Local time

9:16 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°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

16 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

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 the majority of this 106.7-mile journey, with 82% of the route being on interstates or major highways like US 23 and I-96. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 42.5 miles on US 23, offering a consistent pace. While the route is predominantly high-speed, the inclusion of South Custer Road provides a brief change of scenery and driving feel before rejoining the main thoroughfares. Overall, this drive offers a practical and efficient connection between South Monroe and Lansing.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.5 mi on US 23.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 23 and I 96. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.1 miles in near US 23.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 20 significant decision points across 106.7 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 44.1 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.2 miles: 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 Monroe, MI and Lansing, MI, road signs point toward Flint and Brighton.

Flint

44.1 mi in | ~54m | via US 23

Brighton

59.2 mi in | ~1h 11m

About the Cities

Arriving in Lansing, MI

Full guide →

Lansing is a pleasant city, and as Michigan's state capital, it is home to many government offices. Downtown Lansing has a historic shopping district amidst the campus of Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

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: 106.7 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 (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 42.5 miles on US 23. 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 44.1 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.2 miles: 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 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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