Origin
Dayton, MI
Late night in Dayton on Saturday
Local time
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dayton, MI to Clinton Township, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 52m
Distance
78 mi
125 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 44m
★
6 AM
1h 52m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dayton, MI
fish socks
Clinton Township, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
Dayton, MI to Clinton Township, MI is 78 miles and takes about 1h 52m via Van Dyke Road, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a local drive with frequent turns, so don't anticipate a high-speed journey. With only 1 recommended day and no designated stops, this is a straightforward route perfect for a quick transition between locations. The drive is manageable and should fit easily into your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39 miles from Dayton, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 52m. Total distance: 78 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (0%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' with a highway share of 0%. You'll be navigating on local roads for the entire 78 miles. The longest continuous stretch you'll experience is 26.2 miles along Van Dyke Road. Be prepared for a driving experience that involves frequent adjustments and intersections rather than sustained highway cruising. The journey will feel more like moving through communities than a typical interstate haul.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Van Dyke Road is the longest continuous segment at about 26.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 69.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 78 miles you will encounter 10 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 69.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.7 miles (M 59 / Hall Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.7 miles (Romeo Plank Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
69.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward M 59: Mount Clemens, Pontiac
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 17
Toward M 59: Mount Clemens, Pontiac
5
69.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
|
M 59 / Hall Road
Merge onto M 59 / Hall Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
73.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
Romeo Plank Road
Turn right onto Romeo Plank Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
74.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
Cass Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Cass Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
76.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
|
Moravian Drive
Turn right onto Moravian Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dayton, MI and Clinton Township, MI, road signs point toward M 59: Mount Clemens and Pontiac.
M 59: Mount Clemens
69.3 mi in
|
~1h 36m
Pontiac
69.3 mi in
|
~1h 36m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van Dyke Road | 26.2 mi | 32m |
| South Van Dyke Road | 25 mi | 31m |
| East Sanilac Road | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Sanilac Road | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Hall Road | 4 mi | 6m |
| South Hurds Corner Road | 3.5 mi | 13m |
| North Cedar Street | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Cass Avenue | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Van Dyke Road
— 26.2 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton, MI and Clinton Township, MI.
1
Start on South Hurds Corner Road
3.5 mi
·
13 min
·
South Hurds Corner Road
2
Turn left onto M 46
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
East Sanilac Road
3
Continue on M 46
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
4
Continue on M 46
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Sanilac Road
5
Turn right onto M 53
5.2 mi
·
5 min
·
South Van Dyke Road
6
Continue on M 53
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on M 53
20 mi
·
25 min
·
South Van Dyke Road
8
Continue on M 53
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Cedar Street
9
Continue on M 53
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Van Dyke Road
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn right onto M 53
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
11
Continue on M 53
21 mi
·
25 min
·
Van Dyke Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 17
Toward M 59: Mount Clemens, Pontiac
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto M 59
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Hall Road
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto Romeo Plank Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Romeo Plank Road
Use the right lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto Romeo Plank Road
112 ft
·
2 sec
·
Romeo Plank Road
16
Continue on Romeo Plank Road
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Romeo Plank Road
17
Enter roundabout onto Cass Avenue
123 ft
·
2 sec
·
Cass Avenue
18
Continue on Cass Avenue
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Cass Avenue
19
Turn right onto Moravian Drive
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Moravian Drive
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto White Oaks Drive
0.2 mi
·
52 sec
·
White Oaks Drive
21
Turn right onto Red Oaks Drive
289 ft
·
12 sec
·
Red Oaks Drive
22
Arrive at destination
Red Oaks Drive
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1h 52m and the local road nature of this trip, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving mid-morning could help you avoid the busiest local traffic. While there are no specific stops recommended, you'll want to be mindful of fuel, especially since the longest stretch is over 26 miles. Keep an eye on your gauge. Since this is a same-day trip with a low fuel cost of around $12, you can depart whenever convenient, but planning around local rush hours on roads like Van Dyke Road is a smart move.
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 miles from Dayton, MI, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.2 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39 miles or 56m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clinton Township, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dayton, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Dayton, MI
This is one driving day of about 78 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Dayton, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Van Dyke Road for about 26.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39 mi from Dayton, MI · 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 39 miles from Dayton, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Clinton Township, MI
The final approach into Clinton Township, MI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.19 one way
$24.39 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $13.39 | $26.78 |
| premium | $4.89 | $15.01 | $30.02 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.22 | $34.44 |
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: 27.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.4 | 0 | $8.19 | $3.74 |
| Efficient EV | 19.5 | 0 | $6.82 | $3.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.2 | 0 | $10.92 | $4.99 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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
Clinton Township, MI
Late night in Clinton Township on Saturday
Local time
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 9 to 13 mph
69% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 17 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Watch issued April 17 at 4:59PM EDT until April 18 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 52m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Dayton, MI to Clinton Township, MI covers 78 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Van Dyke Road, South Van Dyke Road, East Sanilac Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 39 miles from Dayton, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.19 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 78 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 69.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.7 miles (M 59 / Hall Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.7 miles (Romeo Plank Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Between Dayton, MI and Clinton Township, MI, road signs point toward M 59: Mount Clemens and Pontiac.
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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