Origin
Flint, MI
Afternoon in Flint on Sunday
Local time
4:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Flint, MI to Big Rapids, MI
Drive Time
2h 50m
Distance
132.1 mi
213 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 39m
★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Rapids, MI
Robert Schrader
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Flint to Big Rapids, you are looking at a 132.1-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete. Because this is a relatively short trip, it works perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $20 on fuel for the round trip, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway or a quick visit. The path traverses the heart of the Midwest, keeping you entirely within Michigan as you transition between these two distinct areas. Since you will be navigating a mix of highways and local roads, it is a straightforward drive that offers enough variety to keep the time behind the wheel engaging.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
66.1 miles from Flint, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by its turn-heavy local roads, which make up a significant portion of the 132.1-mile route. While you will spend 36% of your time on highways, the experience is far from a monotonous interstate grind. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is a 23.4-mile run on I-75, providing a brief period of faster travel before you transition onto Gratiot Road and East Remus Road. These local segments demand more attention than standard highway driving, as the character of the road shifts frequently. Be prepared for a tactical, hands-on driving experience that rewards your focus as you navigate away from the major corridors and into the more localized sections of the state.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 54 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 23.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near M 21 / East Court Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 132.1 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: near the start (M 21 / East Court Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.1 miles (Saginaw Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
M 21 / East Court Street
Turn uturn onto M 21 / East Court Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Saginaw Street
Turn right onto Saginaw Street
Navigation decision point
6
33.9 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Take the exit toward M 46: Buena Vista, Sandusky
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 149
Toward M 46: Buena Vista, Sandusky
5
34.1 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Enter roundabout onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
34.4 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Enter roundabout onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Along This Route
Between Flint, MI and Big Rapids, MI, road signs point toward M 46: Buena Vista and Sandusky.
M 46: Buena Vista
33.9 mi in
|
~38m
Sandusky
33.9 mi in
|
~38m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 23.4 mi | 25m |
| Gratiot Road | 16.7 mi | 19m |
| East Remus Road | 14 mi | 19m |
| US 127 BUS | 12.8 mi | 13m |
| East Monroe Road | 10.4 mi | 14m |
| UAW Freeway | 9.7 mi | 10m |
| Eleven Mile Road | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| 9 Mile Road | 6.4 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 23.4 mi, about 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Flint, MI and Big Rapids, MI.
1
Start on this road
93 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn uturn onto M 21
253 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Court Street
3
Turn right onto Saginaw Street
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Saginaw Street
4
Turn right onto East Third Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Third Street
5
Turn left onto Chavez Drive
483 ft
·
13 sec
·
Chavez Drive
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 475 North
7
Merge onto I 475
9.7 mi
·
10 min
·
UAW Freeway
8
Merge onto I 75; US 23
23 mi
·
25 min
·
I 75; US 23
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 149
Toward M 46: Buena Vista, Sandusky
10
Enter roundabout onto M 46
13 ft
·
0 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
11
Continue on M 46
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
12
Enter roundabout onto M 46
106 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
13
Continue on M 46
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Holland Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Turn slight right onto M 46
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Remington Street
Use the none lane.
15
Turn left onto M 46
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Sheridan Avenue
Use the none lane.
16
Continue on M 46
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Williams Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Gratiot Avenue
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on M 46
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Gratiot Road
19
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Saginaw Street
20
Continue on M 46
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
North Saginaw Street
21
Continue on M 46
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Gratiot Road
22
Continue on M 46
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Saginaw Street
23
Continue on M 46
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Saginaw Street
24
Continue on M 46
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Road
25
Continue on M 46
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
26
Continue on M 46
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Saginaw Street
27
Continue on M 46
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
Use the none lane.
28
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the none lane.
29
Continue on US 127 BUS; M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Washington Avenue
Use the none lane.
30
Continue on US 127 BUS; M 46
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Monroe Road
Use the none lane.
31
Take the exit onto US 127 BUS
13 mi
·
13 min
·
US 127 BUS
Toward US 127 NORTH: Clare
32
Take the exit onto BUS US 127
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Business US-127
Toward US 127 Business: Mount Pleasant
33
Continue on BUS US 127
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Mission Street
34
Turn left onto East Broomfield Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Broomfield Street
35
Continue on East Broomfield Road
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Broomfield Road
36
Turn right onto South Lincoln Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Lincoln Road
37
Turn left onto M 20
14 mi
·
19 min
·
East Remus Road
38
Continue on M 20
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
9 Mile Road
39
Continue on M 20
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Wheatland Avenue
40
Continue on M 20
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
9 Mile Road
41
Continue on M 20
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
70th Avenue
42
Continue on South Cass Street
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
South Cass Street
43
Continue on East Main Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
44
Continue on M 20
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Eleven Mile Road
45
Turn left onto M 20
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
McKinley Road
46
Continue on M 20
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
157th Avenue
47
Turn left onto M 20
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
15 Mile Road
48
Turn straight onto M 20
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
State Highway 20
49
Continue on M 20
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Taft Road
50
Continue on M 20
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South 3rd Avenue
51
Turn left onto M 20
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Maple Street
52
Turn left
112 ft
·
10 sec
53
Turn left
16 ft
·
1 sec
54
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For the smoothest experience, plan for one dedicated stop to break up the nearly three-hour drive, which helps keep fatigue at bay on those winding local stretches. Since the route relies heavily on secondary roads like East Remus Road, try to avoid traveling during peak local traffic hours to ensure you maintain a steady pace. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Flint, as the $20 estimate is based on typical consumption for this specific 132.1-mile distance. Because this is a shorter trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best, but daylight is always recommended when navigating turn-heavy local roads. Prioritize checking your tire pressure before departure to handle the varying road surfaces more comfortably.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.1 miles from Flint, MI, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.4 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.1 miles or 1h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Rapids, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Flint, 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 Flint, MI
This is one driving day of about 132.1 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Flint, 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 75 for about 23.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.1 mi from Flint, MI · 1h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.1 miles from Flint, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Big Rapids, MI
The final approach into Big Rapids, 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 Big Rapids, 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
$20.06 one way
$40.13 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $22.12 | $44.24 |
| premium | $4.80 | $24.94 | $49.88 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $29.35 | $58.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.6 | 0 | $13.87 | $6.34 |
| Efficient EV | 33 | 0 | $11.56 | $5.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.49 | $8.45 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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
Big Rapids, MI
Afternoon in Big Rapids on Sunday
Local time
4:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 50m 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 Flint, MI to Big Rapids, MI covers 132.1 miles and takes about 2h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Gratiot Road, East Remus Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.1 miles from Flint, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.06 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 132.1 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: near the start (M 21 / East Court Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.1 miles (Saginaw Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Flint, MI and Big Rapids, MI, road signs point toward M 46: Buena Vista and Sandusky.
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