Origin
Big Rapids, MI
Evening in Big Rapids on Sunday
Local time
6:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Big Rapids, MI to Flint, MI
Drive Time
2h 49m
Distance
132 mi
212 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 39m
★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 57m
12 PM
2h 55m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Rapids, MI
Robert Schrader
Trip Overview
Connecting Big Rapids to Flint, this 132-mile journey takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance, you can easily tackle this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will traverse the heart of the Midwest while navigating a mix of local roads and interstate segments. With a modest fuel budget of around $20, it is a cost-effective trip for your next weekend outing. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick getaway, the route offers a straightforward path between these two Michigan cities.
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
66 miles from Big Rapids, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as only 36% of this trip is spent on highways. Your time behind the wheel will involve navigating Gratiot Road and Business US-127, requiring more attention than a standard freeway slog. While you will spend a portion of the journey on I-75, the longest uninterrupted stretch lasts just 23.2 miles. This variety keeps the drive engaging, shifting the pace from faster highway speeds to the more technical, winding nature of local thoroughfares. It is a drive that rewards drivers who prefer a hands-on experience over simple highway miles.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 52 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 23.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 58.1 miles in near US 127 BUS.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 132 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 58.1 miles (US 127 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles (M 46 / West Monroe Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 97.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
58.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
|
US 127 BUS
Take the exit onto US 127 BUS toward BUS US 127, M 46 WEST: Alma, Edmore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward BUS US 127, M 46 WEST: Alma, Edmore
6
58.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
M 46 / West Monroe Road
Turn left onto M 46 / West Monroe Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
97.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
Enter roundabout toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
6
121.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
|
I 475 / UAW Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 475 / UAW Freeway toward I 475: Downtown Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 125
Toward I 475: Downtown Flint
6
131.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m in
|
M 21 / East Court Street
Turn right onto M 21 / East Court Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Big Rapids, MI and Flint, MI, road signs point toward Bus Us 127, M 46 West: Alma and Edmore.
Bus Us 127
58.1 mi in
|
~1h 18m
|
via US 127 BUS
M 46 West: Alma
58.1 mi in
|
~1h 18m
|
via US 127 BUS
Edmore
58.1 mi in
|
~1h 18m
|
via US 127 BUS
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 23.2 mi | 24m |
| Gratiot Road | 16.7 mi | 19m |
| Business US-127 | 14 mi | 14m |
| West Remus Road | 14 mi | 19m |
| East Monroe Road | 10.4 mi | 14m |
| UAW Freeway | 10 mi | 10m |
| 120th Avenue | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| 70th Avenue | 4.7 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 23.2 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Rapids, MI and Flint, MI.
1
Start on this road
16 ft
·
1 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
112 ft
·
10 sec
3
Turn right onto M 20
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Maple Street
4
Turn right onto M 20
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South 3rd Avenue
5
Continue on M 20
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Taft Road
6
Turn straight onto M 20
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
State Highway 20
7
Continue on M 20
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
15 Mile Road
8
Turn right onto M 20
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
157th Avenue
9
Continue on M 20
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
McKinley Road
10
Turn right onto M 20
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
120th Avenue
11
Continue on M 20
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
12
Turn straight onto North Cass Street
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Cass Street
13
Continue on M 20
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
70th Avenue
14
Continue on M 20
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Wheatland Avenue
15
Continue on M 20
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
9 Mile Road
16
Continue on M 20
14 mi
·
19 min
·
West Remus Road
17
Turn right onto South Lincoln Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Lincoln Road
18
Turn left onto East Broomfield Road
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
East Broomfield Road
19
Continue on West Broomfield Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Broomfield Street
20
Turn right onto BUS US 127
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Mission Street
21
Continue on BUS US 127
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Business US-127
22
Keep slight right at fork onto BUS US 127
13 mi
·
12 min
·
Business US-127
23
Take the exit onto US 127 BUS
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
US 127 BUS
Toward BUS US 127, M 46 WEST: Alma, Edmore
24
Turn left onto M 46
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Monroe Road
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 127 BUS; M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Washington Avenue
Use the none lane.
26
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the none lane.
27
Continue on M 46
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
Use the none lane.
28
Continue on M 46
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Saginaw Street
29
Continue on M 46
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
30
Continue on M 46
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Road
31
Continue on M 46
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Saginaw Street
32
Continue on M 46
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Saginaw Street
33
Continue on M 46
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Gratiot Road
34
Continue on M 46
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Saginaw Street
35
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
West Saginaw Street
36
Continue on M 46
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Gratiot Road
Use the none lane.
37
Continue on M 46
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Turn right onto M 46
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Stephens Street
39
Continue on M 46
464 ft
·
6 sec
·
Rust Street
40
Continue on M 46
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Rust Avenue Bridge
Use the none lane.
41
Continue on M 46
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Warren Avenue
42
Turn right onto M 46
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Holland Avenue
Use the right lane.
43
Enter roundabout
238 ft
·
13 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
44
Continue
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Flint
45
Merge onto I 75; US 23
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 75; US 23
46
Keep slight right at fork onto I 475
10.0 mi
·
10 min
·
UAW Freeway
Exit 125
Toward I 475: Downtown Flint
47
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 7
Toward M 21
48
Continue on Chavez Drive
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Chavez Drive
Use the none lane.
49
Turn right onto M 21
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
East Court Street
Use the right lane.
50
Turn left
68 ft
·
6 sec
51
Turn right
93 ft
·
6 sec
52
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. With only one recommended stop, you can easily pace the 132-mile distance to fit your comfort level. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between local roads and the interstate, as the route relies heavily on non-highway stretches. Since your total fuel cost is estimated at $20, it is a great idea to fill your tank before you leave Big Rapids to avoid searching for stations along the way. Planning your single stop in the middle of the trip will help you stay refreshed for the more turn-heavy sections of the drive.
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 66 miles from Big Rapids, MI, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.2 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 80 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66 miles or 1h 30m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Flint, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Big Rapids, 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 Big Rapids, MI
This is one driving day of about 132 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Big Rapids, 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 75 for about 23.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66 mi from Big Rapids, MI · 1h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 66 miles from Big Rapids, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Flint, MI
The final approach into Flint, 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 Flint, 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
$20.05 one way
$40.10 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $22.10 | $44.20 |
| premium | $4.80 | $24.92 | $49.84 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $29.33 | $58.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.6 | 0 | $13.86 | $6.34 |
| Efficient EV | 33 | 0 | $11.55 | $5.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.48 | $8.45 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Flint, MI
Evening in Flint on Sunday
Local time
6:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
2 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
2h 49m 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 Big Rapids, MI to Flint, MI covers 132 miles and takes about 2h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Gratiot Road, Business US-127. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66 miles from Big Rapids, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.05 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 demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 132 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 58.1 miles (US 127 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles (M 46 / West Monroe Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 97.7 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Big Rapids, MI and Flint, MI, road signs point toward Bus Us 127, M 46 West: Alma and Edmore.
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