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Trip from Hillsdale, MI to Flint, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 18m

Distance

116.5 mi

187 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 9m ★
6 AM
2h 19m
8 AM
2h 38m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 26m
5 PM
2h 37m
8 PM
2h 13m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Hillsdale, MI, MI

Hillsdale, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 116.5-mile drive from Hillsdale, MI, to Flint, MI, takes approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes and is easily manageable as a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $18, making it an economical choice for exploring the Midwest. Primarily following I 69 BL, BUS US 127, and Moscow Road, this route offers a straightforward journey within Michigan. With no scheduled stops recommended, you can set your own pace. It's a practical option for a quick transit or a leisurely exploration of the region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.2 miles from Hillsdale, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 BL 41.5 mi 42m
BUS US 127 32.7 mi 35m
Moscow Road 11.4 mi 15m
East Chicago Road 9.5 mi 12m
East Saginaw Street 5.2 mi 8m
Carleton Road East 3.5 mi 5m
M-60 2.9 mi 3m
Spring Arbor Road 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 69 BL — 41.5 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hillsdale, MI and Flint, MI.

1

Start on Cook Street

51 ft · 7 sec · Cook Street
2

Turn right onto M 99

0.3 mi · 27 sec · North Broad Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto M 99

3.5 mi · 5 min · Carleton Road East
4

Continue on M 99

1.4 mi · 2 min · Olds Street
5

Turn right onto US 12; M 99

0.2 mi · 12 sec · West Chicago Street
6

Continue on US 12; M 99

9.5 mi · 12 min · East Chicago Road
7

Turn left onto Moscow Road

11 mi · 15 min · Moscow Road
8

Merge onto M 60

2.3 mi · 3 min · Spring Arbor Road
9

Turn straight onto M 60

2.9 mi · 3 min · M-60
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
11

Merge onto I 94

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 94
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 138 Toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson
13

Keep slight left at fork

441 ft · 11 sec
Toward US 127 North: Lansing
14

Turn straight onto BUS US 127; M 50

33 mi · 35 min · BUS US 127; M 50
15

Keep slight right at fork onto US 127

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 127
Exit 8 Toward US 127 North: Clare
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 69 Business, M 43: Saginaw Street, Grand River Avenue
17

Turn straight onto North Homer Street

265 ft · 11 sec · North Homer Street
18

Turn right onto I 69 BL; M 43

0.2 mi · 22 sec · East Saginaw Street
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69 BL

5.0 mi · 7 min · East Saginaw Street
20

Continue on I 69 BL

0.7 mi · 1 min · Saginaw Highway
21

Take the ramp onto I 69 BL

0.2 mi · 27 sec · I 69 BL
22

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 BL

41 mi · 42 min · I 69 BL
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward Saginaw Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
24

Turn left onto South Grand Traverse Street

0.3 mi · 36 sec · South Grand Traverse Street
25

Turn right onto M 21

0.3 mi · 48 sec · West Fifth Street
26

Turn left onto Harrison Street

382 ft · 20 sec · Harrison Street
27

Turn left onto M 21

235 ft · 9 sec · East Court Street
28

Turn left

68 ft · 6 sec
29

Turn right

93 ft · 6 sec
30

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Consider an early morning departure from Hillsdale to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. Since this is a relatively short drive of under 2.5 hours, you have the flexibility to stop as needed or push through to your destination. The $18 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but always check your gauge, especially before the longest stretch of 41.5 miles on I 69 BL. Be mindful of potential speed limit changes when transitioning from highway to local roads like BUS US 127.

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 58.2 miles from Hillsdale, MI, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.5 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 26 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.2 miles or 1h 12m 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 55m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hillsdale, 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 Hillsdale, MI

This is one driving day of about 116.5 miles and 2h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Hillsdale, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 69 BL for about 41.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lansing, MI

58 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

Jackson, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lansing, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.2 miles from Hillsdale, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Jilly Beans Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hillsdale, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+15174373338

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

0.7 mi

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Michigan

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Checker Records

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hillsdale, Michigan

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15174395488

Visit website

Rough Draft

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hillsdale, Michigan

0.3 mi

Blue Owl Coffee East Lansing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

East Lansing, Michigan

0.5 mi

Jilly Beans Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+15174373338

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15177952812

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15179900800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15174371100

Visit website

Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.8

Durand, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19895411550

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.3

Jonesville, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15178492600

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15173154061

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 33.3

Jackson, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–7 pm

+15177809558

Visit website

Checker Records

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15174395488

Visit website

Rough Draft

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15173202056

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee East Lansing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 66.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+15176796959

Visit website

Hooked

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 66.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+15177211330

Visit website

Fireside Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 108.2

Swartz Creek, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18106359196

Visit website

Vito's Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25

Spring Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+15177951694

Visit website

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 66.6

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Foster Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 66.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15176790303

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 116.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 116.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 66.6

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 116.5

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 115.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | M 99 / North Broad Street

Turn right onto M 99 / North Broad Street

Navigation decision point

6
33.8 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson

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

Exit 138 Toward US 127 North, M 50: Lansing, Jackson
6
34.1 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 127 North: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 127 North: Lansing
6
66.8 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | US 127

Keep slight right at fork onto US 127 toward US 127 North: Clare

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 8 Toward US 127 North: Clare
7
115.5 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward Saginaw Street, Downtown

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Saginaw Street, Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.21 one way

$36.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.00 $40.00
premium $4.89 $22.42 $44.84
diesel $5.61 $25.72 $51.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.9 0 $12.23 $5.59
Efficient EV 29.1 0 $10.19 $4.66
EV Truck/SUV 46.6 0 $16.31 $7.46

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Hillsdale, MI

Afternoon in Hillsdale on Saturday

Local time

4:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Flint, MI

Afternoon in Flint on Saturday

Local time

4:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 18m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 66% of the journey on higher-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 41.5 miles on I 69 BL, offering uninterrupted travel. While the route includes some local roads like Moscow Road, the majority of your time will be spent on well-maintained highways. Expect a consistent driving experience with minimal technical challenges. The character remains largely highway-centric throughout the 116.5 miles.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.5 mi on I 69 BL.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 BL and BUS US 127. 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 99 / North Broad Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 116.5 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: near the start (M 99 / North Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Hillsdale, MI and Flint, MI, road signs point toward M 50: Lansing and Jackson.

M 50: Lansing

33.8 mi in | ~46m

Jackson

33.8 mi in | ~46m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 18m. Total distance: 116.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 41.5 miles on I 69 BL. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Flint, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (M 99 / North Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Flint, MI before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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Return Trip

Flint, MI to Hillsdale, MI

Plan the drive back the other way.

116.7 mi 2h 19m

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