Origin
Ann Arbor, MI
Night in Ann Arbor on Wednesday
Local time
11:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ann Arbor, MI to Tompkins, MI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
56m
Distance
46.1 mi
74 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 52m
★
6 AM
0h 56m
8 AM
1h 5m
10 AM
0h 59m
12 PM
0h 58m
3 PM
1h 0m
5 PM
1h 5m
8 PM
0h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ann Arbor, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Tompkins, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
This 46.1-mile drive from Ann Arbor to Tompkins, Michigan, is a quick 56-minute trip perfect for a single day. Primarily utilizing I-94 and US-127, this route is heavily highway-focused, making it an efficient journey within the Midwest region. With an estimated fuel cost of just $7, it's an economical option for a short excursion. Since there are no designated stops and the drive is under an hour, you'll have plenty of flexibility to depart at your convenience and arrive without feeling rushed. This makes it an ideal choice for a spontaneous outing or a straightforward commute.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
23 miles from Ann Arbor, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 28m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 76% of the drive taking place on faster roads like I-94 and US-127. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 33.2 miles on I-94, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the majority of the journey is on these main arteries, there are also segments on Clinton Road, providing a slight variation in the driving environment. The overall character is one of efficient travel, prioritizing getting you to your destination smoothly and directly.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 33.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and Clinton Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 56m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.9 miles (US 127): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.2 miles (US 127): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street
Turn left onto I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
35.9 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
US 127
Take the exit onto US 127 toward US-127 NORTH, M-50: Lansing, Jackson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US-127 NORTH, M-50: Lansing, Jackson
6
36.2 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
US 127
Keep slight right at fork onto US 127 toward US-127 NORTH, M-50 WEST: Lansing
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US-127 NORTH, M-50 WEST: Lansing
4
37.7 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
M 50
Take the exit onto M 50 toward M 50 West: Charlotte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward M 50 West: Charlotte
4
45.9 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
Woodard Road
Turn right onto Woodard Road
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ann Arbor, MI and Tompkins, MI, road signs point toward M-50: Lansing, Jackson, M-50 West: Lansing and M 50 West: Charlotte.
M-50: Lansing
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 127
Jackson
35.9 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 127
M-50 West: Lansing
36.2 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 127
M 50 West: Charlotte
37.7 mi in
|
~43m
|
via M 50
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 33.2 mi | 35m |
| Clinton Road | 7.8 mi | 10m |
| US 127 | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| East Huron Street | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Jackson Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| M 50 | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South State Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Woodard Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 33.2 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor, MI and Tompkins, MI.
1
Start on South State Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
South State Street
2
Turn left onto I 94 BL; US 23 BUS
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
East Huron Street
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on I 94 BL
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Jackson Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 94 West: Jackson
5
Merge onto I 94
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 94
6
Take the exit onto US 127
0.3 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 127
Toward US-127 NORTH, M-50: Lansing, Jackson
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 127
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 127
Toward US-127 NORTH, M-50 WEST: Lansing
8
Take the exit onto M 50
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
M 50
Toward M 50 West: Charlotte
9
Continue on M 50
7.8 mi
·
10 min
·
Clinton Road
10
Turn right onto Woodard Road
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Woodard Road
11
Turn left onto Tompkins Road
39 ft
·
1 sec
·
Tompkins Road
12
Arrive at destination
Tompkins Road
Trip Plan
Given the short 56-minute duration and 46.1-mile length, this trip offers great flexibility; you can easily depart Ann Arbor at any time that suits you. There are no mandatory stops factored in, but if you need a break, consider planning one around the halfway point or just before transitioning to US-127. The estimated fuel cost is a modest $7, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling. A practical tip for this route is to be mindful of potential traffic on I-94, especially during peak commuting hours, as it's a well-traveled corridor.
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 23 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, or about 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.2 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 10 miles or 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 23 miles or 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tompkins, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Ann Arbor, MI.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ann Arbor, MI
This is one driving day of about 46.1 miles and 56m.
At 46.1 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 33.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23 mi from Ann Arbor, MI · 28m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
23 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 10 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 23 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Tompkins, MI
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Tompkins, MI if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$7.21 one way
$14.41 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
16 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $7.91 | $15.83 |
| premium | $4.89 | $8.87 | $17.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $10.18 | $20.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 13.8 | 0 | $4.84 | $2.21 |
| Efficient EV | 11.5 | 0 | $4.03 | $1.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.4 | 0 | $6.45 | $2.95 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (69% 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.
Destination
Tompkins, MI
Night in Tompkins on Wednesday
Local time
11:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 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
56m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ann Arbor, MI to Tompkins, MI covers 46.1 miles and takes about 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, Clinton Road, US 127. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 23 miles from Ann Arbor, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.21 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 56m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (I 94 BL; US 23 BUS / East Huron Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.9 miles (US 127): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.2 miles (US 127): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ann Arbor, MI and Tompkins, MI, road signs point toward M-50: Lansing, Jackson, M-50 West: Lansing and M 50 West: Charlotte.
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