Trip from Ludington, MI to Livonia, MI

Drive Time

4h 20m

Distance

238.1 mi

383 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 7m ★

6 AM

4h 20m

8 AM

4h 47m

10 AM

4h 30m

12 PM

4h 27m

3 PM

4h 31m

5 PM

4h 45m

8 PM

4h 12m

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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Livonia, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ludington to Livonia covers 238.1 miles across the Michigan Midwest, making for a straightforward trek that typically takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Because the route is highly efficient, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stop. Budgeting approximately $36 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. Since 97% of your travel occurs on highways, this path prioritizes speed and directness over secondary roads. It is a practical choice if you need to move between these two regions reliably and efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

119.1 miles from Ludington, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .

Drive Character

This journey is defined by its heavy reliance on major thoroughfares, consisting of a 97% highway-focused experience. You will spend the vast majority of your time on US 31, I-96, and I-275 as you transition from the coast toward the Detroit metro area. Expect a consistent pace, particularly during the 163.2-mile stretch on I-96, which serves as the backbone of your trip. While the route lacks the technical challenges of winding local roads, the sheer length of the interstate segments requires steady focus. It is a functional, high-speed drive designed for those who value reaching their destination with minimal deviation.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 22 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 163.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and US 31. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 61.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 238.1 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: at 61.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.1 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 225 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

61.5 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in

Take the exit toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 110A Toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing

158.1 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 East: Detroit

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 96 East: Detroit

225 mi into trip | ~4h 3m 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

233.4 mi into trip | ~4h 13m in | I 96 / Jeffries Freeway

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

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit

236.7 mi into trip | ~4h 17m 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 Along This Route

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

Lansing

61.5 mi in | ~1h 7m

M 5 North: Detroit

225 mi in | ~4h 3m

Toledo

225 mi in | ~4h 3m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 96	163.2 mi	2h 54m
US 31	56.3 mi	57m
I 275	6.1 mi	6m
Jeffries Freeway	3.3 mi	3m
South Pere Marquette Highway	2.9 mi	4m
Merriman Road	1 mi	1m
West Ludington Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
West US Highway 10	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 96 — 163.2 mi, about 2h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

70 ft · 6 sec · this road

Turn right onto M 116

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Ludington Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 10

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Ludington Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 10

0.6 mi · 1 min · West US Highway 10

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto US-31 BUS

2.9 mi · 4 min · South Pere Marquette Highway

Take the ramp onto US-31 BUS

0.4 mi · 45 sec · US-31 BUS

Toward US 31 South: Muskegon

Merge onto US 31

50 mi · 51 min · US 31

Keep slight left at fork onto US 31

6.3 mi · 6 min · US 31

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec

Exit 110A Toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing Use the straight / right lanes.

Merge onto I 96

96 mi · 1 hr 43 min · I 96

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

67 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 96

Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the none lane.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 29 sec

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 275; I 96

6.1 mi · 6 min · I 275; I 96

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Toward I 96 East: Detroit Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 96

3.3 mi · 3 min · Jeffries Freeway

Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

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

Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road

477 ft · 14 sec · Schoolcraft Road

Turn right onto Merriman Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Merriman Road

Use the none lane.

Turn right

98 ft · 9 sec

Turn right

31 ft · 2 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To keep your 4-hour and 20-minute drive manageable, plan for at least one strategic stop to break up the long interstate segments. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential congestion as you approach the more populated regions near Livonia. Given that I-96 accounts for the longest portion of your trip, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the highway to keep your costs near the estimated $36. Since you only need one stop to maintain your energy, use it to stretch during the transition between the rural stretches and the busier I-275 corridor. Flexibility is your main advantage here, so monitor traffic reports before departure to adjust your timing if necessary.

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 119.1 miles from Ludington, MI, or about 2h 9m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 163.2 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 80 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 119.1 miles or 2h 9m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 31m

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 Ludington, 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 Ludington, MI

This is one driving day of about 238.1 miles and 4h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ludington, 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 96 for about 163.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 119.1 mi from Ludington, MI · 2h 9m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Evanston, IL

119 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

Evanston, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Evanston, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.1 miles from Ludington, 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 163.2 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.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.16 one way

$72.33 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$39.87	$79.74
premium	$4.80	$44.95	$89.90
diesel	$5.64	$52.90	$105.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	71.4	0	$25.00	$11.43
Efficient EV	59.5	0	$20.83	$9.52
EV Truck/SUV	95.2	1	$33.33	$15.24

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 2 days ago

Origin

Ludington, MI

Evening in Ludington on Sunday

Local time

8:34 PM

EDT

Current temp

Unavailable

Destination

Livonia, MI

Evening in Livonia on Sunday

Local time

8:34 PM

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.

Road read

4h 20m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Ludington, MI to Livonia, MI covers 238.1 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 96, US 31, I 275. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 119.1 miles from Ludington, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.16 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

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

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Trip from Ludington, MI to Livonia, MI

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Livonia, MI

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Ludington, MI

Livonia, MI

Same local time

4h 20m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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