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Trip from Dimondale, MI to Livonia, MI

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

1h 31m

Distance

79.2 mi

127 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 24m ★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 45m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 37m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Dimondale, MI, MI

Dimondale, MI

fish socks

city in Wayne County, Michigan, United States

Livonia, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 79.2-mile drive from Dimondale to Livonia, Michigan, is easily manageable in about 1 hour and 31 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the journey on major interstates, including I-96, I-275, and the Jeffries Freeway. You can expect a fuel cost of around $12 for this journey. Given its relatively short distance and highway nature, this drive is ideal for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. It offers a practical and efficient way to travel within the Midwest region of Michigan.

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

39.6 miles from Dimondale, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 79.2-mile trip. With 89% of the route on major freeways like I-96, I-275, and the Jeffries Freeway, this drive is characterized by steady speeds and efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.5 miles on I-96. While the landscape is primarily built environments and open road, the consistent highway profile means you'll be navigating a familiar driving environment for the majority of the 1 hour and 31 minute journey.

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.
I 96 is the longest continuous segment at about 61.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and I 275. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in near I 96.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 79.2 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 4.6 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
4.6 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 96

Merge onto I 96

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
66.1 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in

Take the exit toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo
6
73.2 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in

Take the exit toward I 96 East: Detroit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 96 East: Detroit
5
74.5 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | I 96 / Jeffries Freeway

Merge onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit

Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit
7
77.8 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Take the exit toward Merriman Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Dimondale, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo and Detroit.

M 5 North: Detroit

66.1 mi in | ~1h 13m

Toledo

66.1 mi in | ~1h 13m

Detroit

74.5 mi in | ~1h 24m | via I 96

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 61.5 mi 1h 5m
I 275 6.1 mi 6m
Jeffries Freeway 3.3 mi 3m
North Michigan Road 1.9 mi 3m
West Holt Highway 1.1 mi 1m
Merriman Road 1 mi 1m
Eaton Rapids Road 0.9 mi 1m
East Washington Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 61.5 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dimondale, MI and Livonia, MI.

1

Start on East Washington Street

0.4 mi · 39 sec · East Washington Street
2

Continue on West Holt Highway

1.1 mi · 1 min · West Holt Highway
3

Turn right onto M 99

0.2 mi · 26 sec · North Michigan Road
4

Continue on M 99

1.6 mi · 2 min · North Michigan Road
5

Continue on M 99

0.9 mi · 1 min · Eaton Rapids Road
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7

Merge onto I 96

61 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 34 sec
Exit 163 Toward I 96, I 275, M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 29 sec
10

Continue on I 275; I 96

6.1 mi · 6 min · I 275; I 96
11

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the slight left lane.
12

Merge onto I 96

3.3 mi · 3 min · Jeffries Freeway
Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 175 Toward Merriman Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road

477 ft · 14 sec · Schoolcraft Road
15

Turn right onto Merriman Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Merriman Road
16

Turn right

98 ft · 9 sec
17

Turn right

31 ft · 2 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 1.5 hours and a fuel cost around $12, this drive offers great flexibility. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic entering the Detroit metropolitan area. Since the longest stretch without a major exit is 61.5 miles on I-96, plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you begin. Because this is a relatively short, highway-focused trip, you won't need to worry about splitting the drive, allowing you to reach Livonia with plenty of time for your activities.

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 39.6 miles from Dimondale, MI, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.5 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 79.2 miles or 1h 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.6 miles or 45m 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 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dimondale, 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 Dimondale, MI

This is one driving day of about 79.2 miles and 1h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dimondale, 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 I 96 for about 61.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 39.6 mi from Dimondale, MI · 45m into the drive

Downtown Ann Arbor, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ann Arbor, MI

40 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

Inkster, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 79.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ann Arbor, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.6 miles from Dimondale, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.5 miles.

Arriving in Livonia, MI

The final approach into Livonia, 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 Livonia, 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

$12.38 one way

$24.76 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $13.59 $27.19
premium $4.89 $15.24 $30.48
diesel $5.61 $17.49 $34.97

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: 27.7 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 23.8 0 $8.32 $3.80
Efficient EV 19.8 0 $6.93 $3.17
EV Truck/SUV 31.7 0 $11.09 $5.07

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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Dimondale, MI

Morning in Dimondale on Wednesday

Local time

7:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Livonia, MI

Morning in Livonia on Wednesday

Local time

7:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°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

2 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 31m 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 Dimondale, MI to Livonia, MI covers 79.2 miles and takes about 1h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, I 275, Jeffries 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 39.6 miles from Dimondale, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.38 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 11 significant decision points across 79.2 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 4.6 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Dimondale, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo and Detroit.

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