Origin
Grand Rapids, MI
Night in Grand Rapids on Tuesday
Local time
10:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, MI
Data updated 4 hours ago
Drive Time
3h 9m
Distance
147.6 mi
237 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Grand Rapids, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Akron, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
The drive from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, MI covers 147.6 miles and takes about 3h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 131, Howard City Edmore Road, Gratiot Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 34.5 miles on US 131. At current regular gas prices, budget about $23.08 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
73.8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 3h 9m drive with frequent turns across 147.6 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 42 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 131 is the longest continuous segment at about 34.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 9m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles (US 131): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.1 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward US 131 North: Cadillac
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 131 North: Cadillac
5
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 131
Merge onto US 131
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
5
115.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
|
M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Turn right onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
117.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
|
M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Enter roundabout onto M 46 / East Holland Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
147.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
|
Main Street
Turn left onto Main Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 46 along the way.
M 46
35.1 mi in
|
~37m
|
via M 46
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 131 | 34.5 mi | 35m |
| Howard City Edmore Road | 21 mi | 29m |
| Gratiot Road | 16.7 mi | 19m |
| East Holland Avenue | 12 mi | 13m |
| West Monroe Road | 11 mi | 15m |
| East Monroe Road | 10.4 mi | 14m |
| Howard City Edmore Road Northeast | 9.1 mi | 12m |
| South Vassar Road | 7 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
US 131
— 34.5 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Rapids, MI and Akron, MI.
1
Start on Fulton Street West
0.3 mi
·
58 sec
·
Fulton Street West
2
Turn left onto Market Avenue Southwest
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Market Avenue Southwest
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 131 North: Cadillac
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto US 131
34 mi
·
35 min
·
US 131
Use the slight left lane.
5
Take the exit onto M 46
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
M 46
Toward M 46
6
Turn right onto M 46
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Edgar Road
7
Continue on M 46
21 mi
·
29 min
·
Howard City Edmore Road
8
Continue on M 46
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Howard City-Edmore Road
9
Continue on M 46
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
10
Continue on M 46
9.1 mi
·
12 min
·
Howard City Edmore Road Northeast
11
Continue on M 46
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
Northwest Monroe Road
12
Continue on M 46
11 mi
·
15 min
·
West Monroe Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 127 BUS; M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Washington Avenue
14
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
15
Continue on M 46
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
16
Continue on M 46
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Saginaw Street
17
Continue on M 46
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
East Monroe Road
18
Continue on M 46
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Road
19
Continue on M 46
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Saginaw Street
20
Continue on M 46
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Saginaw Street
21
Continue on M 46
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Gratiot Road
22
Continue on M 46
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Saginaw Street
23
Continue on M 46
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
West Saginaw Street
24
Continue on M 46
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Gratiot Road
25
Continue on M 46
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Gratiot Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn right onto M 46
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Stephens Street
27
Continue on M 46
464 ft
·
6 sec
·
Rust Street
28
Continue on M 46
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Rust Avenue Bridge
29
Continue on M 46
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Warren Avenue
30
Turn right onto M 46
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Holland Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
Enter roundabout onto M 46
129 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
32
Continue on M 46
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
33
Enter roundabout onto M 46
119 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Holland Avenue
34
Continue on M 46
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
East Holland Avenue
35
Continue on M 46
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Sanilac Road
36
Turn left onto South Vassar Road
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
South Vassar Road
37
Turn right onto Deckerville Road
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Deckerville Road
38
Turn left onto Merry Road
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Merry Road
39
Continue on Main Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
40
At end of road, turn right onto M 138
69 ft
·
6 sec
·
Beach Street
41
Turn left onto Main Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Main Street
42
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
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 73.8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.5 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 80 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.8 miles or 1h 32m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Akron, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, MI
This is one driving day of about 147.6 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Grand Rapids, 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 US 131 for about 34.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 73.8 mi from Grand Rapids, MI · 1h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 73.8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Akron, MI
The final approach into Akron, 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 Akron, 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
$23.08 one way
$46.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $25.34 | $50.67 |
| premium | $4.89 | $28.40 | $56.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.59 | $65.18 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.3 | 0 | $15.50 | $7.08 |
| Efficient EV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.92 | $5.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59 | 0 | $20.66 | $9.45 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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
Akron, MI
Night in Akron on Tuesday
Local time
10:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°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
3h 9m 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 Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, MI covers 147.6 miles and takes about 3h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 131, Howard City Edmore Road, Gratiot Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 73.8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.08 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 3h 9m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles (US 131): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.1 miles (M 46 / East Holland Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 46 along the way.
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