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Trip from Cambria, MI to Lansing, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 49m

Distance

78.6 mi

126 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 42m ★
6 AM
1h 50m
8 AM
2h 6m
10 AM
1h 56m
12 PM
1h 54m
3 PM
1h 56m
5 PM
2h 5m
8 PM
1h 45m

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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Downtown Cambria, MI, MI

Cambria, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 77.1-mile drive from Cambria, Michigan, to Lansing, Michigan, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes. With no highway driving, expect a more local feel as you navigate Cambria Road, Reading Road West, and South Hillsdale Road. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $12, making it an economical choice. This route through the Midwest region is characterized by frequent turns, so plan for a slightly more engaged driving experience. It's a straightforward journey that doesn't require an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

39.3 miles from Cambria, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
BUS US 127 32.7 mi 35m
Moscow Road 11.4 mi 15m
East Chicago Road 9.5 mi 12m
South Hillsdale Road 4.8 mi 11m
Carleton Road East 3.5 mi 5m
M-60 2.9 mi 3m
Ransom E Olds Freeway 2.4 mi 2m
Spring Arbor Road 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: BUS US 127 — 32.7 mi, about 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cambria, MI and Lansing, MI.

1

Start on Lilac Road

0.2 mi · 1 min · Lilac Road
2

Turn left onto Cambria Road

1.2 mi · 4 min · Cambria Road
3

Turn right onto Reading Road West

1.5 mi · 3 min · Reading Road West
4

Turn left onto South Hillsdale Road

4.8 mi · 11 min · South Hillsdale Road
5

Continue on South Howell Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Howell Street
6

Turn right onto East Bacon Street

376 ft · 17 sec · East Bacon Street
7

Turn left onto M 99

0.3 mi · 27 sec · North Broad Street
8

At end of road, turn left onto M 99

3.5 mi · 5 min · Carleton Road East
9

Continue on M 99

1.4 mi · 2 min · Olds Street
10

Turn right onto US 12; M 99

0.2 mi · 12 sec · West Chicago Street
11

Continue on US 12; M 99

9.5 mi · 12 min · East Chicago Road
12

Turn left onto Moscow Road

11 mi · 15 min · Moscow Road
13

Merge onto M 60

2.3 mi · 3 min · Spring Arbor Road
14

Turn straight onto M 60

2.9 mi · 3 min · M-60
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
16

Merge onto I 94

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 94
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 138 Toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson
18

Keep slight left at fork

441 ft · 11 sec
Toward US 127 North: Lansing
19

Turn straight onto BUS US 127; M 50

33 mi · 35 min · BUS US 127; M 50
20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 496

2.4 mi · 2 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 6 Toward Downtown
22

Turn right onto South Walnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Walnut Street
23

Turn right onto West Allegan Street

412 ft · 12 sec · West Allegan Street
24

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
25

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 1 hour and 28-minute duration, this 77.1-mile trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, perhaps after a relaxed morning, and still arrive in Lansing with ample time. With an estimated fuel cost of $12, topping up your tank before you leave Cambria is a sensible step. Since there are no designated long stretches, take advantage of the local roads to make brief, unscheduled stops if something catches your eye. Keep an eye on your navigation as the 'turn-heavy' nature means paying attention to upcoming turns is key.

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 39.3 miles from Cambria, MI, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.7 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 17 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.3 miles or 1h 5m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lansing, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cambria, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Cambria, MI

This is one driving day of about 78.6 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Cambria, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on BUS US 127 for about 32.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Jackson, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jackson, MI

39 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.

Popular next leg

Jackson, MI to Lansing, MI

38.5 mi · 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Jonesville, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jackson, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.3 miles from Cambria, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hillsdale, Michigan

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.2

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15174371100

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

1.9 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 78.6

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Vito's Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spring Arbor, Michigan

1.2 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.2

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15174371100

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 39.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 39.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15178885135

Visit website

Jilly Beans Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.2

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+15174373338

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.8

Jonesville, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15178492600

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 44.9

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 39.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15177809558

Visit website

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 78.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Vito's Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.7

Spring Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+15177951694

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Checker Records

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 11.2

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15174395488

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee East Lansing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 73

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15176796959

Visit website

Rough Draft

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11.2

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15173202056

Visit website

The Urban Cup

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+15175745617

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 73

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.6 and 75.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
8.6 mi into trip | ~23m in | M 99 / North Broad Street

Turn left onto M 99 / North Broad Street

Navigation decision point

5
39.9 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 94 East: Detroit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 94 East: Detroit
6
42.4 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Take the exit toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 138 Toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson
6
42.6 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 127 North: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 127 North: Lansing
5
75.4 mi into trip | ~1h 45m in | I 496 / Ransom E Olds Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 496 / Ransom E Olds Freeway toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.29 one way

$24.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.49 $26.98
premium $4.89 $15.13 $30.25
diesel $5.61 $17.35 $34.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.6 0 $8.25 $3.77
Efficient EV 19.7 0 $6.88 $3.14
EV Truck/SUV 31.4 0 $11.00 $5.03

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (68% 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 as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Cambria, MI

Afternoon in Cambria on Saturday

Local time

4:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Afternoon in Lansing on Saturday

Local time

4:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 14 mph 93% chance Live forecast

47°F

Jackson, MI

39 mi in

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

1h 49m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is defined by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll be on smaller roads for the entire 77.1 miles, with 0% highway share. Don't expect long stretches of uninterrupted cruising; instead, anticipate a more engaging experience with frequent directional changes. The longest continuous stretch isn't a significant factor here due to the nature of the drive. As you progress, the road will likely transition through various local landscapes, offering a consistent, non-highway feel from start to finish.

47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.7 mi on BUS US 127.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.6 miles in near M 99 / North Broad Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.6 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (M 99 / North Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 42.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cambria, MI and Lansing, MI, road signs point toward M 50: Lansing and Jackson.

M 50: Lansing

42.4 mi in | ~1h 9m

Jackson

42.4 mi in | ~1h 9m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 78.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (47%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 32.7 miles on BUS US 127. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Lansing, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 8.6 miles (M 99 / North Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 42.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lansing, MI before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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