Origin
Union, MI
Late night in Union on Friday
Local time
5:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Union, MI to Flint, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 12m
Distance
172.7 mi
278 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 36m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Union, MI
Sebastián Casimiro
Trip Overview
This 172.7-mile journey from Union, MI, to Flint, MI, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 12 minutes. Focusing primarily on I-69, I-94, and US-131, this route is almost entirely highway driving, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, it's an economical choice for exploring the Midwest. You'll spend the majority of your time on major interstates, so expect a consistent pace. This trip is best suited for those who prioritize reaching their destination efficiently.
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
86.3 miles from Union, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 172.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 89% of this 172.7-mile drive. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the interstate, with the longest uninterrupted stretch being 96.4 miles on I-69. This means you'll likely encounter consistent speeds and a smooth ride for most of the journey. While the route is primarily interstate, the transition between I-69, I-94, and US-131 offers minor shifts in scenery and traffic patterns as you move through Michigan's landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 69 is the longest continuous segment at about 96.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.3 miles in near US 12 / West Chicago Road.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 172.7 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 6.3 miles (US 12 / West Chicago Road): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 73.8 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
6.3 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
US 12 / West Chicago Road
At end of road, turn left onto US 12 / West Chicago Road
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
73.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
I 94 BL
Take the exit onto I 94 BL toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing
5
74.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 69 North: Lansing
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 69 North: Lansing
8
115.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
|
I 69
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 East: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 91
Toward I 69 East: Flint
7
171.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m 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
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 Union, MI to Flint, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Lansing along the way.
Lansing
73.8 mi in
|
~1h 25m
|
via I 94 BL
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69 | 96.4 mi | 1h 40m |
| I 94 | 33.6 mi | 36m |
| US-131 | 16.6 mi | 18m |
| South Grand Street | 8.8 mi | 9m |
| US-12 | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| Riverside Drive | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Constantine Bypass | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| West Chicago Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 96.4 mi, about 1h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union, MI and Flint, MI.
1
Start on US 12
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
US-12
2
Continue on US 12
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Chicago Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 12
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
West Chicago Road
4
Turn left onto Riverside Drive
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Riverside Drive
5
Turn left onto US 131
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Constantine Bypass
6
Continue on US 131
17 mi
·
18 min
·
US-131
7
Continue on US 131
8.8 mi
·
9 min
·
South Grand Street
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
9
Merge onto I 94
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 94
10
Take the exit onto I 94 BL
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
I 94 BL
Toward I 69: Fort Wayne, Lansing
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 69 North: Lansing
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 69 North
14
Merge onto I 69
40 mi
·
42 min
·
I 69
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
57 mi
·
58 min
·
I 69
Exit 91
Toward I 69 East: Flint
Use the slight right lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Saginaw Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto South Grand Traverse Street
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
South Grand Traverse Street
18
Turn right onto M 21
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
West Fifth Street
19
Turn left onto Harrison Street
382 ft
·
20 sec
·
Harrison Street
20
Turn left onto M 21
235 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Court Street
21
Turn left
68 ft
·
6 sec
22
Turn right
93 ft
·
6 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given its 3-hour duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and minimize potential rush hour traffic, especially as you approach Flint. You'll encounter one primary road change as you navigate between I-69, I-94, and US-131, so keep an eye on your navigation. With a longest stretch of 96.4 miles on I-69, plan for a fuel stop before you begin this segment if your tank is low. The $27 fuel estimate suggests you won't need frequent stops, but it's always wise to be prepared.
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 86.3 miles from Union, MI, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.4 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 38 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.3 miles or 1h 40m 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 38m
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 Union, 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 Union, MI
This is one driving day of about 172.7 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Union, 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 69 for about 96.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.3 mi from Union, MI · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.3 miles from Union, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96.4 miles.
Arriving in Flint, MI
The final approach into Flint, 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 Flint, 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
$27.00 one way
$54.00 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.64 | $59.29 |
| premium | $4.89 | $33.23 | $66.47 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.13 | $76.26 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.8 | 0 | $18.13 | $8.29 |
| Efficient EV | 43.2 | 0 | $15.11 | $6.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.1 | 0 | $24.18 | $11.05 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Flint, MI
Late night in Flint on Friday
Local time
5:25 AM
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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 12m 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 Union, MI to Flint, MI covers 172.7 miles and takes about 3h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 69, I 94, US-131. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.3 miles from Union, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.00 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 demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 172.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.3 miles (US 12 / West Chicago Road): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 73.8 miles (I 94 BL): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
On the drive from Union, MI to Flint, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Lansing along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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