Origin
Waverly, MI
Afternoon in Waverly on Friday
Local time
4:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Waverly, MI to Dearborn, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 52m
Distance
92.2 mi
148 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 45m
★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 59m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waverly, MI
Tim Mossholder
Dearborn, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on this 92.2-mile journey from Waverly, MI to Dearborn, MI will take approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, with 89% of the route utilizing major interstates. Given its duration and distance, this trip is perfectly suited as a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stops. You can expect a fuel cost of around $14 for this trip. Both your starting and ending points are within the Midwest region, making for a familiar driving landscape.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
46.1 miles from Waverly, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 52m. Total distance: 92.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, designed for efficient travel. You'll spend the majority of your time on I-96, Walter P Reuther Freeway, and Southfield Freeway, which constitute 89% of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 56.1 miles on I-96, offering a consistent pace. Expect a smooth, high-speed experience for most of the drive, with minimal deviations onto local roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 56.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Walter P Reuther Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.2 miles in near I 496.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 92.2 miles you will encounter 14 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 10.2 miles (I 496): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
10.2 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 496
Take the exit onto I 496 toward I 96 East: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 73A
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
5
11 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
I 96
Merge onto I 96
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
80.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward M 39
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 14C
Toward M 39
7
89 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward M 153
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 7
Toward M 153
6
91.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
|
Schaefer Road
Turn right onto Schaefer Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Waverly, MI and Dearborn, MI, road signs point toward M 5 East: Port Huron and M 39.
M 5 East: Port Huron
67.1 mi in
|
~1h 19m
|
via I 696
M 39
80.2 mi in
|
~1h 33m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 56.1 mi | 1h |
| Walter P Reuther Freeway | 8.9 mi | 10m |
| Southfield Freeway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| West Saginaw Street | 4.7 mi | 9m |
| John C Lodge Freeway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| US 127 | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| Ford Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| West Saginaw Highway | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 56.1 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waverly, MI and Dearborn, MI.
1
Start on Dornet Drive
354 ft
·
17 sec
·
Dornet Drive
2
Turn right onto Elmwood Drive
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Elmwood Drive
3
Turn right onto I 69 BL; M 43
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Saginaw Highway
4
Continue on I 69 BL; M 43
4.7 mi
·
9 min
·
West Saginaw Street
5
Turn right onto North Howard Avenue
279 ft
·
7 sec
·
North Howard Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward US 127 South
7
Merge onto US 127
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
US 127
8
Take the exit onto I 496
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 496
Exit 73A
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 96
56 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on I 696
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Toward I 696 East, M 5 East: Port Huron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto M 10
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
John C Lodge Freeway
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 14C
Toward M 39
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto M 39
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Southfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 7
Toward M 153
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on South M 39 Service Drive
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
South M 39 Service Drive
16
Turn slight right
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Ford Road
17
Turn straight onto M 153
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Ford Road
18
Turn right onto Schaefer Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Schaefer Road
Use the right lane.
19
Turn right onto US 12
79 ft
·
1 sec
·
Michigan Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
US 12
Trip Plan
This drive is well within the scope of a single day, so you have the flexibility to leave at your convenience. Aim to depart either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially as you approach the Detroit metropolitan area. With only 92.2 miles to cover, you won't need to worry about extensive stopovers, though rest stops are readily available along the interstates. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $14, and plan for a quick fuel stop if needed, perhaps before you begin the 56.1-mile stretch on I-96.
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 46.1 miles from Waverly, MI, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.1 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 20 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.1 miles or 56m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dearborn, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waverly, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Waverly, MI
This is one driving day of about 92.2 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Waverly, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 56.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 46.1 mi from Waverly, MI · 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
46 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 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 46.1 miles from Waverly, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Dearborn, MI
The final approach into Dearborn, MI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.41 one way
$28.83 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $15.83 | $31.65 |
| premium | $4.89 | $17.74 | $35.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.36 | $40.71 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.7 | 0 | $9.68 | $4.43 |
| Efficient EV | 23.1 | 0 | $8.07 | $3.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.91 | $5.90 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Dearborn, MI
Afternoon in Dearborn on Friday
Local time
4:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 to 14 mph
76% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:43AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:43AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
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
27 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
1h 52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Waverly, MI to Dearborn, MI covers 92.2 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, Walter P Reuther Freeway, Southfield Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 46.1 miles from Waverly, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.41 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 92.2 miles you will encounter 14 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 10.2 miles (I 496): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Waverly, MI and Dearborn, MI, road signs point toward M 5 East: Port Huron and M 39.
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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