Origin
Benton Heights, MI
Evening in Benton Heights on Sunday
Local time
7:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Benton Heights, MI to Farmington Hills, MI
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
176 mi
283 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 4m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Benton Heights, MI
fish socks
Farmington Hills, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
Connecting Benton Heights to Farmington Hills, this 176-mile journey typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, you can easily handle this as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $27 on fuel for the trek. The route keeps you within the Midwest, navigating across Michigan via major infrastructure. Since 83% of the drive consists of highway travel, it serves as a highly efficient way to move between these two points. Whether you are traveling for business or visiting family, this straightforward path offers a predictable travel experience.
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
88 miles from Benton Heights, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. You will rely primarily on I-94, M-14, and I-275 to reach your destination. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel involves a long, 136.8-mile stretch on I-94, which defines the bulk of the experience. Because of the heavy interstate reliance, the drive maintains a consistent, fast-paced rhythm throughout the journey. You should be prepared for a utilitarian experience that emphasizes direct transit rather than scenic, technical driving.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 136.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 141 miles in near M 14.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 176 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 141 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
141 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
M 14
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14: Plymouth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Exit 171
Toward M 14: Plymouth
9
148.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42
Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
7
163.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 57m 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
163.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m 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
169 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Benton Heights, MI and Farmington Hills, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
M 14: Plymouth
141 mi in
|
~2h 33m
|
via M 14
M 14 East
145.7 mi in
|
~2h 38m
|
via M 14
M 14 East: Plymouth
148.1 mi in
|
~2h 41m
|
via M 14
Livonia
148.1 mi in
|
~2h 41m
|
via M 14
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 136.8 mi | 2h 26m |
| M 14 | 22.2 mi | 23m |
| I 275 | 5.3 mi | 5m |
| Walter P Reuther Freeway | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| Red Arrow Highway | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| West 11 Mile Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| Orchard Lake Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| I 196 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 136.8 mi, about 2h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Benton Heights, MI and Farmington Hills, MI.
1
Start on Red Arrow Highway
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Arrow Highway
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
3
Merge onto I 196; US 31
0.7 mi
·
42 sec
·
I 196; US 31
4
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I-94 EAST: Detroit
5
Merge onto I 94
137 mi
·
2 hr 26 min
·
I 94
Toward I 94: Detroit
Use the none lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto M 14
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
M 14
Exit 171
Toward M 14: Plymouth
Use the none lane.
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 42
Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 275 North, I 96 West: Flint
Use the right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 96 West
Use the straight lane.
11
Merge onto I 275
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 275
Use the none lane.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Exit 165
Toward I 696, M 5 East, M 5 North: Port Huron
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 696: Port Huron
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 696: Port Huron
Use 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 5
Toward Farmington Hills
Use 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
Given the 3-hour-plus travel time, planning for at least one dedicated stop will help you stay alert behind the wheel. If you want to avoid heavy traffic on these major thoroughfares, consider departing outside of typical morning or evening rush hours. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting the long 136.8-mile segment on I-94 to ensure you aren't forced to stop in an inconvenient location. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time to suit your personal schedule. Prioritizing a mid-trip break will make the transition from the longer interstate sections to the final highway segments much more comfortable.
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 88 miles from Benton Heights, MI, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.8 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88 miles or 1h 36m 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 37m
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 Benton Heights, 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 Benton Heights, MI
This is one driving day of about 176 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Benton Heights, 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 136.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88 mi from Benton Heights, MI · 1h 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
88 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88 miles from Benton Heights, 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 136.8 miles.
Arriving in Farmington Hills, MI
The final approach into Farmington Hills, 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 Farmington Hills, MI.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.73 one way
$53.47 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $29.47 | $58.94 |
| premium | $4.80 | $33.23 | $66.45 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $39.10 | $78.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.48 | $8.45 |
| Efficient EV | 44 | 0 | $15.40 | $7.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.64 | $11.26 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Farmington Hills, MI
Evening in Farmington Hills on Sunday
Local time
7:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
23 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
3h 16m 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 Benton Heights, MI to Farmington Hills, MI covers 176 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, M 14, I 275. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 88 miles from Benton Heights, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.73 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 176 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 141 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.1 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Benton Heights, MI and Farmington Hills, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.
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Return Trip
Farmington Hills, MI to Benton Heights, MIPlan the drive back the other way.
175 mi
3h 14m
Continue From Farmington Hills, MI
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