Traveling from Three Rivers to Farmington Hills covers 152.5 miles across the Midwest, typically taking about 2 hours and 21 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, this trip works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $23 on fuel, making it a relatively budget-friendly excursion. Navigating this route involves a combination of US-131, South Grand Street, and I-94 East. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, the convenience of this drive allows for plenty of flexibility in your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.3 miles from Three Rivers, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
96.8 mi
1h 43m
M 14
22.2 mi
23m
US-131
9.3 mi
10m
South Grand Street
8.8 mi
9m
I 275
5.3 mi
5m
Walter P Reuther Freeway
2.9 mi
3m
South Main Street
2 mi
3m
West 11 Mile Road
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 96.8 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Three Rivers, MI and Farmington Hills, MI.
1
Start on M 86
2.0 mi·3 min·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Turn right onto US 131
9.3 mi·10 min·US-131
3
Continue on US 131
8.8 mi·9 min·South Grand Street
4
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
5
Merge onto I 94
97 mi·1 hr 43 min·I 94
6
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi·5 min·M 14
Exit 171Toward M 14: Plymouth
7
Keep right at fork onto M 14
2.4 mi·2 min·M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
8
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
15 mi·16 min·M 14
Exit 42Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, LivoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 275 North, I 96 West: FlintUse the right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 96 WestUse the straight lane.
11
Merge onto I 275
5.3 mi·5 min·I 275
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 165Toward I 696, M 5 East, M 5 North: Port HuronUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 696: Port Huron
14
Keep slight right at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward I 696: Port HuronUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 696
2.9 mi·3 min·Walter P Reuther Freeway
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 5Toward Farmington HillsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto Orchard Lake Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Orchard Lake Road
Use the right lane.
18
Turn right onto West 11 Mile Road
1.0 mi·2 min·West 11 Mile Road
Use the right lane.
19
Turn right onto Farmington Road
443 ft·9 sec·Farmington Road
20
Arrive at destination
Farmington Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever it best suits your personal timeline. However, given the turn-heavy nature of the route, it is wise to map your directions carefully before you leave to avoid missing any transitions. Consider fueling up your vehicle before you head out, as your total fuel cost is estimated at $23 for the duration of the trip. Because there are 0 planned stops, ensure you are comfortable with the two-hour-plus drive time before hitting the road. If you find yourself needing a break, look for safe pull-off areas along the path to stretch your legs and reset.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.3 miles from Three Rivers, MI, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.8 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.3 miles or 1h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Farmington Hills, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Three Rivers, 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 Three Rivers, MI
This is one driving day of about 152.6 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Three Rivers, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 96.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 124.6 and 146.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
124.6 mi into trip|~2h 15m 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
139.7 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 275 North, I 96 West: Flint
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 275 North, I 96 West: Flint
7
140.1 mi into trip|~2h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 96 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 96 West
8
145.6 mi into trip|~2h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 696, M 5 East, M 5 North: Port Huron
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 165
Toward I 696, M 5 East, M 5 North: Port Huron
7
146.4 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 696: Port Huron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 696: Port Huron
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.86 one way
$47.71 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg53 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$26.19
$52.39
premium
$4.89
$29.37
$58.73
diesel
$5.61
$33.69
$67.38
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.8
0
$16.02
$7.32
Efficient EV
38.2
0
$13.35
$6.10
EV Truck/SUV
61
0
$21.36
$9.77
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Three Rivers, MI
Night
in Three Rivers on Saturday
Local time
10:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Farmington Hills, MI
Night
in Farmington Hills on Saturday
Local time
10:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°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 51m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Since the highway share is 0 percent, you will spend your time navigating through local roads and transitions rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of high-speed pavement. The longest stretch on US-131 is 0 miles, reinforcing the fact that this is a more hands-on, technical journey. You should anticipate a dynamic path that shifts frequently as you transition between local streets and regional connections. Stay alert behind the wheel, as the route requires constant adjustments and navigation through various local road segments.
75% 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: 96.8 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 124.6 miles in near M 14.
Driving Effort10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 152.6 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 124.6 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,000 ft708 ft
Total Climb
476 ft
Total Descent
434 ft
Highest Point
1,000 ft
~98.1 mi in
Elevation Range
291 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Three Rivers, MI and Farmington Hills, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
M 14: Plymouth
117.5 mi in|~2h 8m|via M 14
M 14 East
122.2 mi in|~2h 13m|via M 14
M 14 East: Plymouth
124.6 mi in|~2h 15m|via M 14
Livonia
124.6 mi in|~2h 15m|via M 14
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 51m. Total distance: 152.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 96.8 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 Farmington Hills, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 124.6 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Farmington Hills, MI before heading back.
