Trip from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 49m

Distance

147 mi

237 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 39m ★

6 AM

2h 50m

8 AM

3h 12m

10 AM

2h 58m

12 PM

2h 55m

3 PM

2h 59m

5 PM

3h 11m

8 PM

2h 43m

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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Trip Overview

The drive from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI covers 147 miles and takes about 2h 49m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 75, Pine River Road, West M-61 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 138.5 miles on I 75. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.98 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

73.5 miles from Pine River, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 49m. Total distance: 147 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 49m highway drive covering 147 miles, with most of the trip on I 75 and Pine River Road. The longest continuous stretch is about 138.5 miles on I 75.

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

There are about 15 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 138.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Pine River Road. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 147 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 6.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 82.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.4 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

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

5

6.5 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the ramp toward I 75 South: Saginaw

Navigation decision point

Toward I 75 South: Saginaw

6

82.4 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

6

145.4 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

6

146.1 mi into trip | ~2h 47m in

Take the exit toward Jefferson Avenue East

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Jefferson Avenue East

6

146.4 mi into trip | ~2h 47m in | East Congress Street

Turn right onto East Congress Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	138.5 mi	2h 27m
Pine River Road	2.9 mi	11m
West M-61	2.4 mi	3m
East Cedar Street	1.2 mi	3m
Walter P. Chrysler Freeway	0.7 mi	1m
East Congress Street	0.5 mi	1m
Woodward Avenue	<0.1 mi	<1m
Arenac State Road	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 138.5 mi, about 2h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pine River, MI and Detroit, MI.

1

Start on Arenac State Road

169 ft · 5 sec · Arenac State Road

2

Turn right onto Pine River Road

2.9 mi · 11 min · Pine River Road

3

Continue on East Cedar Street

1.2 mi · 3 min · East Cedar Street

4

Continue on M 61

2.4 mi · 3 min · West M-61

5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward I 75 South: Saginaw

6

Merge onto I 75

65 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 75

Toward Saginaw

7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23

11 mi · 11 min · I 75; US 23

8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

63 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 375

0.7 mi · 1 min · Walter P. Chrysler Freeway

Use the straight / right lanes.

10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward Jefferson Avenue East Use the slight right lane.

11

Turn straight onto Chrysler Drive

133 ft · 8 sec · Chrysler Drive

12

Turn right onto East Congress Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Congress Street

Use the left lane.

13

Turn right onto Woodward Avenue

449 ft · 19 sec · Woodward Avenue

14

Turn right onto Cadillac Square

126 ft · 4 sec · Cadillac Square

15

Arrive at destination

Cadillac Square

Trip Plan

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 73.5 miles from Pine River, MI, or about 1h 28m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.5 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 32 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.5 miles or 1h 28m 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 19m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pine River, 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 Pine River, MI

This is one driving day of about 147 miles and 2h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Pine River, 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 138.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 73.5 mi from Pine River, MI · 1h 28m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Holly, MI

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.

Popular next leg

Holly, MI to Detroit, MI

53.5 mi · 1h 3m

Pacing Suggestions

Bay City, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flint, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.5 miles from Pine River, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.5 miles.

Arriving in Detroit, MI

The final approach into Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 147

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Immortelle

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Troy, Michigan

0.6 mi

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 147

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Immortelle

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 126

Troy, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12482509858

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+13132282880

Visit website

Stardust Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 42

Saginaw, Michigan

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19897936300

Visit website

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13133383515

Visit website

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18888669091

Visit website

Anna’s Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13133649143

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13138161440

Visit website

Alba

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13134624797

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 136.5

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12483077161

Visit website

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 84

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18104984909

Visit website

Detroit Rolling Pub

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–10:30 pm

+13137105156

Visit website

Beacon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668250

Visit website

Detroit Riverwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

Troy Historic Village

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 126

Troy, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12485243570

Visit website

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 147

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13133960217

Visit website

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 136.5

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 3–10 pm

+12482914305

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 136.5

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12488507182

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.98 one way

$45.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$25.23	$50.47
premium	$4.89	$28.29	$56.58
diesel	$5.61	$32.46	$64.91

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: 51.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	44.1	$15.43	$7.06
Efficient EV	36.8	$12.86	$5.88
EV Truck/SUV	58.8	$20.58	$9.41

Gas CO2

51 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Pine River, MI

Evening in Pine River on Friday

Local time

5:00 PM

EDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Detroit, MI

Evening in Detroit on Friday

Local time

5:00 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

8 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

2h 49m 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 Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI covers 147 miles and takes about 2h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 75, Pine River Road, West M-61. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 73.5 miles from Pine River, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.98 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 147 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 6.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 82.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.4 miles (I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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Trip from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Detroit, MI

Nearby Places

Detroit Princess Riverboat

Roasting Plant Coffee

Detroit Princess Riverboat

Cafe Immortelle

Cafe Sous Terre

Stardust Entertainment Center

Roasting Plant Coffee

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

Madcap Coffee Company

Anna’s Café

Haraz Coffee House

Alba

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

Detroit Rolling Pub

Beacon Park

Detroit Riverwalk

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Troy Historic Village

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

Painting with a Twist

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Pine River, MI

Detroit, MI

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 49m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Pine River, MI to Detroit, MI?

How this page is built

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