Origin
Ann Arbor, MI
Morning in Ann Arbor on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ann Arbor, MI to Union, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 41m
Distance
141.4 mi
228 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 31m
★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 3m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 2m
8 PM
2h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ann Arbor, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Union, MI
Sebastián Casimiro
Trip Overview
This 141.4-mile drive from Ann Arbor, MI, to Union, MI, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-94, US-131, and US-12, offering a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $22, it’s an economical option for a quick getaway. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. This drive is well-suited for those looking for a direct and uncomplicated trip within Michigan.
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
70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 141.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 92% of this 141.4-mile route. The majority of your journey will be on interstates and major highways, designed for efficiency. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 98.4 miles on I-94, allowing for a consistent pace. While predominantly highway, the transition to US-131 and US-12 will introduce you to different road characteristics as you approach your destination. This drive offers a blend of high-speed travel and slightly more varied highway conditions.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 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 98.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and US-131. 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.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 41m 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 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining.
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.
3
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the ramp toward I 94 West: Jackson
Navigation decision point
Toward I 94 West: Jackson
3
2.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 94
Merge onto I 94
Merge point - match speed before joining
4
101.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
3
101.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
|
US 131 / US-131
Merge onto US 131 / US-131
Merge point - match speed before joining
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 98.4 mi | 1h 45m |
| US-131 | 25.8 mi | 29m |
| US-12 | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| Riverside Drive | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Constantine Bypass | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| East Huron Street | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Jackson Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| West Chicago Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 98.4 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor, MI and Union, 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
98 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
I 94
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 131 South: Three Rivers
7
Merge onto US 131
26 mi
·
29 min
·
US-131
8
Continue on US 131
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Constantine Bypass
9
Turn right onto Riverside Drive
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Riverside Drive
10
Turn right onto US 12
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Chicago Road
11
Continue on US 12
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
West Chicago Road
12
Continue on US 12
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
US-12
13
Arrive at destination
US 12
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 41 minutes for this 141.4-mile trip, you have flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving Ann Arbor in the morning to maximize your day in Union, or depart later for a more relaxed start. With only one recommended stop, plan for a quick break if needed, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on I-94. The estimated fuel cost is $22, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing to avoid unexpected stops. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you navigate the I-94 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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.4 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 31 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.7 miles or 1h 19m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor, MI
This is one driving day of about 141.4 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Ann Arbor, 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 98.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 70.7 mi from Ann Arbor, MI · 1h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 70.7 miles from Ann Arbor, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.4 miles.
Arriving in Union, MI
The final approach into Union, MI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Union, MI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.11 one way
$44.21 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.27 | $48.54 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.21 | $54.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.22 | $62.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.85 | $6.79 |
| Efficient EV | 35.4 | 0 | $12.37 | $5.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.6 | 0 | $19.80 | $9.05 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (65% 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
Union, MI
Morning in Union on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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 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 41m 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 Union, MI covers 141.4 miles and takes about 2h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, US-131, US-12. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 70.7 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 $22.11 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 2h 41m 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 2.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining.
The route from Ann Arbor, MI to Union, MI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Union, MI
More trips to Union, MI
Explore more options from Ann Arbor, MI or browse trips ending in Union, MI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MI road trips.