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Trip from Union City, 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

3h 1m

Distance

145.5 mi

234 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 50m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m

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 Union City, MI, MI

Union City, MI

Quang Vuong

Trip Overview

This 145.5-mile drive from Union City to Macomb, Michigan, is a solid option for a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. Expect a fuel cost of around $23 for this journey through the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes I-94 and M-14, with a portion of M-60 also involved, offering a mixed driving experience. With 44% of the drive on highways, it's a fairly direct path. This trip is well-suited for a day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay, and you'll likely only need to make one planned stop.

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

72.8 miles from Union City, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m 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
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway 10.8 mi 11m
Spring Arbor Road 9.9 mi 13m
I 96 9.2 mi 9m
Jeffries Freeway (Express) 5.3 mi 5m
M 53 5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 34.8 mi, about 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Union City, MI and Macomb, 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 171 Toward 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 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia Use 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

5.3 mi · 5 min · Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 186B Toward Davison Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on M 8

2.2 mi · 5 min · M 8
24

Continue on M 8

1.3 mi · 1 min · Davison Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 75 North: Flint Use the slight left lane.
27

Merge onto I 75

11 mi · 11 min · North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 67 Toward Rochester Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Turn right onto Rochester Road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Rochester Road
Use the right lane.
30

Turn right onto East Big Beaver Road

2.0 mi · 3 min · East Big Beaver Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
31

Continue on Metropolitan Parkway

3.1 mi · 4 min · Metropolitan Parkway
32

Continue on Metropolitan Parkway

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Metropolitan Parkway
Use the left lane.
33

Turn right onto M 53

2.2 mi · 3 min · Van Dyke Avenue
Use the right lane.
34

Keep slight right at fork onto M 53

5.0 mi · 5 min · M 53
Toward M 53 North: Imlay City
35

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Exit 20A Toward 23 Mile Road East Use the slight right lane.
36

Turn right onto 23 Mile Road

2.8 mi · 4 min · 23 Mile Road
Use the right lane.
37

Turn left onto Garfield Road

2.0 mi · 2 min · Garfield Road
Use the straight lane.
38

Enter roundabout

181 ft · 4 sec
39

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, departing Union City in the morning is ideal to maximize your time in Macomb. The 145.5-mile trip has a manageable fuel cost of approximately $23, so ensure your tank is full before you leave to avoid needing an early stop. While only one stop is recommended, consider taking a break around the 34.8-mile mark on I-94 to stretch your legs. This route is designed for a single day, so you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but keep an eye on traffic, especially as you approach your destination in Macomb.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72.8 miles from Union City, MI, or about 1h 31m 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 32 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.8 miles or 1h 31m 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 25m

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 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 145.5 miles and 3h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Union City, 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 34.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

charter township in Wayne County, Michigan, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Canton, MI

73 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

Jackson, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dexter, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.8 miles from Union City, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.6

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

1.2 mi

Dunkin'

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chelsea, Michigan

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

In Harmony Café Sweets & More

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 114.4

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+15863076450

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Michigan

1.3 mi

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling Heights, Michigan

1.6 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.6

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.6

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

Dunkin'

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.4

Chelsea, Michigan

Hours: 4:30 am–7 pm

+17345622004

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.4

Chelsea, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+17347194712

Zou Zou's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62.4

Chelsea, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17344334226

Visit website

Dozer Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.8

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17349295217

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 41.6

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 41.6

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15177809558

Visit website

In Harmony Café Sweets & More

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 114.4

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+15863076450

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.6

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17344046349

Visit website

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 135.1

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.6

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 104

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17342366069

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.6

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17342598580

Vito's Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.2

Spring Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+15177951694

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 124.8

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12483077161

Visit website

LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 135.1

Utica, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15868846941

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 124.8

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 114.4

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 12–5 pm

+13138983007

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 83.2

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Hamtramck Disneyland

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 114.4

Hamtramck, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13133465465

Visit website

Maybury State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 93.6

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12483498390

Visit website

Michigan Science Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 114.4

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13135778400

Visit website

N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 114.4

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+13138318700

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 82.2 and 116 — 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
111.8 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in

Take the exit toward Davison Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 186B Toward Davison Avenue
7
115.6 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 75: Flint, Toledo

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
7
116 mi into trip | ~2h 21m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.75 one way

$45.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.98 $49.95
premium $4.89 $28.00 $56.00
diesel $5.61 $32.12 $64.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.7 0 $15.28 $6.98
Efficient EV 36.4 0 $12.73 $5.82
EV Truck/SUV 58.2 0 $20.37 $9.31

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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

8:51 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Macomb, MI

Morning in Macomb on Sunday

Local time

8:51 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

21 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

3h 1m 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?

Your drive will be a mix of highway speeds and more local road cruising, with 44% of the journey on faster routes like I-94 and M-14. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 34.8 miles on I-94, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. As you progress, the character of the drive shifts between the efficiency of major interstates and the slightly more varied pace of state highways. This blend means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire trip, but rather experience a dynamic feel behind the wheel.

44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 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?

10/10

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 Effort 10/10

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 22 significant decision points across 145.5 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 111.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Macomb, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia, Toledo and M 53 North: Imlay City.

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

Toledo

115.6 mi in | ~2h 20m

M 53 North: Imlay City

135.4 mi in | ~2h 47m | via M 53

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 145.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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.

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

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Macomb, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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