This 119.7-mile drive from Union City to Detroit, Michigan, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-94 and M-14, with a brief section of M-60. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $19, making it an economical option. This route offers a mixed driving experience across the Midwest region of Michigan. Given its relatively short duration, you can depart at your leisure and arrive in Detroit with plenty of time to spare.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
59.8 miles from Union City, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 94
34.8 mi
37m
M 14
22.2 mi
23m
M-60
19.2 mi
25m
Jeffries Freeway (Express)
10.6 mi
11m
Spring Arbor Road
9.9 mi
13m
I 96
9.2 mi
9m
Homer-Concord Road
3 mi
4m
Homer Road
2.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 34.8 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union City, MI and Detroit, MI.
1
Start on Ellen Street
314 ft·20 sec·Ellen Street
2
Turn left onto North Broadway Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North Broadway Street
3
Turn right onto M 60
3.0 mi·4 min·M-60
4
Continue on M 60
1.3 mi·1 min·West Leroy Street
5
Continue on M 60
13 mi·17 min·M-60
6
Continue on M 60
1.0 mi·1 min·West Leigh Street
7
Continue on M 60; M 99
1.5 mi·2 min·Homer-Concord Road
8
Turn slight right onto M 60; M 99
1.7 mi·2 min·L Drive South
9
Merge onto M 60
1.5 mi·2 min·Homer-Concord Road
10
Continue on M 60
2.2 mi·2 min·Homer Road
11
Continue on M 60
6.3 mi·8 min·Spring Arbor Road
12
Continue on M 60
0.9 mi·1 min·West Main Street
13
Continue on M 60
3.6 mi·5 min·Spring Arbor Road
14
Turn straight onto M 60
2.9 mi·3 min·M-60
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
16
Merge onto I 94
35 mi·37 min·I 94
17
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi·5 min·M 14
Exit 171Toward M 14: Plymouth
18
Keep right at fork onto M 14
2.4 mi·2 min·M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
19
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.
20
Continue on I 96
9.2 mi·9 min·I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
11 mi·11 min·Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 75 North, M 10: Flint, Downtown
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 75 North: FlintUse the slight left lane.
24
Merge onto I 75
0.8 mi·1 min·Fisher Freeway
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 50Toward Grand River AvenueUse the slight right lane.
26
Continue on Fisher Drive West
442 ft·16 sec·Fisher Drive West
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn right onto M 5
0.5 mi·1 min·Grand River Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn right onto Griswold Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·Griswold Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn left onto Michigan Avenue
341 ft·15 sec·Michigan Avenue
30
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
179 ft·6 sec·Woodward Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on Woodward Avenue
124 ft·8 sec·Woodward Avenue
32
Continue on Woodward Avenue
231 ft·14 sec·Woodward Avenue
33
Turn right onto Cadillac Square
126 ft·4 sec·Cadillac Square
34
Arrive at destination
Cadillac Square
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 25-minute drive, there's no need to split the journey; you can comfortably complete it in one go. Consider an early morning departure to potentially avoid some of Detroit's traffic. With only 119.7 miles and a fuel cost of approximately $19, you have flexibility with stops. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 34.8-mile stretch on I-94, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a convenient service area.
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 59.8 miles from Union City, MI, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.8 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 26 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.8 miles or 1h 17m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Detroit, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Union City, 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 Union City, MI
This is one driving day of about 119.7 miles and 2h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Union City, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 34.8 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 82.2 and 119.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
82.2 mi into trip|~1h 41m 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
106.4 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express) toward I 96 Express: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown
7
117.4 mi into trip|~2h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
7
118.5 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward Grand River Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 50
Toward Grand River Avenue
7
119.6 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|Woodward Avenue
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.71 one way
$37.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg42 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.55
$41.09
premium
$4.89
$23.04
$46.07
diesel
$5.61
$26.43
$52.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.9
0
$12.57
$5.75
Efficient EV
29.9
0
$10.47
$4.79
EV Truck/SUV
47.9
0
$16.76
$7.66
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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
Union City, MI
Morning
in Union City on Sunday
Local time
7:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Detroit, MI
Morning
in Detroit on Sunday
Local time
7:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
46°F
Dexter, MI
60 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
19 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 25m 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 mixed drive on this route, with about 46% of your journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 34.8 miles on I-94, offering a good opportunity for consistent speed. While much of the drive will be on faster roads like I-94 and M-14, you'll also experience segments on M-60, providing a change of pace. This blend means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire trip.
46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.8 mi on I 94.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 82.2 miles in near M 14.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 119.7 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 82.2 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.4 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union City, MI and Detroit, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
M 14: Plymouth
75.1 mi in|~1h 33m|via M 14
M 14 East
79.8 mi in|~1h 38m|via M 14
M 14 East: Plymouth
82.2 mi in|~1h 41m|via M 14
Livonia
82.2 mi in|~1h 41m|via M 14
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 25m. Total distance: 119.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (46%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 34.8 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 Detroit, 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 82.2 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.4 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.4 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 Detroit, MI before heading back.
