Trip from Buchanan, MI to Farmington Hills, MI

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

198 mi

319 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 28m ★

6 AM

3h 40m

8 AM

4h 5m

10 AM

3h 49m

12 PM

3h 47m

3 PM

3h 50m

5 PM

4h 4m

8 PM

3h 33m

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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Buchanan, MI

Wolrider YURTSEVEN

Farmington Hills, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

Connecting Buchanan to Farmington Hills, this 198-mile journey takes you across Michigan in approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that is easily manageable as a single-day trip, making an overnight stay unnecessary unless your schedule requires one. Budgeting about $30 for fuel should cover your travel costs comfortably. Since the entire route stays within the Midwest, you can expect familiar terrain and consistent road conditions throughout. This trip is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to cross the state without navigating complex backroads.

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

99 miles from Buchanan, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Drive Character

You will spend roughly 85% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-94, M-14, and the Saint Joseph Valley Parkway. The most significant portion of your journey involves a 137.4-mile stretch along I-94, which defines the bulk of the driving experience. Expect a consistent, fast-paced rhythm as you transition between these major arteries. While the route is highly functional for travel, it lacks the winding character of rural backroads, focusing instead on speed and directness. You will find that the road maintains a predictable, interstate-style personality from start to finish.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 23 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 137.4 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 25.5 miles in near I 94.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 198 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 25.5 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 162.9 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 170 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

25.5 mi into trip | ~30m in | I 94

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 94: Detroit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 94: Detroit

162.9 mi into trip | ~2h 57m 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

170 mi into trip | ~3h 5m 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

185.1 mi into trip | ~3h 21m 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

191 mi into trip | ~3h 28m 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 Buchanan, MI and Farmington Hills, MI, road signs point toward Detroit, M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.

Detroit

24.2 mi in | ~28m | via US 31

M 14: Plymouth

162.9 mi in | ~2h 57m | via M 14

M 14 East

167.6 mi in | ~3h 2m | via M 14

M 14 East: Plymouth

170 mi in | ~3h 5m | via M 14

Livonia

170 mi in | ~3h 5m | via M 14

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 94	137.4 mi	2h 27m
M 14	22.2 mi	23m
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway	21.2 mi	22m
I 275	5.3 mi	5m
Walter P Reuther Freeway	2.9 mi	3m
Niles Buchanan Road	1.9 mi	3m
West 11 Mile Road	1 mi	2m
East Front Street	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 94 — 137.4 mi, about 2h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan, MI and Farmington Hills, MI.

Start on South Oak Street

29 ft · 5 sec · South Oak Street

Turn right onto East Front Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Front Street

Continue on Niles Buchanan Road

1.9 mi · 3 min · Niles Buchanan Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Toward Niles-Buchanan Road

Merge onto US 31

21 mi · 22 min · Saint Joseph Valley Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 31

0.8 mi · 1 min · US-31

Toward US-31 NORTH, I-94 EAST: Holland, Detroit

Merge onto I 94; US 31

0.6 mi · 35 sec · I-94/US-31

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

137 mi · 2 hr 27 min · I 94

Toward I 94: Detroit Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep right at fork onto M 14

2.4 mi · 2 min · M 14

Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth

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.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min

Toward I 275 North, I 96 West: Flint Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward I 96 West Use the straight lane.

Merge onto I 275

5.3 mi · 5 min · I 275

Use the none lane.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward I 696: Port Huron Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork

1.1 mi · 2 min

Toward I 696: Port Huron Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 696

2.9 mi · 3 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 5 Toward Farmington Hills Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto Orchard Lake Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Orchard Lake Road

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto West 11 Mile Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · West 11 Mile Road

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Farmington Road

443 ft · 9 sec · Farmington Road

Arrive at destination

Farmington Road

Trip Plan

Planning for just one stop is usually sufficient to keep you refreshed for the duration of this drive. Because traffic patterns can shift quickly on major corridors like I-94, check local congestion reports before you depart to avoid unnecessary delays. With a relatively short transit time, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it best fits your schedule, though avoiding peak rush hours is always a smart move. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 137.4-mile stretch, as your consumption will be highest while maintaining highway speeds. Use that single stop to stretch your legs and refuel, ensuring you arrive in Farmington Hills feeling alert and ready for your destination.

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 99 miles from Buchanan, MI, or about 1h 48m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.4 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99 miles or 1h 48m 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 56m

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 Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, MI

This is one driving day of about 198 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Buchanan, 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 137.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 99 mi from Buchanan, MI · 1h 48m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chicago, IL

99 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

Chicago, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chicago, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99 miles from Buchanan, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 137.4 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

$30.07 one way

$60.15 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$33.15	$66.31
premium	$4.80	$37.38	$74.76
diesel	$5.64	$43.99	$87.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	59.4	$20.79	$9.50
Efficient EV	49.5	$17.33	$7.92
EV Truck/SUV	79.2	$27.72	$12.67

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Buchanan, MI

Evening in Buchanan on Sunday

Local time

7:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Farmington Hills, MI

Evening in Farmington Hills on Sunday

Local time

7:26 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

20 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 40m 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 Buchanan, MI to Farmington Hills, MI covers 198 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 94, M 14, Saint Joseph Valley Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 99 miles from Buchanan, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.07 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.

Between Buchanan, MI and Farmington Hills, MI, road signs point toward Detroit, M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth and Livonia.

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Return Trip

Farmington Hills, MI to Buchanan, MI

Plan the drive back the other way.

198.3 mi 3h 39m

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Trip from Buchanan, MI to Farmington Hills, MI

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Farmington Hills, MI

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Buchanan, MI

Farmington Hills, MI

Same local time

20 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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