Origin
Waverly, MI
Afternoon in Waverly on Friday
Local time
2:03 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Waverly, MI to Livonia, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 36m
Distance
80.3 mi
129 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 29m
★
6 AM
1h 36m
8 AM
1h 51m
10 AM
1h 41m
12 PM
1h 40m
3 PM
1h 42m
5 PM
1h 50m
8 PM
1h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waverly, MI
Tim Mossholder
Livonia, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 80.3-mile drive from Waverly, MI to Livonia, MI is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 36 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, with no need for an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost is around $13, making it an economical journey. This route is primarily highway-focused, taking you through the heart of Michigan's Midwest region. You'll find it a practical and efficient way to travel between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.1 miles from Waverly, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 50m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 36m. Total distance: 80.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience on this 80.3-mile journey, with 88% of the drive taking place on major interstates. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I-96, including a continuous stretch of 56.1 miles. The route utilizes I-96, I-275, and a brief segment of West Saginaw Street. This profile suggests a drive characterized by consistent speeds and efficient travel, rather than winding country roads or bustling city streets.
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 I 275. 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
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 67.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 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.
8
67.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m 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
6
74.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 96 East: Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7
78.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Waverly, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo and Detroit.
M 5 North: Detroit
67.1 mi in
|
~1h 19m
Toledo
67.1 mi in
|
~1h 19m
Detroit
75.5 mi in
|
~1h 29m
|
via I 96
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 56.1 mi | 1h |
| I 275 | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| West Saginaw Street | 4.7 mi | 9m |
| US 127 | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| Jeffries Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| West Saginaw Highway | 1 mi | 1m |
| Merriman Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| I 496 | 0.9 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 Livonia, 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
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.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
29 sec
12
Continue on I 275; I 96
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
I 275; I 96
13
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 96
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Jeffries Freeway
Toward I 96 East: Livonia, Detroit
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 175
Toward Merriman Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto Schoolcraft Road
477 ft
·
14 sec
·
Schoolcraft Road
17
Turn right onto Merriman Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Merriman Road
18
Turn right
98 ft
·
9 sec
19
Turn right
31 ft
·
2 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, you have a lot of flexibility with this 80.3-mile trip. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic in the Detroit metropolitan area. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, you won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 56.1 miles on I-96, so plan for a brief break before or after this segment if needed. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transition from I-96 to I-275 as you approach Livonia.
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 40.1 miles from Waverly, MI, or about 50m 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 18 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.1 miles or 50m 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 20m
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 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 80.3 miles and 1h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 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 40.1 mi from Waverly, MI · 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
40 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 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 40.1 miles from Waverly, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.55 one way
$25.11 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
28 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $13.78 | $27.57 |
| premium | $4.89 | $15.45 | $30.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.73 | $35.46 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 24.1 | 0 | $8.43 | $3.85 |
| Efficient EV | 20.1 | 0 | $7.03 | $3.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 32.1 | 0 | $11.24 | $5.14 |
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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
Livonia, MI
Afternoon in Livonia on Friday
Local time
2:03 PM
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
1 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
1h 36m 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 Waverly, MI to Livonia, MI covers 80.3 miles and takes about 1h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, I 275, West Saginaw Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 40.1 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 $12.55 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 80.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 67.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Waverly, MI and Livonia, MI, road signs point toward M 5 North: Detroit, Toledo and Detroit.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Livonia, MI
More from Waverly, MI
More trips to Livonia, MI
Explore more options from Waverly, MI or browse trips ending in Livonia, MI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MI road trips.