How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Chelsea, MI?
The driving distance from Ann Arbor, MI to Chelsea, MI is about 16 miles (25.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.6 miles (23.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 24m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ann Arbor and Chelsea.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor and Chelsea.
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1
Start on South State Street
1325 ft · 43 sec · South State Street
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2
Turn left onto East Huron Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Huron Street
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3
Continue on Jackson Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · Jackson Avenue
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 94 West: Jackson
1335 ft · 33 sec
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5
Merge slight left
9.7 mi · 10 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Jackson Road, Old US-12
1704 ft · 59 sec
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7
Turn right onto East Old US Highway 12
2.4 mi · 4 min · East Old US Highway 12
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8
Turn right onto South Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · South Main Street
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9
Turn left
52 m · 13 sec
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10
Keep slight left
7 m · 2 sec
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11
Turn right
31 m · 8 sec
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12
Turn slight left
44 m · 11 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ann Arbor and Chelsea.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 94 West
Merge slight left
9.66 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Ann Arbor and Sunny near Chelsea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ann Arbor to Chelsea?
The road trip is about 16 miles (25.7 km) and usually takes 00h 24m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dexter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8 miles from Ann Arbor and 8 miles from Chelsea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.6 miles (23.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.15 one way or $4.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ann Arbor and Sunny near Chelsea.
Stop Ideas Near Dexter
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Dexter.
Ann Arbor station
Jackson station
Greenfield Village, Michigan
John D. Dingell Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ann Arbor and Chelsea. Straight-line distance: 14.63 mi (23.54 km).
#1 Ann Arbor
The most populous city in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Population | 119,280 |
| Coordinates | 42.2775600, -83.7408800 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chelsea
City in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 5,377 |
| Coordinates | 42.3180700, -84.0218100 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chelsea (-84.02181, 42.31807)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.15 | $4.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.42 | $4.85 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.65 | $5.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.02 | $6.05 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Michigan · Apr 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.