Café Rica USA
Early in the drive, right off the route
Battle Creek, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm
+12694410205
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h
Distance
96.1 mi
155 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cedar Creek, MI
Connor Scott McManus
Ann Arbor, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Cedar Creek, MI to Ann Arbor, MI is 96.1 miles and takes about 2 hours via I 94 and South State Highway 37, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, taking you from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward drive, primarily on major highways, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway or a necessary commute. You'll find it’s a short enough journey that you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay, offering flexibility for your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.1 miles from Cedar Creek, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h. Total distance: 96.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This drive is largely highway-focused, with 84% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 67.3 miles on I 94, which provides a consistent pace for most of your journey. While the primary roads are I 94 and East Michigan Avenue, there's also a segment on South State Highway 37. Expect a relatively smooth driving experience, characterized by the efficiency of interstate travel rather than winding country roads. The character remains largely consistent, emphasizing speed and directness to your destination.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and South State Highway 37. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near West Pifer Road.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 96.1 miles you will encounter 13 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 1.4 miles (West Pifer Road): Navigation decision point; at 25.2 miles (I 94 BL; M 311 / 11 Mile Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 25.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
At end of road, turn left onto West Pifer Road
Navigation decision point
Turn sharp left onto I 94 BL; M 311 / 11 Mile Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Take the exit toward I 94 East: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94 toward I 94, I 94 Business: Detroit, Ann Arbor
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto I 94 BL toward I 94 Business: Ann Arbor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 67.3 mi | 1h 12m |
| South State Highway 37 | 10.7 mi | 15m |
| East Michigan Avenue | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| West Pifer Road | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| I 94 BL | 3 mi | 6m |
| Michigan Avenue West | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Cedar Creek Road | 1.4 mi | 5m |
| West Hamblin Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Creek, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.
Start on Cedar Creek Road
At end of road, turn left onto West Pifer Road
Turn right onto M 37
Continue on M 37
Turn left onto M 89
Turn right onto M 89
Turn left onto West Hamblin Avenue
Continue on I 94 BL
Turn right onto I 94 BL
Turn right onto I 94 BL
Continue on I 94 BL; M 96
Merge onto I 94 BL; M 96
Turn sharp left onto I 94 BL; M 311
Take the exit
Merge onto I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 94
Take the exit onto I 94 BL
Turn right onto South State Street
Arrive at destination
Given the short 2-hour duration, you have the flexibility to depart at any time that suits your schedule, though an early morning start will help you avoid any potential midday traffic. With only 96.1 miles to cover, you likely won't need extensive stops for fuel or rest, but it's always wise to check your fuel gauge before departing, especially since the estimated fuel cost is around $15. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 94 to South State Highway 37 and then East Michigan Avenue, as these are your main navigation points for reaching Ann Arbor efficiently.
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.
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 21 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.1 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ann Arbor, MI than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Cedar Creek, 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 Cedar Creek, MI
This is one driving day of about 96.1 miles and 2h.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.1 mi from Cedar Creek, MI · 1h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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.
A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 48.1 miles from Cedar Creek, 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 67.3 miles.
The final approach into Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor, MI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Battle Creek, Michigan
Early in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm
+12694410205
Misfit Society Coffee Club
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Drip House Coffee
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Top Coffee Stop
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm
+17342220579
RoosRoast Liberty
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Vertex Coffee Roasters Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Early in the drive, right off the route
Battle Creek, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm
+12694410205
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+17342632228
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm
+17348004135
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+17342229202
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Battle Creek, Michigan
Hours: 4–9 pm
+12692821398
Near the end, short detour
Chelsea, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+17344334226
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Chelsea, Michigan
Hours: 4:30 am–7 pm
+17345622004
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Jackson, Michigan
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+15173154061
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 7:30 am–6:30 pm
+17342220579
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+17343692494
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+17347807060
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–11 pm
+17345445450
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm
+17344368355
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Battle Creek, MI
+12692438201
Near the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+17348229821
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+17344368412
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+17349971553
Visit websiteNear the end, ~12 min detour
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Hours: 12 pm–12 am
+17349306670
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Regular Gas
$15.02 one way
$30.05 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.50 | $32.99 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.49 | $36.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.22 | $42.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.8 | 0 | $10.09 | $4.61 |
| Efficient EV | 24 | 0 | $8.41 | $3.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.45 | $6.15 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Cedar Creek on Saturday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Ann Arbor on Saturday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Cloudy
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Watch issued April 17 at 7:53AM EDT until April 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Dense Fog Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory issued April 17 at 7:52AM EDT until April 17 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
47°F
Homer, MI
48 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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