Origin
Ypsilanti, MI
Late night in Ypsilanti on Wednesday
Local time
12:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ypsilanti, MI to Southfield, MI
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
47m
Distance
35.1 mi
56 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 43m
★
6 AM
0h 47m
8 AM
0h 55m
10 AM
0h 50m
12 PM
0h 49m
3 PM
0h 50m
5 PM
0h 55m
8 PM
0h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ypsilanti, MI
fish socks
Southfield, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 35.1-mile drive from Ypsilanti to Southfield, Michigan, is a straightforward highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 47 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, you won't need to worry about overnight stays. The estimated fuel cost is around $5, making it an economical option for a quick transit. Primarily utilizing I-96, I-275, and the Southfield Freeway, this route keeps you on the fast track through the Midwest region. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
17.5 miles from Ypsilanti, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 24m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-centric experience on this route, with 79% of the drive taking place on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 8.8 miles on I-96, offering a good period of consistent speed. You'll transition between I-96, I-275, and the Southfield Freeway, each providing a similar fast-paced driving environment. This isn't a route for scenic overlooks; it's built for covering ground efficiently, so be prepared for a steady flow of traffic common to major Michigan freeways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 8.8 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 16.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 35.1 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 16.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.2 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
16.7 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward I 96 East, M 14: Detroit, Ann Arbor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 29
Toward I 96 East, M 14: Detroit, Ann Arbor
7
16.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 96 East: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
7
26.2 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Local) toward I 96 Local: To All Exits
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 96 Local: To All Exits
7
28.1 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward M 39: Southfield Freeway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 183
Toward M 39: Southfield Freeway
7
28.4 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward M 39 North: Southfield Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward M 39 North: Southfield Freeway
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ypsilanti, MI and Southfield, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Detroit and Ann Arbor.
M 14: Detroit
16.7 mi in
|
~22m
Ann Arbor
16.7 mi in
|
~22m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 8.8 mi | 9m |
| I 275 | 6.9 mi | 7m |
| Southfield Freeway | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| US 12 BUS | 5.1 mi | 7m |
| West Michigan Avenue | 4.5 mi | 7m |
| Jeffries Freeway (Local) | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Southfield Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| West 10 Mile Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 8.8 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ypsilanti, MI and Southfield, MI.
1
Start on US 12 BUS; M 17
427 ft
·
19 sec
·
West Michigan Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Continue on US 12 BUS; M 17
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
West Michigan Avenue
3
Take the ramp onto US 12 BUS
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
US 12 BUS
Toward US 12 EAST: Canton
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 275 North: Flint
5
Merge onto I 275
6.9 mi
·
7 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 29
Toward I 96 East, M 14: Detroit, Ann Arbor
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 96 East: Detroit
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 96
8.8 mi
·
9 min
·
I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 96
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Jeffries Freeway (Local)
Toward I 96 Local: To All Exits
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 183
Toward M 39: Southfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward M 39 North: Southfield Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto M 39
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Southfield Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Toward Southfield Road
14
Turn straight onto Southfield Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Southfield Road
15
Turn left onto West 10 Mile Road
192 ft
·
4 sec
·
West 10 Mile Road
Use the left lane.
16
Arrive at destination
West 10 Mile Road
Trip Plan
Given the short 47-minute duration of this 35.1-mile trip, you have ample flexibility with your departure time. You won't need to plan for extensive stops, but if you do require a break, look for services along I-96 or I-275. The $5 fuel cost suggests you likely won't need to refuel mid-trip, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Pay attention to exits for the Southfield Freeway as you approach your destination, as these can sometimes be busy.
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 17.5 miles from Ypsilanti, MI, or about 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.8 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 35.1 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 17.5 miles or 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Southfield, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ypsilanti, 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 Ypsilanti, MI
This is one driving day of about 35.1 miles and 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ypsilanti, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 8.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 17.5 mi from Ypsilanti, MI · 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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 35.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 17.5 miles from Ypsilanti, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Southfield, MI
The final approach into Southfield, 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 Southfield, 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
$5.49 one way
$10.97 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $6.03 | $12.05 |
| premium | $4.89 | $6.75 | $13.51 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.75 | $15.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.5 | 0 | $3.69 | $1.68 |
| Efficient EV | 8.8 | 0 | $3.07 | $1.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14 | 0 | $4.91 | $2.25 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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
Southfield, MI
Late night in Southfield on Wednesday
Local time
12:51 AM
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
1 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
47m 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 Ypsilanti, MI to Southfield, MI covers 35.1 miles and takes about 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, I 275, 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 17.5 miles from Ypsilanti, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.49 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 is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 35.1 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 16.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.2 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Ypsilanti, MI and Southfield, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Detroit and Ann Arbor.
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