This 224.5-mile drive from Colfax, MI to Dearborn, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at around $35, it's an economical trip for a quick getaway or a visit. The route predominantly utilizes major highways, including I-96 and the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, making it efficient for covering distance. Given its manageable length and highway-centric profile, this drive is well-suited as a day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination without the need for an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, so you'll be traversing familiar territory.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
112.3 miles from Colfax, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 45m. Total distance: 224.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 69% of the drive taking place on major freeways. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 132.6 miles, primarily on I-96, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While primarily on fast-paced roads, the inclusion of routes like Apple Avenue introduces some variation, though the overall feel remains geared towards efficient travel. You'll spend most of your time navigating these main arteries, so be prepared for typical interstate driving conditions as you make your way across Michigan.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 96 is the longest continuous segment at about 132.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Apple Avenue. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 66.5 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 224.5 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 66.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.6 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 212.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
66.5 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
132.6 mi into trip|~3h in|I 96
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 East: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7
212.5 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward M 39
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 14C
Toward M 39
7
221.3 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward M 153
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 7
Toward M 153
6
224 mi into trip|~4h 44m in|Schaefer Road
Turn right onto Schaefer Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Colfax, MI and Dearborn, MI, road signs point toward M 5 East: Port Huron and M 39.
M 5 East: Port Huron
199.5 mi in|~4h 12m|via I 696
M 39
212.5 mi in|~4h 27m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 96
132.6 mi
2h 22m
Apple Avenue
12.8 mi
17m
Walter P Reuther Freeway
8.9 mi
10m
South Warner Avenue
8.2 mi
11m
Southfield Freeway
8.2 mi
11m
North Stone Road
7.7 mi
11m
Comstock Avenue
7.1 mi
17m
Alpine Avenue Northwest
5.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 132.6 mi, about 2h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colfax, MI and Dearborn, MI.
1
Start on East Jackson Road
2.0 mi·4 min·East Jackson Road
2
Continue on West 13 Mile Road
1.0 mi·2 min·West 13 Mile Road
3
Turn right onto North Dickinson Avenue
2.1 mi·5 min·North Dickinson Avenue
4
Continue on West 11 Mile Road
0.9 mi·2 min·West 11 Mile Road
5
Turn right onto Comstock Avenue
7.1 mi·17 min·Comstock Avenue
6
Turn left onto 4 Mile Road
1.0 mi·2 min·4 Mile Road
7
Turn right onto North Green Avenue
2.2 mi·3 min·North Green Avenue
8
Turn left onto Jefferson Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Jefferson Street
9
Continue on North Stone Road
7.7 mi·11 min·North Stone Road
10
Turn left onto M 82
1.0 mi·2 min·West Main Street
11
Turn right onto M 82
0.6 mi·1 min·South Stewart Avenue
12
Continue on M 82
2.3 mi·3 min·South Warner Avenue
13
Continue on B-35
5.9 mi·8 min·South Warner Avenue
14
Continue on B-35
0.9 mi·1 min·West 118th Street
15
Continue on B-35
1.2 mi·1 min·Luce Avenue
16
Continue on B-35
0.5 mi·39 sec·West 128th Street
17
Turn right onto B-35
2.0 mi·2 min·Alger Avenue
18
Continue on B-35
0.9 mi·1 min·Squires Road
19
Turn left onto Bailey Road
4.9 mi·6 min·Bailey Road
20
Turn right onto M 37
3.2 mi·4 min·North Newaygo Road
21
Enter roundabout onto M 37; M 46
165 ft·1 sec·Apple Avenue
22
Continue on M 37; M 46
13 mi·17 min·Apple Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on M 37
5.2 mi·7 min·Alpine Avenue Northwest
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·30 sec
Use the left lane.
25
Merge onto I 96; M 37
66 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 96; M 37
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 96
Toward I 96 East: DetroitUse the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on I 696
8.9 mi·10 min·Walter P Reuther Freeway
Toward I 696 East, M 5 East: Port HuronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto M 10
4.1 mi·4 min·John C Lodge Freeway
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 14CToward M 39Use the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto M 39
8.2 mi·11 min·Southfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 7Toward M 153Use the slight right lane.
32
Continue on South M 39 Service Drive
0.3 mi·38 sec·South M 39 Service Drive
33
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward Ford Road
34
Turn straight onto M 153
2.1 mi·3 min·Ford Road
35
Turn right onto Schaefer Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Schaefer Road
Use the right lane.
36
Turn right onto US 12
79 ft·1 sec·Michigan Avenue
37
Arrive at destination
US 12
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 45-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Colfax to make the most of your day in Dearborn, especially since it's a single-day trip. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway mark or during a transition between major roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $35, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on a longer stretch like the 132.6 miles on I-96. This route's highway focus means you'll want to be aware of typical interstate traffic patterns, particularly as you approach 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 112.3 miles from Colfax, MI, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.6 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 49 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.3 miles or 2h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dearborn, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Colfax, 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 Colfax, MI
This is one driving day of about 224.5 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Colfax, 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 96 for about 132.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 112.3 mi from Colfax, MI
· 2h 38m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.10 one way
$70.20 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$38.54
$77.07
premium
$4.89
$43.20
$86.41
diesel
$5.61
$49.57
$99.13
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.4
0
$23.57
$10.78
Efficient EV
56.1
0
$19.64
$8.98
EV Truck/SUV
89.8
1
$31.43
$14.37
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Colfax, MI
Morning
in Colfax on Saturday
Local time
8:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 7 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:16AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:54AM EDT until April 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Dearborn, MI
Morning
in Dearborn on Saturday
Local time
8:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 to 14 mph76% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:16AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:54AM EDT until April 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
44°F
Carlton, MI
112 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
10 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
4h 45m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Colfax, MI to Dearborn, MI covers 224.5 miles and takes about 4h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, Apple Avenue, Walter P Reuther Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 112.3 miles from Colfax, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.10 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 224.5 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 66.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.6 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 212.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Colfax, MI and Dearborn, MI, road signs point toward M 5 East: Port Huron and M 39.
