Origin
Clinton Township, MI
Evening in Clinton Township on Sunday
Local time
6:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clinton Township, MI to Brighton, MI
Drive Time
1h 5m
Distance
52.5 mi
85 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 0m
★
6 AM
1h 5m
8 AM
1h 16m
10 AM
1h 9m
12 PM
1h 8m
3 PM
1h 9m
5 PM
1h 15m
8 PM
1h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clinton Township, MI
fish socks
Brighton, MI
Expect Best
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Clinton Township to Brighton, you are looking at a straightforward 52.5-mile journey across the Michigan Midwest. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 5 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $8, the trip is highly economical for solo drivers or small groups. You will spend the bulk of your time on major thoroughfares, specifically the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, I-96, and South Groesbeck Highway. Because the transit time is relatively short, there is no need to split this into an overnight affair. It is a practical, efficient connection between these two points that gets you to your destination with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
26.3 miles from Clinton Township, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive is defined by a heavy reliance on high-speed infrastructure, with 78% of your journey taking place on highways. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, which accounts for your longest uninterrupted stretch of 25.5 miles. While the route feels like a classic highway-focused commute, the transition between these major arteries keeps the drive feeling functional rather than scenic. Navigating the interstates requires focus, but the consistent road quality makes for a predictable experience. You should be prepared for a steady, fast-paced atmosphere that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads or leisurely pace.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Walter P Reuther Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 25.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Walter P Reuther Freeway and I 96. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 49.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 52.5 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 49.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
49.9 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Take the exit toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spencer Road, Flint
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 148A; 147; 147B
Toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spe...
8
50.1 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 23 South: Spencer Road, Brighton, Ann Arbor
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward US 23 South: Spencer Road, Brighton, Ann...
8
50.7 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Ro...
7
51 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Spencer Road, Brighton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 147
Toward Spencer Road, Brighton
6
51.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
Spencer Road
Turn right onto Spencer Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Walter P Reuther Freeway | 25.5 mi | 27m |
| I 96 | 15.3 mi | 16m |
| South Groesbeck Highway | 7.3 mi | 11m |
| Harrington Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East 11 Mile Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East Main Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Spencer Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| White Oaks Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Walter P Reuther Freeway
— 25.5 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton Township, MI and Brighton, MI.
1
Start on Red Oaks Drive
289 ft
·
17 sec
·
Red Oaks Drive
2
Turn left onto White Oaks Drive
0.2 mi
·
55 sec
·
White Oaks Drive
3
At end of road, turn left onto Moravian Drive
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Moravian Drive
4
Turn right onto Harrington Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Harrington Street
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto M 97
7.3 mi
·
11 min
·
South Groesbeck Highway
Use the none lane.
6
Turn right onto East 11 Mile Road
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
East 11 Mile Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 696 West
8
Merge onto I 696
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 96
15 mi
·
16 min
·
I 96
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
Exit 148A; 147; 147B
Toward US 23 South, US 23 North: Ann Arbor, Spencer Road, Flint
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
45 sec
Toward US 23 South: Spencer Road, Brighton, Ann Arbor
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Brighton, Spencer Road
Use the none lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 147
Toward Spencer Road, Brighton
14
Turn right onto Spencer Road
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Spencer Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on Spencer Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Spencer Street
16
Turn right onto East Main Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
17
Turn left onto East Grand River Avenue
50 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Grand River Avenue
Use the none lane.
18
Arrive at destination
East Grand River Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 1-hour and 5-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 52.5-mile route without the need for scheduled stops, though keeping an eye on traffic patterns along the I-96 corridor is always a smart move. Because the fuel cost is low at around $8, you won't need to stress about budgeting for multiple gas station pit stops along the way. Your best strategy is to fill your tank before leaving Clinton Township so you can cruise straight through to Brighton without interruption. Taking advantage of the route's brevity allows you to maximize your time once you arrive at your destination.
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 26.3 miles from Clinton Township, MI, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.5 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 52.5 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 26.3 miles or 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brighton, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton Township, 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 Clinton Township, MI
This is one driving day of about 52.5 miles and 1h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clinton Township, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Walter P Reuther Freeway for about 25.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.3 mi from Clinton Township, MI · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
26 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 52.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 26.3 miles from Clinton Township, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Brighton, MI
The final approach into Brighton, 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 Brighton, 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
$7.97 one way
$15.95 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
18 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $8.79 | $17.58 |
| premium | $4.80 | $9.91 | $19.82 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $11.66 | $23.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.8 | 0 | $5.51 | $2.52 |
| Efficient EV | 13.1 | 0 | $4.59 | $2.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21 | 0 | $7.35 | $3.36 |
Gas CO2
18 kg
EV CO2
6 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
Brighton, MI
Evening in Brighton on Sunday
Local time
6:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°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
1h 5m 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 Clinton Township, MI to Brighton, MI covers 52.5 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Walter P Reuther Freeway, I 96, South Groesbeck Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 26.3 miles from Clinton Township, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.97 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 52.5 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 49.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Clinton Township, MI to Brighton, MI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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