Trip from Troy, MI to Pontiac, MI

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

218.7 mi

352 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 41m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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

Downtown Troy, MI, MI

Troy, MI

Yaroslav Shuraev

Downtown Pontiac, MI, MI

Pontiac, MI

Ernest Westphal

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Troy to Pontiac, expect a 218.7-mile journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Your travel budget should account for roughly $32 in fuel costs for the round trip. Navigating through the Midwest, you will rely on local roads like West 13 Mile Road, Cleveland Drive West, and West Main Street rather than major expressways. It is a straightforward trip that favors local navigation over high-speed highway driving, making it a manageable trek for those who prefer staying off the interstate.

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

109.3 miles from Troy, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous highway cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. Because the path relies entirely on local corridors, there isn't a long, uninterrupted stretch to settle into; in fact, the longest stretch on West 13 Mile Road is 0 miles. You will be constantly navigating intersections and turns, which keeps the experience engaging but requires your full attention. The road's personality is defined by its local character, moving you through the region without the high-speed isolation of a typical interstate. Be prepared for a more active driving experience where the pace is dictated by local traffic patterns and frequent changes in direction.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West 13 Mile Road is one of the defining roads on this drive.

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.

Route Complexity 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 3h 31m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Troy, MI to Pontiac, MI is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
West 13 Mile Road Unavailable Refreshing
Cleveland Drive West Unavailable Refreshing
West Main Street Unavailable Refreshing
North Bingham Avenue Unavailable Refreshing
West 15 Mile Road Unavailable Refreshing
North Woodbridge Avenue Unavailable Refreshing
South M 37 Unavailable Refreshing
Michigan Avenue Unavailable Refreshing

Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.

Longest stretch: West 13 Mile Road — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Troy, MI and Pontiac, MI.

1

Start on North Dickinson Avenue

135 ft · 9 sec · North Dickinson Avenue
2

Turn left onto West 13 Mile Road

5.1 mi · 12 min · West 13 Mile Road
3

Continue on Cleveland Drive West

3.6 mi · 8 min · Cleveland Drive West
4

Continue on West Main Street

0.3 mi · 43 sec · West Main Street
5

Turn left onto North Bingham Avenue

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Bingham Avenue
6

Keep slight right

0.1 mi · 17 sec
7

Continue on West 15 Mile Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · West 15 Mile Road
8

Turn left onto North Woodbridge Avenue

3.0 mi · 4 min · North Woodbridge Avenue
9

Continue on South M 37

5.2 mi · 7 min · South M 37
10

Continue on Michigan Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Michigan Avenue
11

Continue on South M 37

0.3 mi · 40 sec · South M 37
12

Turn right onto East Washington

60 mi · 1 hr 18 min · East Washington
13

Take the exit slight left toward US 10 EAST: Midland, Bay City

46 mi · 46 min · US 10 EAST: Midland, Bay City
14

Take the exit slight right toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Saginaw

0.4 mi · 39 sec · I 75 South, US 23 South: Saginaw
15

Merge slight left

36 mi · 38 min
16

Keep slight left

11 mi · 11 min
17

Keep slight left

30 mi · 31 min
18

Take the exit slight right toward Baldwin Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Baldwin Road
19

Turn right onto Baldwin Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · Baldwin Road
20

Continue on Baldwin Avenue

2.8 mi · 6 min · Baldwin Avenue
21

Turn left onto Cesar E. Chavez Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
22

Continue on Oakland Avenue

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Oakland Avenue
23

Turn straight onto North Saginaw Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · North Saginaw Street
24

Turn left onto East Huron Street

377 ft · 13 sec · East Huron Street
25

Turn right onto North Perry Street

75 ft · 2 sec · North Perry Street
26

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a turn-heavy route, planning your departure during off-peak hours is the best way to avoid frustration at local intersections. You should budget for one strategic stop to stretch your legs, as the constant turning can be more taxing than a straight highway drive. Keep your navigation tools handy, as the lack of highway signage means you will be relying on road names like Cleveland Drive West and West Main Street to find your way. A smart tip for this specific trip is to check your tire pressure and fuel levels before leaving Troy, as the local nature of the roads makes it harder to find quick service compared to a major interstate route. Since the drive is short enough for one day, use your flexibility to leave early and maximize your time at the destination.

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 109.3 miles from Troy, MI, or about 1h 45m into the drive.

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 17m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 109.3 miles or 1h 45m 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 53m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Troy, 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 Troy, MI

This is one driving day of about 218.7 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Troy, 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.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 109.3 mi from Troy, MI · 1h 45m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Skidway Lake, MI

109 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.

Skidway Lake, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.3 miles from Troy, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Pontiac, MI

The final approach into Pontiac, 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 Pontiac, 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

$33.22 one way

$66.44 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 77 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $36.62 $73.24
premium $4.80 $41.29 $82.57
diesel $5.64 $48.59 $97.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 76.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.6 0 $22.96 $10.50
Efficient EV 54.7 0 $19.14 $8.75
EV Truck/SUV 87.5 1 $30.62 $14.00

Gas CO2

77 kg

EV CO2

26 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 3 days ago

Origin

Troy, MI

Evening in Troy on Sunday

Local time

5:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pontiac, MI

Evening in Pontiac on Sunday

Local time

5:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

3 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 31m 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 Troy, MI to Pontiac, MI covers 218.7 miles and takes about 3h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West 13 Mile Road, Cleveland Drive West, West Main Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 109.3 miles from Troy, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.22 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 31m drive. You will face about 0 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Troy, MI to Pontiac, MI is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Troy, MI to Pontiac, MI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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